Why is travertine so popular? Characteristics and benefits

Travertine is a natural stone like marble, granite, quartzite, slate, etc. The key difference between travertine and other natural stones lies in the formation of the rock, the hardness and the appearance. Travertine is a sedimentary rock formed in hot springs and limestone caves. As a result of its origins, one of the main characteristics of travertine is the numerous tiny holes within the stone, being the majority of them undetectable to the eye.

Travertine used to be one of the most common building stones in Ancient Greek and Rome. In fact, we can find nowadays numerous construction projects from the ancient Roman times; such as buildings, temples, aqueducts, baths, stairs, and even the Roman Colosseum, that were made out of travertine. 

Because of its origins, travertine can be found in a wide range of different colours and patterns. At RLautier, a vast diversity of travertine colours and finishes is offered, so you will surely find the right option for you. Some of the travertines we have are Travertino Bianco Venato (Toscano), Travertino Giallo (Yellow), Travertino Navona, Travertino Noce, Travertino Romano (or Classic Travertine) and Turkish Travertine.

Travertine can have the following finishes: honed, polished, brushed and tumbled. This choice is usually based on several factors such as the look you are going for, the installation place and the frequency of use the stone is expected to experience. 

The most common travertine uses include floors, walls, facades cladding, stairs, bathrooms, showers, countertops, backsplashes, sink basins and fireplaces. It is also a great choice to use around pools, because unpolished travertine doesn’t become slippery when wet, providing a high level of safety. This makes it also great for being installed in bathrooms, showers and floor. 

Some of the main reasons why we recommend travertine are its versatility, durability, beauty and environmental sustainability. Additionally, travertine is easy to clean, ensuring that it will continue to look great for years to come. 

It is also the most suitable material for damp or humid environments since it is naturally porous and breathable.

Travertine comes in many prices but generally, we are talking about an affordable and very durable natural stone, therefore proving to be a great investment as a high-quality product that lasts a truly long time.