What is the problem with travertine tile?

Author: Geo Kerluke  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 2, 2026

# 1: One con to travertine tile is that it is very porous and has a lot of holes. These holes can show some signs of wear and tear after a while.

What are the negatives of travertine?

Cons of Travertine

Travertine Limestones are porous, which makes them vulnerable to stains and scratches. On exposure to acids, they react and get damaged.

Is travertine out of style in 2024?

Textured Finishes

Textured Travertine finishes are a hot trend in interior design in 2024.

What happens if travertine gets wet?

Yes, water can damage travertine due to its porous nature. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause staining, mould growth, and surface erosion. Proper sealing prevents water absorption, protecting the stone's durability and appearance.

Is travertine considered high end?

Travertine Pavers with few holes is considered to be premium grade quality (or A Grade) while more porous stone containing more holes is considered to be commercial quality. Pricing differences apply based on this principle, while considering a few other factors in as well.

Travertine Tiles Pros and Cons

Does travertine increase home value?

Travertine can also enhance property value, especially when used in prominent areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

How to tell if travertine is good quality?

Grade and Quality

Be it online or from physical suppliers they are the same. These will be premium (or first grade), standard (or second grade), and commercial (or third grade). Premium Grade: This is the type of travertine with the highest quality. It has minimal filler and consistent color and veining.

How often should travertine be sealed?

You must seal your Travertine tiles right when you install them. After that, it is best to reseal them every one to three years. Resealing also depends on the foot traffic and frequency of cleaning the tiles. If they start to look dull or you notice any stains, it might be time to bring out the sealant again.

Is travertine worth the money?

Durability and Longevity: Highly durable, travertine withstands heavy foot traffic and weather conditions. With proper care, it can last for decades. This longevity makes it a valuable investment for your home. Heat Resistance: Travertine's excellent heat resistance makes it ideal for outdoor areas.

Does mold grow on travertine?

Travertine is a porous natural stone. While this contributes to its intricate appearance and unique aesthetic it also means that it can easily absorb moisture. The more moisture that is absorbed, the more susceptible the pavers are to mould growth.

What color tile never goes out of style?

Neutral shades, like black, white, beige, tan, and gray. Classic patterns and designs, like black and white checkerboard and herringbone. Natural stone or porcelain and ceramic lookalikes.

What tile looks good with travertine?

Pair travertine and metro tiles

We love the fusion of natural stone and classic ceramic tiles in this beautiful bathroom. Metro tiles are always a classic choice and, if you want to save some money by using less stone, are a brilliant way to complete your bathroom on a budget.

Is travertine making a comeback?

Travertine is also making a comeback in the form of furniture. Here are two examples of travertine tables.

What is the problem with travertine tiles?

Travertine is a porous natural stone which means that it has many holes throughout its surface. These natural occurring holes and gaps expose the stone to air and moisture which, over time, can cause the holes to tear. Travertine tiles are also reactive to acidic substances which makes cleaning tricky.

What should you not use on travertine?

Don't: Use Abrasive Pads

After proper sealing, cleaning should be accomplished with nothing more than a soft (preferably microfiber) towels or clean rag, along with a stone-safe cleaner like MARBLELIFE® Marble & Travertine Cleaner. Abrasive materials will scratch this soft surface over time dulling the surface.

What damages travertine?

Travertine can suffer permanent damage from Acid and harsh chemicals because it is a type of Limestone, formed from calcium. Travertine can be matt, honed or polished. Travertine can be sealed with Impregnating sealers, Topical sealers and Waxed.

What is the disadvantage of travertine?

Travertine tiles versatility makes it a very popular choice for homeowners. # 4: The fourth pro is the ease in which travertine tiles are cut and shaped. This allows homeowners to fill small and oddly shaped spaces. # 1: One con to travertine tile is that it is very porous and has a lot of holes.

Is travertine high end?

If you're looking for something shiny and luxurious, polished travertine is the way to go. This finish gives the stone a high-end, glossy appearance, making it ideal for creating a sophisticated look in areas like foyers and hallways.

What is better, pavers or travertine?

10 REASONS TO SELECT TRAVERTINE VS CONCRETE PAVERS

#1 REAL natural stone travertine pavers are less expensive than faux-stone concrete look-alikes…. and have a much better look and enduring life span. #2 ASTM* Tested – twice the strength of concrete. #3 Stays Cool Underfoot unlike man-made products or slate.

What happens to travertine if not sealed?

The only reason you need sealing is because the stone has pores on the surface rather you can say the stone is porous in nature and would absorb not only water but moisture and any other liquid if spilled on the surface. This can cause stains and etching marks which would damage the natural beauty of the stone.

What is the best cleaner for travertine?

If you are cleaning a travertine tiled floor the most effective cleaning solution is Floorseal Stone Floor Cleaner. Floorseal Stone Floor Cleaner is a deep cleaning solution, suitable for removing built-up grime, dirt & oil marks. If your tiles are dirty & dull this product is perfect for deep cleaning your floor.

Will travertine crack in cold weather?

Since Travertine is an extremely porous stone, it needs room to expand and contract with the freeze/ thaw cycles. If Travertine is mud-set (mortared) in freeze/ thaw climates, you run the risk of the Travertine becoming restricted and cracking. This is why sand-setting is always recommended.

Is travertine still in style in 2024?

Yes, travertine tile will remain in style in 2024, continuing its enduring popularity in interior design. Its timeless appeal, characterized by natural variations and warm hues, aligns with the ongoing preference for classic yet versatile materials.

What is the most popular travertine color?

Beige. Beige travertine is one of the most popular shades of this stone, as it can complement a wide range of styles and colours. One of the most common uses for beige travertine is flooring. Its smooth surface makes it ideal for high-traffic areas, and its light colour helps to brighten up a space.

Should travertine be shiny?

The type of finish given determines how glossy or textured the surface will be. Polished and honed surfaces are smooth and strikingly shiny. The most common finish for travertine in home environments is honed: a flat, smooth feel with a matte finish that mutes reflected light.

Previous article
Which is the correct order for washing a resident's body?
Next article
How long does loft insulation last?