Travertine Kitchen Countertops a Natural Stone Known for BeautyA natural material, travertine is a kind of marble that you can get in color variations ranging from gray to coral red and beiges to tans. Because of its pitted surface, it is often filled and sealed so that the porous surface does not absorb food spills and get stained. Although travertine countertops are not as hard as some other stone materials like granite, it is still sturdy enough as a kitchen countertop. Regular maintenance, however, becomes necessary. Travertine belongs to the calcite-type marble family and can be reactive to acidic material because of its chemical make-up. Travertine is formed when hot spring water percolates up through the limestone under the earth and evaporates. The result is travertine, formed of layers of limestone plus other minerals. With the variety available in shapes and sizes, travertine is a great material that can be bought as tiles or slabs. The size of the tile varies from the generous 36-inch tile to tiny mosaic type tiles. The porosity of travertine comes from the gas bubbles locked in it, and when the gas escapes, these holes are filled with crystals. What you get is a smooth stone that looks beautiful. You also get travertine limestone and travertine marble, based on their appearance. When you order travertine for your kitchen countertop, you can opt to have them filled or unfilled. The harder type of travertine can be polished to a glossy finish. The less hard travertine has a ‘honed’ finish, which is similar to a matte finish. Another finish is ‘tumbled’ which makes the surface looked weathered. Pros & Cons of Travertine Kitchen Countertops Travertine kitchen counter tops look beautiful because of the range of colors available, giving the homeowner plenty of choice. Travertine can be filled and sealed to prevent staining and scratching. Though not scratch resistant, buffing can conceal the scratches. Travertine is susceptible to acids and needs regular maintenance. Associated Cost You can expect to invest between $5.00 and $15.00 per square foot for the material. The installation of a travertine tile countertop will cost you about the same or less than medium grade laminate. Today, travertine counter tops are used in a variety of building applications, both commercial and residential because of its aesthetic looks, the choice in color and its affordable price. Even though travertine has its drawbacks, it is highly popular among kitchen designers for its versatility. Travertine Kitchen Countertops to Kitchen Countertop Materials
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