Travertine Countertops St. Louis

Travertine is a form of limestone with unique veining that give the stone its beauty. Travertine is found in a wide variety of natural colors and can be processed with four different finishes. Travertine is an option that is suitable for a number of uses and in a variety of environments.

How Travertine is Made

Travertine is a natural stone that is mined from the earth in quarries around the world. Unique geological conditions found in each country will determine the final look of the stone. Once the travertine has been removed from the ground it is sent to a manufacturer where it is processed into smaller slabs, polished, and packaged for shipping.

Types and Grades of Travertine

As with all stone, there are essentially three grades; premium, standard, and commercial. The best grade provides an almost flawless stone with few pores that have been filled. The next grade contains more pores and a bit more color variation. The lowest grade will have visible flaws as well as more, and larger, pores that may not all be filled in completely. In addition to the three different grades there are also two cuts of travertine. They are “vein cut” and the “cross cut”.

Colors Finishes and More

There are four finishes commonly applied to travertine slabs; polished, honed, brushed, and tumbled. Your slabs could have a glossy appearance or a more rugged texture depending on how they are processed.  

Cleaning and Maintenance of Travertine Tile

Travertine stone is not as hard or dense as granite. Like many stone products, travertine can be etched from acidic liquids, such as juice and harsh cleaners. For this reason, it is important to use coasters and trivets on counter tops and tables. Spills should be cleaned up immediately. Regular cleaning with mild soap and hot water will keep surfaces looking their best.  While sealing helps guard against etching and staining, it is always best to be precautious with spills and harsh chemicals.