Frequently Asked Questions about Travertine Tile in Carlsbad, PART 2 “This two-part article addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about travertine tile: a beautiful, natural limestone tile used for flooring and walling in homes, offices and commercial spaces.”
Welcome back to our two-part article series on travertine tile in Carlsbad. Let’s get back to answering your questions! FAQ: Are there any particular places travertine tile cannot be installed? Answer: Travertine tile has a great many number of applications; however, it is extremely porous, so if you plan to install it in a kitchen, bathroom or in another high traffic area, it will need to be sealed. Make sure you understand your installer’s instructions for maintenance and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. FAQ: Why might one opt for travertine over ceramic tiling? Answer: Ceramic tile is man-made and so comes in consistent and uniform colors and patterns unless otherwise noted. Travertine is a natural stone and so the patterns and textures it is available in are completely unique. No two tiles are identical and this creates a natural organic look or character that simply cannot be duplicated by ceramic tiling. Travertine tile is also more durable and resistant to chipping and cracking, although is it not invulnerable to the elements. Overall, travertine is a far more opulent and elegant choice in tiling than ceramics. FAQ: How do you keep travertine flooring clean? Answer: Taking a few easy precautions, travertine flooring is easy to look after and maintain. Place doormats at the various entrances to your home to prevent people from tracking dirt, sand and other abrasive materials in. Throw rugs and runners are also advisable in areas of the home that receive a fair amount of foot traffic. These measures will help to prevent your tiling from becoming scratched and worn. Frequent sweeping and mopping will remove dust, dirt and other grime from
sullying your flooring’s finish. Vacuuming can scratch travertine, so opt instead for sweeping. If you spill anything on your flooring, mop it up immediately using a neutral cleaner recommended by your flooring provider. Never use acidic cleaning solutions. FAQ: What are the long-term maintenance needs of travertine tile? Answer: Travertine tile requires periodic resealing. This will prevent water and other liquids from penetrating the pores of the tile, causing staining. If a tile is accidentally damaged, it can be reground, polished and resealed. However, this can only be done a set number of times before the tile will need to be replaced entirely. Minor damage, such as small cracks and chips, can be filled in using a grout that is matched to the travertine tile’s color. FAQ: Can I install travertine myself? Answer: Travertine tile is very heavy and requires specialized equipment and skill to cut and install. Unless you have experience in working with natural stone tile and have tools such as a wet saw lying around, it is highly recommended that you opt for a professional installation. This will minimize breakage – and therefore the expense to you - and ensure the best aesthetic finish. Once a travertine floor has been installed, however, it should last you many, many decades with little to no need for professional restoration and repair. A Final Note on Travertine Tile Travertine is an excellent choice in flooring. It’s aesthetic appeal is unmatched by ceramic tile and it creates an elegant and sophisticated air in any room in the home. With proper care and maintenance, travertine tile in Carlsbad can last many decades and even centuries!
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