Sunday 29 November 2009

FINISHES of TRAVERTINE

There are many finishes and options available for travertine stone. Here are the most widely used:

According to their surface;
Filled
- Travertine can be used as all of its holes become filled in with grout or polyester.
Unfilled - Also, it can be used as unfilled without any filling for more natural look.
Polished – Travertine can be polished after filled. A polished travertine floor tile is going to be the most shiny and smooth. The polished and filled finish is suitable for indoors, it might be a little slippery if used outside near a pool.
Honed (Half Polished) – It can be applied to a filled or unfilled tiles surface. A honed surface is going to have a matte look, but it also has a smooth surface.
Tumbled – It can be applied to an unfilled tiles surface. A tumbled travertine floor tile is going to be a highly textured surface with the least amount of shine. The floor tile has rounded edges and a surface that has an aged or ancient look. Tumbled travertine is the most appropriate flooring material for outdoors, especially pool decks and patios.
Brushed – It can be applied to an unfilled tiles surface as in tumbled. Acid washed and wire brushed for a smooth textured surface. Mostly, its used as flooring tile for outdoors.

According to their edges;
Chiseled/Chipped Edged
- All the edges are broken slightly for a more rustic look. It can be applied to a filled or unfilled tile. Chiseled travertine is the most appropriate material for driveways. It is stylish when installed.
Straight Edge - The edges are cut perfectly straight and square. Generally prefered kind with filled and honed surface finish. And mostly used indoors.
Beveled Edge -The edges are cut on a slight angle to create a bevel between the stones when installed.
Pillow Edge -The edges are cut on a slight angle and a little bit rounded to make a soften look.

Travertine decoration materials;
Travertine Borders
- These are pieces that used for decoration. There are various border styles like pen, bullnose and Ogee 1 & Ogee 2. Travertine borders used for both indoors and outdoors. Pen and Ogee1 & 2 mostly used on wall for decorative look.

Mesh mounted mosaics - Small sized travertine pieces mounted on a fiberglass mesh (the interlocking sheet) which generally measures 12”x12”. This fiberglass mesh is glued to the back sides of the tiles. Travertine mesh mounted mosaics used for both indoors and outdoors. Madallion is also a kind of mosaic. It can be in various designs on a bigger mesh (24”x24”).

Basins – Travertine basins produced as filled in various geometrical shapes (square, rectangle, round). Also, it has different designs (mosaic, round edged..). It has an harmony with the other travertine flooring tiles in your kitchen and bathroom.