| TRAVERTINE |
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Average
Price: $3.50 - $5.75 / sq. ft.
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Imported
Primarily From Mexico, Turkey & Italy
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Travertine
is a term for stones with holes in them. They are sedimentary
rocks just like limestones however, travertines are formed
near a water source. The trapped water forms holes in
the stone during compression. If you ever look at the
back of a stone and see holes in it, its probably a travertine.
Most factories will 'slurry' over the tiles with stone
sediment and an acrylic mixture to fill the holes. Then
they will re-hone them smooth thus lowering the porosity
levels and making the tile more durable overall. A tile
with this application is considered 'filled & honed'.
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Travertines
come in a variety of colors and patterns. Most tend to
be beige & creamy and come primarily honed, that is
unpolished. Typical tile sizes range from 12"x 12",
18"x 18", 24"x 24", and several patterns
such as the Versailles Pattern. Sixteen by sixteen inch
tiles can be found primarily from the factories in Mexico.
You will find travertines to be either straight-cut (linear
movement east to west) or cross-cut (swirling movement).
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Installation
of travertine tile is not something your average ceramic
tile setter will be able to undertake. These tiles are
cut to such a strict tolerance so they can be installed
with as little grout as possible (typically 1/16"
or smaller). Prices for installation will range from $6.00
- $9.00 per square foot. Any price lower than this should
be scrutinized closely. Underlayment is a must prior to
installation and stone sealer should always be included,
these are not options. |
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