Travertine Introduction Part 3 – Uses of Travertine

Travetine is durable and versatile stone which is used since ancient times. Even the Colosseum in Rome, which stood the test of time since 2000 years, is mainly made of travertine because of its strength, durability and aesthetics. It can be used both indoors or outdoors on any surfaces and can also be sculpted to various shapes. Specific uses include but not limited to: Walls and floors of bathrooms, pool decks, lobby and corridor walls and floors, facade walls, kitchens, patios and courtyards, driveways, stairs, fireplaces, sinks and much more, which is only limited by the imagination of an architect and interior designer. The color, cutting style, lighting, finishing can all affect the final look. In addition to its beautiful appearance, travertine, due to its porosity can also work as non-slip surface when used at floors as pavers.

A special type of travertine is called “Tufa,” which is less durable and weaker in strength, but have good thermal insulating properties (for example depending on its availability, in addition to its other decorative uses, it is possible to see Tufa used in lightweight concrete where high strength is not needed but low weight and good thermal insulation is needed, such as at roof slabs).