Travertine Flooring: A Timeless Choice That Enhances Home Value

Travertine flooring, a form of limestone known for its natural beauty and durability, offers a unique blend of elegance and resilience. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of travertine, its installation, maintenance, and its potential impact on a home's market value, providing a comprehensive guide for homeowners considering this premium flooring option.

Key Takeaways

• Travertine flooring is a durable and attractive natural stone that can increase home value.
• It requires periodic sealing and can be cold and slippery underfoot.
• Installation is typically professional due to its weight and hardness.
• Costs can range significantly based on quality and finish.

What is Travertine Flooring?

Travertine is a natural stone formed around mineral spring deposits, prized for its fibrous, marble-like texture and earthy tones. It's commonly sold in tile form, offering a sophisticated yet understated aesthetic. While historically sourced from Italy, much of today's travertine comes from regions like Turkey, Iran, Mexico, and Peru.

Pros of Travertine Flooring

• Aesthetic Appeal: Its natural variations in color and texture create a unique, elegant look that adds prestige and character to any space.
• Durability: Travertine is a hard, durable stone that can withstand significant wear and tear, resisting scratches and chips.
• Increased Home Value: Installing travertine flooring is often seen as an upgrade that can enhance a property's market value.

Cons of Travertine Flooring

• Cost: Travertine is a mid-to-high-end flooring material, with prices averaging around $15 per square foot for materials and labor, and can range from $3 to $30 per square foot.
• Maintenance: It is porous and requires periodic sealing to prevent staining and damage from liquids. Regular cleaning involves damp mopping with a mild soap solution.
• Comfort: Travertine can feel cold underfoot, especially in winter, though it pairs well with underfloor heating systems.
• Slipperiness: Polished finishes can be slippery when wet, making honed or tumbled finishes a safer choice for some areas.

Installation and Maintenance

Installing travertine is similar to ceramic tile, involving underlayment, adhesive, and grout. However, its weight requires a strong subfloor, and its hardness necessitates specialized tools like a wet saw with a diamond blade. Due to these complexities, professional installation is highly recommended. Regular sealing is crucial, typically applied during installation and reapplied periodically. Cleaning is straightforward with a pH-neutral cleaner and damp mopping.

Impact on Home Value

Travertine flooring is considered a premium material that can significantly boost a home's appeal and resale value. Its natural beauty, durability, and association with luxury make it a desirable feature for potential buyers, often justifying the initial investment.

Sources

• Travertine Flooring Pros and Cons, The Spruce.
• Stone flooring ideas – the best materials for every space, Ideal Home.