17 May 2024

Travertine Pavers - The Most Popular Natural Stone for 2024

Your home says everything about you and your style. Consider all the surfaces that make up your property. The obvious ones, such as countertops and floors, are still as important as ever. However, the attention is now also shifting to areas that may not have been regarded in the past. For example, your home’s entryways are an opportunity to make a great first impression. Your hardscaping, sidewalk, garage pathway, front wall and siding can all work together to make that coveted “wow factor.” In addition, the driveway contributes significantly to the overall curb appeal of your home, setting the tone for the interior.

We have seen trends come and go, from 70s crazy paving hitting the road to textured paving coming back into vogue. We see different stones used for paving, outdoor spaces, and hardscaping. There are many exciting new natural stones in the market, including Bluestone, Travertine, Limestone and Granite variations.

With that in mind, let’s look at one of the most popular and beautiful options available today: Travertine pavers and tiles. People might ask whether Travertine floors are outdated, the answer is a big no. Let’s see how they are an excellent way to improve your home’s curb appeal and functionality.

First, let’s know what Travertine is

Travertine is a calcite-based natural stone formed beneath hot springs for millions of years. The natural pits and crevices on the surface of travertine pavers are formed when heated water shoots up to the stone’s surface, giving it its current character.

Travertine pavers have long been the preferred material for everything from creating works of art to constructing structures of majesty and grandeur. In fact, “The Colosseum” (Coliseum) is one of many famous structures built with Travertine pavers.

As previously stated, Travertine is not only a beautiful stone but also durable, safe and practical, and able to withstand the test of time: all of which are essential characteristics to consider when selecting the best natural stone paver for your home or backyard.

Furthermore, Travertine pavers and tiles are available in various colours, sizes, and finishes. There is something for everyone when it comes to Travertine pavers trends in 2024. From subtle cool grey tones to striking ivory and even light earthy brown/milky coffee tones, you can choose the one that fits your design needs the best. No two travertine pavers look alike due to their formation, which gives the stone its strong character.

Benefits of Travertine pavers and tiles:

It is durable: Travertine is a strong material. It is two to three times stronger than concrete. This strength is the result of years of compression. It is also one of reason why people always say a no when asked for “Is Travertine outdated?”. This natural stone paving can last for decades, if not centuries. It is, however, when they are adequately cared for.

Repairing is simple: Unlike concrete slabs, Travertine tiles and pavers are easy to replace if damaged or broken. Remove the broken tile and several others in the area and replace them with new tiles mixed in with the old ones so that the colours blend throughout. Contractors can advise clients to order extra tiles and keep them on hand for easy repairs.

It has Freeze-Thaw Advantage: Because of their unique vertical capillary action, which allows moisture to escape, travertine tiles and pavers can withstand the freeze-thaw cycle in cold climates. This also enables the coolness of the ground to radiate upwards, keeping the Travertine pavers cool.

Slip Resistance Travertine pavers and tiles are the most common for pool surrounds and coping. And it is because of their slip-resistance feature. Architects, contractors, builders, and anyone else who needs to specify a certain level of friction in building materials for legal reasons can use a variety of scientific tests to determine the SCOF value. Honed travertine tiles are the least slippery, with a SCOF rating ranging from .40 to.60. Textured finishes, such as tumbled and brushed, have the lowest SCOF ratings, ranging from .50 to.70.

How to install Travertine Pavers and tiles?

Travertine pavers and tiles can be installed easily. There are two types of paver and tiles installation that you choose from. Travertine pavers can be installed using either the dry-set or mud-set method. Most landscapers and installers prefer the dry-set method because it is simple to perform, and the pavers are simple to replace. We will go over each type of installation one by one. Before beginning the job, don’t forget to put on safety gloves.

• Dry-set method

The dry-set installation, also known as the thin-set installation, uses cement, fine sand, and a water-retaining agent to attach the paver/tile to cement or concrete. This type of mortar is intended to adhere perfectly in a thin layer no thicker than 3/16th. The following is the procedure for installing Travertine pavers and tiles:

Create a border: First, mark the area with string and cover it with it. Then, around the perimeter of the project area, draw a border. We recommend small sizes. Flex Bond allows Travertine to expand and contract safely during the freeze/thaw cycle.

Preparation of the soil: Travertine paving is long-lasting. However, if the pavers are not correctly installed, they may break. As a result, it is critical to provide a solid foundation for them. To provide a flattened base for the pavers, excavate six to eight inches of soil beneath the planned area. Now, use a compactor to compact the soil.

Fill the excavated area with crushed gravel in two or three layers. Each layer should be well levelled and compacted. You’re ready to go once the crushed rock edges lock together to form a solid foundation for Travertine pavers.

Allow 1/8 inch drop per foot of paver to prevent surface water stagnation. After you’ve added the gravel, cover it with half an inch of coarse sand and compact it well.

Install the pavers: Begin installing the Travertine pavers after the gravel and sand have been compacted. If you are installing French Pattern Travertine Pavers, you should cut the pavers to fit your design. Also, make sure there is no space between the pavers, or you will be bothered by grass growing in those gaps in the future. To ensure that the pavers are appropriately pressed into the sand, tamp them down with a rubber mallet.

Fill in the gaps: Please clean and power wash the travertine pavers after installation. Then we’d recommend filling the gaps between the paving with polymeric sand. Brush the sand into the cracks with a broom, and when there is no more sand on the surface, water the area to set it. The polymeric sand will also fill in the holes on the surface of the travertine pavers. This will keep dirt and dust from becoming lodged in the pores.



• Mud-set installation

Travertine Pavers can be mud-set over existing concrete surfaces. Because the mortar bed is typically 1-1/4′′ to 2′′ thick, it is also known as a thick-set installation. The mud-set installation procedure is as follows:

• Begin by preparing the installation’s surface. Remove any existing material and old adhesive residue.
• Apply Flex Bond or a similar adhesive to the subfloor. Spread the FlexBond or mortar mix beneath the subfloor with a half-inch trowel to secure the pavers.
• Lay the Travertine pavers or tiles directly on top of the grout. Tap the pavers gently with a sledgehammer to secure them. (You would have already blended the pavers from different crates to achieve a smooth colour transition).
• After the Travertine pavers have been laid, grout can be placed between the joints. Clean the joints with a damp (not wet) sponge to remove excess grout.
• Allow enough time for the Travertine pavers to dry.

Maintenance Tips for Travertine Pavers and Tiles:

Sweeping: Make regular cleaning a part of the Travertine stone’s ongoing care. Sweeping the pavers regularly would help keep dust and dirt at bay. It would also keep debris and permanent grime at bay. If sweeping takes too much time, you can pressure wash Travertine pavers regularly to extend their life. Remember that pressure washing can damage the seal’s coating on the stone. It is best to reseal them after washing them.

Getting Rid of Stains: Scrubbing is an easy way to remove rust, mold, or spill stains. If the pavers have recently been sealed, the stains can be removed by scrubbing or wiping. You can also use a simple soap and water solution. If the stains have penetrated the sealing, try the following simple methods:

(i) Making Use of Hydrogen Peroxide

• Apply some hydrogen peroxide to the affected area.
• Use a granite cleaning pad or a soft-bristled brush to apply it.
• Allow the solution to sit on the stain for 24 hours before thoroughly rinsing with water.

(ii) Making Use of Baking Soda

• Combine equal parts water, baking soda, and a small amount of regular cleanser.
• Blend the mixture and apply it to the stained area with a brush.
• After leaving the paste on the stain for at least 20 minutes, thoroughly rinse.
• If the stain is caused by vinegar, combine baking soda and acetone and leave it on the stain for 24 hours. Rinse the surface with water, wipe it down, and apply a sealant.

Sealing: Natural stones must be sealed because they are porous. Sealant is typically a clear solution applied to the stone’s surface. Sealing forms a protective layer on the surface that keeps stains, moisture absorption, and dust accumulation at bay. Unfilled Travertine (the kind with holes) should also be sealed to keep dust, grime, and stains out of the pores. Travertine should be sealed after installation, and periodic sealing is strongly advised. This should be done every one to two years, or after chemically treating the pavers.

Mould removal: Mould can grow on Travertine pool pavers, Travertine pool copings, and Travertine paving in humid areas. It’s a kind of fungal growth that thrives on organic substances. It can grow in regions that are shaded or receive insufficient sunlight. Mould growth is encouraged by poor drainage, plumbing leakage, poor construction detailing, and poor landscaping. In the long run, they can cause permanent stains, cracks, and bacterial infiltration. Follow the steps below to remove them from Travertine pavers and prevent mould and moss growth in the future.

• First, wet the area.
• Make hot water and mild soap or detergent solution.
• Start stroking the pavers with a scrubbing brush dipped in the solution. If the bristles are too stiff or metallic, they scratch the surface.
• The mould would begin to separate from the surface as you brushed the pavers. Repeat until all of it is gone.
• Wash the area with plain water to remove the detergent residue and any remaining mould scraps.

Suppose any residue is left on the surface; re-wet the area with a soap solution. Sprinkle talc powder on stains, allow the talc to absorb the stains, and allow it to dry on the pavers. After that, sweep with a scrubbing brush and rinse with plain water. Allow the pavers to dry.

Removing weed: Another organic substance that haunts Travertine users is weed. Weed management, on the other hand, is not a difficult task. You can remove the weed from its roots and chemically treat it to prevent future growth. Alternatively, the above-mentioned mould removal steps can also be used for weeding.

Alternatively, use a weed whacker to clean the yard and pavers. You can also use stone edgers to separate the lawn from the pavers. A weed-whacker is an electric grass trimmer with a nylon cutting cord that rotates rapidly on a spindle for those unfamiliar with the term.

What not to do with Travertine pavers and tiles?

Travertine is a sedimentary rock that forms before limestone. Despite the presence of calcium carbonate in the stone, it is prone to etching when exposed to acid. Cleaners should not be used if they contain one of the following ingredients or fall into one of the following categories:

• General-purpose cleaners
• Acidic solutions, vinegar, lemon
• Ammonia, bleach
• Commercial cleaners with alkaline not meant for Travertine stone
• Scouring cream or powder
• Also, avoid extreme heat or pressure to clean the stone

Final Takeaway

We hope to have answered the question “Is Travertine out of style”? It is a big no. Whether you want your home’s first impression to be sleek and contemporary or elegant and sophisticated, there is a Travertine paver to match your personal style and complement the design of your home. Stone Centre can help you bring your outdoor landscaping ideas to life. We can prove that it is a big no when it questioned is Travertine tiles out of style with our wide selection that can be used for commercial and residential builds.

*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.