Oracle Tile & Stone is pleased to provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on a wide variety of our products. If your questions are not answered on this page, or you simply wish to speak with a Customer Service Representative, our customers can contact us toll free from anywhere in North America at 1-877-445-5599 or by email at info@oraclestone.com

ABOUT TRAVERTINE

What is travertine?

Travertine belongs to the larger family of stone called limestone also known as Calcium Carbonate. Marble is also a type of limestone that has had additional heat and pressure applied to it by the earth’s crust. Travertine is formed by minerals dissolving in ground water and then being deposited on the earth’s surface by rivers, natural springs, or geysers. Travertine is available in warm, earth tones, making it one of the most popular stones for interior and exterior flooring.

What colors does travertine come in?

Travertine comes in many different colors including ivory, beige, walnut, noce, and gold. The color of travertine is the result of iron compounds or other organic impurities.

What does the finished surface of travertine look like?

Travertine can have four major finishes, polished (shiny), honed (matte), brushed and tumbled (textured surfaces). The type of finish given to the travertine will determine how shiny the surface will be. The polished and honed surfaces are flat and smooth, while the brushed and tumbled surfaces are flat and textured. The polished surface is the shiniest, while the tumbled surface reflects the least amount of light. The most common finish for travertine is honed.

Where would I use travertine?

Travertine has been used in the construction of buildings for thousands of year. In today’s construction, travertine is used for flooring, cladding on buildings, showers, wall coverings and counter tops.

What should I consider in using travertine?

Travertine is a natural stone product. Because the minerals that make up travertine are highly reactive with acidic solutions (e.g. orange juice, vinegar), a major consideration is where the travertine will be installed and what it will be exposed to. Sealers will provide some protection to the stone no matter what the environment, but knowing what it will be exposed to will help you decide whether travertine is a good fit for your project.

NATURAL STONE CARE & MAINTENANCE

A regular maintenance regimen will help your natural stone become more resistant to scratching and wear. Natural stone, especially polished stone, is sensitive to harsh chemicals. Do not use vinegar or any cleaners containing acids or strong alkaline agents. We recommend wiping or mopping stone surfaces with warm water or a pH-balanced neutral cleaner, followed by dry-wiping. If you spill acidic juices or alcohol on the stone, you should blot dry immediately. Acid-based foods, such as citrus or tomatoes, can etch into the polish of more delicate stones, like marble and onyx. Do not place hot items, such as pots and pans, on any stone. As a safety precaution, use coasters on countertops. To prevent alkaline and soap-scum buildup, use squeegees in shower areas. Other large surfaces, such as flooring, are best cared for by a licensed maintenance company to protect the natural stone.

A quality impregnating sealer penetrates stone, allows the stone to breathe and permits more of the stone’s natural beauty to shine through. Unsealed stone is more susceptible to absorbing moisture, dirt and cleaning chemicals. Most licensed fabricators strongly recommend that a penetrating sealer be applied soon after installation of slabs.

How do I prevent staining on Natural Stone?

Most stones are porous and readily absorb liquids and moisture. Materials like limestone and sandstone are extremely absorbent, whereas granites and serpentine (green marble) are denser, but will still absorb liquids that are allowed to remain in contact with them for extended periods of time. In areas where stains are likely to develop, protective measures should be taken.

The use of a sealer will help prevent staining in most situations. Even a sealed surface can stain if left in contact with a staining agent for a long period of time. Therefore, all spills should be wiped up as soon as possible, and coasters or napkins should be set when serving food or drinks on a stone bar, table, or counter top. Soft drinks, coffee, tea, and fruit juices contain mild acids and can etch the polished surface of a stone and stain quite rapidly. These should be cleaned off immediately with a mild soap and warm water.

How do I clean my Natural Stone tiles & slabs?

In order to prevent staining or dirt build-up, regular cleaning is recommended. Stones should be rinsed weekly with warm water and a non-abrasive, clear, non-acidic soap.
For polished marble and granite, we also recommend periodic application of a commercial polish. This polish remains on the surface of the stone, enhancing the luster and shine of the marble while affording an extra measure of protection.

If a stain occurs, how do I remove it?

If stains do occur, or if you are restoring an ancient piece of stone, an oil and grease stain remover may be required. Whereas, a cleaner will wash off surface dirt, a poultice will actually act to draw out deep-seated dirt and stains from the stone's pores. Some poultice solutions are premixed, which is easily applied to light colored marbles.

Several applications may be required for difficult stains, and darker marbles should be tested to make sure that the poultice will not bleach the stone. For recurring problems, and/or a very deep stain or scratches, a professional stone fabricator should be contacted.