If you have ever seen travertine floors in a friends home or in a magazine, you are sure to have been impressed. There is very little to match the beauty of the natural stone. Having said that, there are many types of beauty and you may not be aware of all the designs that are available with this natural product. After all, as travertine comes from quarries in the ground, you might think that you have to take it as it comes. That it not quite right. There are many design decisions to be made when choosing travertine tiles. Here are the things to consider.

1. The Color of the Tiles

Travertine is available is a whole range of natural colors from almost pure white or ivory to a very dark color, almost black. Some of the colors are more unusual, and therefore more expensive than others, but as you are paying so much for your tiles you may as well look at the full range available. When choosing a color, remember that your floor will last a lot longer than your current decoration and buy something which will go with different color schemes you might use in the future.

2. The Finish

Travertine comes out of the ground with a pitted surface, full of small holes and indentations. Many like the natural finish, but most prefer the surface to be “honed” which means the indentations are filled in with natural powdered stone. The honed tiles have a mat yet smooth surface. You can also choose tumbled travertine tiles (which are deliberately roughened by being tumbled with rocks and water) for a country look or highly polished glossy tiles for a sophisticated city look.

3. The Size of Tile

Tiles are sold in all sizes not just the standard 12 or 18″ we expect from floor tiles. You might also choose tiny mosaic tiles for a small room such as a bathroom, or something in between such as 4″ tiles which also give a different look.