What is Travertine?

Travertine is a sedimentary form of limestone that comes from deposits from mineral springs (often hot springs). Travertine forms when there is rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate (usually in limestone caves or at the mouths of hot springs). This rapid precipitation blends calcite with other minerals creating many unique patterns and swirls of color. The color of travertine includes beiges, browns, gray, rust, and even coral red colors mixed in a variety of combinations.

History of Travertine

The most well-known travertine uses are from the days of the Roman Empire, where Romans used it for many types of buildings such as temples, bathhouses, aqueducts, and even the Colosseum. In the Middle Ages, builders continued to use it for many kinds of structures such as churches, roads, monuments, and even homes.

The beauty and durability of travertine make it still highly sought after by architects, builders and is still used widely in many modern buildings for flooring, wall cladding, and facades. Some of the famous buildings that use travertine include the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), the Getty Center, the Basilique duSacre Coeur, the Bigelow Chapel, and the Jaingsu Provincial Art Museum (China).

Uses of Travertine

Travertine pavers are also very popular with the homeowners and the DIY crowd. Here are a few of the ways you can use it around the home.

• Floors – Travertine is exceptionally resilient and is an excellent choice for heavy traffic areas in the home, and can make an impression in the lobbies of government or commercial buildings.
• Walls – Because travertine comes in various colors and designs, it can be selected to match with almost any color scheme.
• Patios – When it comes down to it, brick and decorative concrete paversused for patios are commonplace and somewhat dull. Using travertine on that backyard patio is a great way to create a conversation piece in your backyard.
• Pool Deck – The non-slip nature of travertine makes it perfect for pool decks and coping. Travertine pavers also stay cool even on the hottest days, making them ideal for any pool area.

Bedrock Orlando is Central Florida’s Leading Travertine Paver Specialist

Bedrock Orlando offers a wide range of styles and colors of travertine pavers. Choose from styles such as DaVinci, Antique Island, Philadelphia, and many others. Stop by the showroom of our masonry supply store in Orlando to see them up close. To get more information, give us a call at 407.859.1300, or fill out our handy online order request form.

Stay Safe. Stay Home During Your Spring Break.

The recent resurgence in COVID-19 cases has many people canceling their spring break travel plans. This provides you with the perfect opportunity to invest the money you would have spent on your trip to install some brick or stone home improvements. Projects such as an outdoor fire pit, garden patio, or water feature can boost your morale and add value to your property. Give us a call at 407.859.1300 to get started today.