The Venture Beat

Physical endurance and durability are critical factors when it comes to selecting a kitchen worktop material. Travertine worktops are known for their remarkable strength and innate natural charm. A special variety of limestone obtained from natural hot springs and caves, the architectural applications of travertine date back to Ancient Rome. Hot water flows through mineral-rich crevices and gradually cools to precipitate and result in travertine deposits. Italy, Turkey, Mexico, and the United States have the largest reserves of this earthy-toned limestone variant. With its natural non-slip surface and phenomenal thermal insulation, travertine is also popularly used for paving pool decks, patios, and bathroom flooring.

Exploring the Durability and Varied Favourable Properties of Travertine Worktops

Travertine worktops are well-suited for a bustling kitchen environment and ergonomic bathrooms. Several ancient monuments and sculptures hold testament to the physical endurance of this wondrous material. The myriad favourable properties of Travertine can be described as follows:-

• Hardness- Like marble and limestone, the Mohs hardness quotient of travertine is 4 and is essentially composed of calcium carbonate. This natural stone owes its hardness to its unique crystalline structure and intensive formation process. Not just for worktops, travertine is also an apt choice for high-traffic flooring.
• High Physical Resistance– The coarse surface is incredibly resistant to scratches as well as physical impact. Although homeowners should use cutting boards and avoid placing excessively heavy objects on travertine worktops, the likelihood of dents and cracks is very less. However, make sure you hire professional worktop installers to ensure flawless installation and eliminate the chances of any spot damage.
• Pristine, Spa-Like Vibes– The cosy, comforting, and tranquil vibes of travertine surfaces are a class apart from other interior materials. Behind this characteristic serenity lies the tactile, mineral-rich surface formed over years of precipitated water, drip by drip. This makes for a highly therapeutic and earthy surface with spa-like vibes. Installing travertine worktops in your kitchen or bathroom fosters a harmonious and soothing environment.
• Warm, Natural Colour Palette– If you are fond of warm, earthy, and neutral tones, travertine worktops are ideal for your home interiors. Although it has a limited natural colour palette, the soft earthy tones are extremely soothing and inviting. The most popular variants include cream, white, beige, brown, and gold, often with different hues interspersed with one another.
• Porosity and Sealing– Travertine is a highly porous stone that immediately absorbs any kind of liquid spilled on its surface. Hence, worktop installers should always use a high-quality sealant to make the worksurface impervious to stains and hygiene issues. Travertine worktops require regular sealing every year or twice a year to ensure optimal functionality. Proper Sealing will also ensure that the travertine surface doesn’t get tarnished because of acidic exposure or harsh abrasives. 
• Natural Non–Slip Surface– The natural pits, cavities, and overall coarse surface of travertine are responsible for its anti-slip surface. This makes it particularly favourable for bathroom worktops, paving around bathtubs/showers, pool surrounds, saunas, and so on.
• Excellent Thermal Insulation– Although the porous structure of travertine warrants regular sealing and maintenance, it is responsible for the incredible heat resistance of this limestone variant. Composed of calcium carbonate which is a poor conductor of heat, the inherent pores in travertine trap air and keep the surface cool. During hot weather, travertine surfaces in your home will help in cooling down the indoor temperature owing to the high thermal inertia of its porous structure. This makes travertine one of the most preferred materials to construct fireplace surrounds and naturally insulating indoor surfaces in areas that receive excessive sunlight or radiation.
• Long Lifespan– Although travertine is not as hard as granite or quartzite, its density, structural integrity, and impact resistance are high. When sealed meticulously and maintained well, travertine worktops will easily last for decades. 
• Eco–Friendly– Travertine is a 100% natural stone without any synthetic additives or harmful chemicals. Its extraction process is simple and doesn’t require extensive quarrying like marble and granite. Also, after the lifespan of these worktops is complete, one needn’t dispose of them in a landfill. These can be recycled and used in construction sites where calcium carbonate is required.
• Customizability- Travertine is easy to cut and shape. Therefore, the customizability of travertine worktops is higher. You can ask worktop installers to create the most attractive worktop designs and ornate edges without charging you exorbitantly.

Conclusion

Homeowners keen to invest in travertine worktops should be prepared to maintain them dutifully. Always clean travertine surfaces with pH-neutral cleansers and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads. The natural beauty of travertine can be preserved with simple daily cleaning and periodic sealing. Despite the high thermal insulation, avoid placing very hot cookware directly on these worktops. Never use knives or sharp objects directly on the surface and clean spills immediately to ensure that your travertine worktop looks as good as new even after years of use.