Travertine tiles - worth the hassle?

[Finwoodhill]

I have a large floor area (50sq mtrs) to tile in a barn I'm converting - hall, kitchen, diner etc. I can obtain some good quality travertine at a reasonable price (circa £17 sq mtr) but have heard mixed reports on how easy it is to maintain. Does anyone have experience of travertine flooring, particularly in areas of high footfall? (entrance hall etc) I really need something to give it the wow factor!

[RATTER15]

Many moons ago, I used to fit marble bathrooms etc for the rich and famouse, we often used travertine, its a very good marble and will last forever.

[RATTER15]

Im assuming this is "filled" travertine, it also comes full of holes as it comes naturally, it will need to be filled to lose the holes for it to be suitable for flooring.

[Finwoodhill]

Filled and honed yes

[RATTER15]

Perfect for the job then, we used them on many bank floors and fancy hotels, walls and floors.

[Finwoodhill]

Thanks - do you treat them after you've laid them?

[The Builder]

I have them in front of an open fire, Fin. Make sure they're well sealed because they can stain quite easily otherwise.

[scotman]

Are they the ones that go like an oily skating rink when wet?

[RATTER15]

I'm assuming the travertine marble is polished, if the tiles are polished you wont need to do anything further. Be careful about using way floor polish, it can make them slippery.

[RATTER15]

*wax*