The TileCloud showroom, office and warehouse will be closed from Wednesday 25th December and will re-open Monday 6th January at 9am.

The TileCloud showroom, office and warehouse will be closed from Wednesday 25th December and will re-open Monday 6th January at 9am.

Why More Australians Are Choosing Travertine Look Tiles for Their Homes

Layla Sawyer -

Are you considering updating your home with beautiful, natural-looking tiles that won’t break the bank? If so, you’re not alone. In recent years, more and more Australians have been turning to travertine look tiles as an affordable and stylish alternative to traditional travertine tiles. But what exactly are travertine look tiles, and what makes them so popular among homeowners and interior designers? In this blog post, we delve into the advantages of travertine look tiles and consult with interior designers across Australia to see how they stack up against traditional travertine tiles. By the end, you’ll have the information you need to make an informed decision about which option is best suited for your home. So, let’s dive in!

Exploring the beauty and versatility of travertine look tiles

If you’re not familiar with travertine look tiles, you might be wondering what they are and how they differ from traditional travertine tiles. Essentially, travertine look tiles are a type of porcelain tile that is designed to mimic the look and feel of natural travertine stone. This means that they offer all the beauty and elegance of natural stone tiles, without the high price tag or maintenance requirements.

Zac Pepper, from Form Bathroom Renovations Mornington Peninsula, often recommends travertine look tiles to his clients, and here is why: “Porcelain travertine-look tiles are an excellent alternative to real travertine tiles. You can achieve the same natural look and feel without the downsides of natural stone, making them more practical and less expensive.”

Here at TileCloud, we only stock porcelain travertine look tiles made using high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. This ensures that each tile is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture. Plus, because they are made of porcelain, they are more affordable than natural stone tiles while still delivering the same stunning visual effect.

The travertine look tiles you can buy now are incredibly realistic and natural-looking; they even offer the same variations and patterns as natural stone tiles, making it hard to spot the difference if you are not an expert.

Unveiling the charm of authentic travertine tiles

Now that we’ve covered what travertine look tiles are, let’s take a closer look at traditional travertine tiles. Travertine is a type of natural stone that has been used in architecture and construction for centuries. It was first used by the ancient Romans, who prized its durability, beauty, and unique characteristics.

Travertine tiles are typically made from sedimentary rock that is formed from mineral deposits found in hot springs and limestone caves. This gives them a distinctive texture and pattern that is prized by many homeowners and interior designers.

“Travertine tiles are an excellent choice for a natural and timeless look that exudes luxury and longevity. Their neutral tones make it easy to redecorate the space without losing its charm, and they are more durable than marble.” — Maree Woodley at Woodley Interiors.

Why travertine tiles are a top choice for Australian homeowners

Travertine tiles have long been a popular choice among Australian homeowners and renovators, with many interior decorators praising their natural beauty and timeless elegance. As Haley Bell from Lady Darwin Design notes, "Travertine is something I think of as a design staple, a natural product that has been around since the Roman Empire and that is still widely used today for its quiet, unassuming beauty.”

In Australia, travertine tiles are a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor use. From bathrooms and kitchens to living areas, they provide a timeless and sophisticated appeal that complements various design aesthetics, be it contemporary or classic. Not to mention, they are also a popular choice for outdoor patios, pool decks, and walkways due to their ability to withstand weathering and maintain their natural beauty.

Travertine tiles are also a popular flooring choice because they are durable and easy to maintain. They are resistant to scratches, stains, and heat and, if properly installed and regularly maintained, can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth or mop. Plus, because they are made of a natural stone, each tile is unique, offering a one-of-a-kind look that is hard to replicate with other materials.


Discover the advantages and practicality of using travertine look tiles

"I highly recommend using porcelain travertine-look tiles as a substitute for real travertine. With advances in technology, porcelain tiles can now mimic the beauty, shading, and colours of natural travertine, including veins. Moreover, porcelain tiles do not stain easily and are low-maintenance, making them a practical choice for homeowners. Porcelain tiles are also more affordable than natural travertine, making them an ideal option for those looking to achieve a similar look at a lower cost.” — Maree Woodley at Woodley Interiors.

We couldn’t agree more with what Maree had to say! The affordability, durability and versatility of faux travertine tiles far surpass that of authentic travertine tiles. Let us tell you more about it…

Affordability — Get the luxe for less with travertine look tiles

Travertine look porcelain tiles are more affordable than natural travertine. The cost of purchasing and installing natural travertine is higher than porcelain tiles, and they also require more maintenance, leaving faux travertine as the clear winner.

Durability — Why travertine look tiles are a smart investment for your home

Natural travertine is hard-wearing and able to be refinished or rejuvenated over time. However, it is prone to stains if not correctly sealed and requires regular resealing. On the other hand, porcelain tiles with a travertine look are generally high-fired to create a non-porous surface, making them a great option if you seek consistency of colour and finish and minimal variations over time. Porcelain travertine look tiles are a better choice for those who want hassle-free flooring, walls, or exterior surfaces.

In Zac Pepper’s words: “If you are after a low maintenance option for high traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, these [porcelain travertine look tiles] are fantastic.”

Versatility — from rustic charm to modern elegance, travertine look tiles suit any style

Travertine look tiles are available in a wide range of colours, styles, and sizes, making them a versatile option for any design style. Porcelain tiles with a travertine look can mimic the beauty, shading and colours of natural travertine, including veins. They can be used for flooring, walls, backsplashes, fireplaces, showers, and even outdoor surfaces.

travertine look tiles used as backsplash

Travertine vs travertine look tiles — which flooring option is best for you?

When it comes to choosing the right tiles for your home, weigh up the cost versus the maintenance and what is most important in your project — sustainability, appearance, practicality or cost?

In this comparison table, we’ve compiled information drawing from the vast experience of our team, to help you make an informed decision between travertine and travertine look tiles. We’ve gone beyond just technical specifications and added some helpful real-life details, such as which type is better for families with kids or for homes by the coast. So take a look at the table below to see how travertine and faux travertine tiles stack up against each other.

Attribute Travertine Tiles Travertine Look Tiles
Durability Durable enough for most residential and light commercial use. Extremely durable and ideal for high-traffic areas and heavy use.
Water Absorption Highly porous, less suitable for outdoor use and areas with high moisture. It needs frequent sealing. Low water absorption makes it ideal for outdoor use and areas with high moisture.
Stain Resistance Moderate stain resistance with proper care and maintenance. Highly resistant to stains due to its non-porous nature.
Scratch Resistance Can scratch and chip easily and get damaged with heavy impact. Extremely scratch-resistant and can handle heavy impact.

Design Options
Limited options, suitable for interior design styles that complement their appearance. Wide variety of design options available, work well with a range of interior design styles.
Maintenance Requires regular maintenance and sealing to maintain its appearance and durability. Minimal maintenance needed due to its non-porous nature.
Cost Higher cost for the material, as well as the installation and maintenance. Affordable price, easy to install and maintain.

Best for families
Not ideal for families with young kids as they can be stained and scratched easily. Ideal for families with children, as they are highly durable and can withstand heavy use.

Best by the coast

Not recommended for use by the coast due to its high water absorption. Excellent for use in coastal areas due to its low water absorption and resistance to saltwater.
Best for outdoor use Not recommended for outdoor use due to its high water absorption. Ideal for outdoor use due to its low water absorption and durability.

 

Elevate your home’s aesthetic and functionality with our travertine look tiles

We hope this guide has answered all your questions on travertine and travertine look tiles. If you are ready to update your home with affordable, natural-looking tiles that won’t break the bank, then check out our wide selection of porcelain travertine look tiles. With the same stunning visual effect as natural stone tiles, our travertine look tiles are perfect for any home style. Contact us today to explore our range of options and discover the many benefits of using travertine look tiles in your home.

Layla Sawyer

Layla is a creative at heart, with an Advanced Diploma in Interior Design and being the Senior Marketing and Ecommerce Coordinator here at TileCloud she has a passion for staying up to date with the latest trends within the industry. Known for going down a rabbit hole on Pinterest and being a sucker for a good mood board to kick off any project.