Travertine is a natural stone material from the limestone family. It is made of calcim carbonate and is usually found in the form of deposits near warm or hot springs. It was frequently used in ancient times as a building material. Because travertine is such a porous material, it should be sealed before use in construction or renovation projects. It is most commonly used for countertops and flooring, but may also be used in showers and tub surrounds as well as in exterior decor.

We might think that since stone can withstand the ravages of weather and outdoor elements, it is unlikely to be damaged when used in the home. Aside from its obvious beauty, durability is one of the elements that lead people to choose natural stone for home building and home improvement projects. The truth is that travertine is highly susceptible to heat, scratching, staining and acidity, including citric acid, so it should only be cleaned with special products designed for use on natural stone.

Travertine is available in different colors and finishes. The different finishes include honed, polished and tumbled. Honed travertine is smooth, but unlike polished, it has a matte finish. Polished travertine is smooth, but buffed and polished until shiny. Tumbled travertine has a rougher, textured finish and often has rounded corners for an antique look.

Because travertine is natural stone, no two pieces are the same.

Marble is a type of metamorphic rock which is characterized by swirls of color from impurities and the ability to take a very high polish. This stone has been used for thousands of years in art and architecture, and it continues to be very popular today in applications ranging from garden paving stones to mantles. High quality marble is typically very costly, and many people associate marble with luxurious design as a result.