If you’re remodeling your home, you’re bound to be faced with numerous decisions about the materials you want to use. The type of flooring you decide on can have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your home. And even if you already know what type of flooring you’re looking for, there are countless choices within one category! It can be overwhelming to simply differentiate one option from the next.
Many people opt for tile in their kitchens, bathrooms, or main living areas. Sometimes, homeowners luck out: their existing tile just needs a little tune-up in the form of tile floor restoration. Either way, you need to be well-versed in the choices at your disposal, as well as how they need to be cared for. You may be familiar with terrazzo restoration and installation, but aren’t exactly sure what it involves. Or you might have heard that travertine restoration and installation is just a fancy way to say that you’re getting your marble floors refinished or installed. But that last “fact” isn’t actually true! Clearly, the record needs to be set straight.
So what IS travertine?
Travertine is a type of natural stone. Travertine and marble are both types of limestone, but they aren’t the same material. It’s understandable that many homeowners are confused about this — travertine is often marketed as marble or limestone, but it’s technically neither. Limestone turns into marble or travertine depending on the natural process it undergoes. Essentially, travertine forms when limestone is subjected to additional pressure and heat from the earth’s crust. It can then be polished, textured, smoothed, or chiseled to create different finishes.
Then what’s terrazzo?
Unlike travertine, terrazzo isn’t a wholly naturally occurring material. Instead, it’s a composite material containing several different elements like marble, quartz, and granite. It’s poured or precast and then ground into a level surface. Basically, terrazzo is a man-made combination of natural materials, while travertine forms organically.
Is that really the only difference?
Actually, the real difference that homeowners need to be concerned with is how each material is cared for and cleaned. Some people assume that a stone is a stone is a stone — and that means they can be cleaned in the same way. In reality, this can harm your flooring and will often result in the need for tile restoration down the line.
How should I go about my travertine tile cleaning?
In general, travertine tile floor cleaning requires a bit more extra care than even terrazzo flooring. For both types, you should avoid using regular household cleaners that contain acidic components. You need a cleaning agent that’s made specifically for this type of flooring. Never use an upright vacuum on travertine tile. Instead, use a handheld unit once a week. This will ensure there are no vacuum wheels to scratch up your floors, which can lead to the need for travertine floor restoration.
And what about terrazzo tile cleaning?
Terrazzo is actually very durable and doesn’t require as much maintenance as many other types of tile or other flooring options. Another great point about terrazzo is that it won’t stain, so you can easily wipe away liquids like coffee and wine without fear. It also doesn’t grow mold. However, you still need to be cautious about what materials you use to clean it, or you may find you require tile floor restoration you hadn’t planned on. You should use a cleaner that’s made for terrazzo tile with a neutral pH.
What if I make a mistake with my tile?
A lot of homeowners aren’t informed with how to properly maintain their tile. Don’t worry. If you need help with cleaning your travertine or terrazzo, you can call a professional. And if your tile has become damaged and you need tile floor restoration, you should definitely get in contact with an expert. Terrazzo or travertine tile floor restoration is not a DIY project. Use a professional for restoration and ask for their advice about specific products to use (and what to avoid). The good news is that once you know how to properly maintain your tile flooring, you can keep it looking beautiful for years to come.