Travertine is one of the most popular choices for natural stone flooring here in the Southwest. Imperial Wholesale has been providing a large selection and great pricing on Travertine to Phoenix for over 35 years.

Travertine is a type of sedimentary rock that is heavily compacted. It naturally forms and eventually dries on the beds of rivers and hot springs. Travertine results when the mineral formed has a high concentration of calcium carbonate. Layers of other various minerals create bands or lines of vibrant shades in the face of the stone, which gives travertine its rich color diversity. No two pieces of travertine are exactly alike; however, travertine pieces are classified into categories with similar marbling.

Travertine is most commonly found and mined in Italy, though it is also mined in Turkey, Mexico, Peru, and the United States. For ages, its durability and unique beauty has made it highly desirable in several types of buildings and home features. The largest and most well-known travertine structure assembled is the Colosseum in Rome, Italy; other notable structures include the Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Paris, France and the Getty Center in Los Angeles, California.

Travertine, along with other types of natural stone, is frequently used in southwestern architecture and interior design. Natural stone is generally used in flooring, such as indoor and outdoor tile flooring, patio flooring and garden pathways; it can also be used in making mosaics and countertops. Travertine is a natural alternative for flooring that creates an elegant atmosphere in almost any room. Neutral colors found in travertine allow for an array of color schemes, and once you have seen a properly installed travertine floor in a home you may wonder how you've overlooked this option so far.

Travertine has many characteristics that make it a beautiful alternative for your flooring, from the most formal area in the house to the most casual. Travertine is porous and has holes that are filled to give it a consistent, smooth surface to make it, "honed," travertine. There are also applications in which the holes are left open, adding a different effect. Travertine is a natural product, and therefore its color will not be consistent from one tile to another. Variation in shade and color tone gives travertine a distinctive appeal, often accented by chiseled edges.

If you’re considering installing travertine yourself, there are a few differences between this material and traditional ceramic or porcelain tiles you need to be aware of. First, as a base to secure the tile, use white thin-set instead of gray. White thin-set is mixed and applied the same as gray and is used to avoid compromising the natural color of the stone. When grouting travertine, or any natural stone, use un-sanded grout to prevent scratching. Unlike ceramic tile and porcelain, travertine must also be sealed, and enhancers can be applied to bring out color and natural characteristics of the stone. Depending on foot traffic, travertine will need to be re-sealed every one to two years.

The choices seem endless when selecting the right hard surface floor. Wood, tile and natural stone floors can all be distinctive and long lasting. Travertine, with its neutrality and elegance, makes a great alternative that shouldn't be overlooked.

Warm and earthy, travertine can make any home feel inviting. It provides you with unique color and pattern variations unlike any other. Travertine is simplistically beautiful: a timeless classic that will be enjoyed for years to come. Imperial Wholesale is the Valley’s leader in superior-quality travertine at competitive pricing. Think you can’t afford quality natural stone? Think again. At Imperial Wholesale, we provide our customers with limitless natural stone and travertine possibilities, even on a limited budget.