Imagine a timeless natural stone that conveys warmth and elegance in your home. Travertine and limestone have been used architecturally around the world for thousands of years because of their reserved and stately appearance. From Ancient Egypt and Rome to modern America, travertine and limestone have been essential to creating exquisite, comfortable rooms.

The neutral color range of travertine and limestone make them an ideal backdrop for your design ideas—a canvas on which you can create the room of your dreams. And because of their strength and ageless beauty, travertine and limestone have become the top selling stones in the industry. Whether you’re building or remodeling, travertine and limestone will help you sculpt a treasure that will last for centuries to come.

What are travertine and limestone?
Travertine and limestone are sedimentary stones created over millions of years as organic matter built up and hardened. Travertine is formed when hot springs percolate through limestone formations, leaving small bubble-like formations in the rock.

What finishes are available for travertine and limestone?

• Polished ­ An elegant, high shine for a more stately and formal appearance.
• Honed ­ An understated matte finish that softens the stone’s appearance, creating a casual atmosphere in any room.
• Patinato ­ An antique finish that gives your room a reserved, old-world ambiance.
• Tumbled ­ A finish that offers you antiqued, ageless style in neutral colors.
• Chiseled Edging ­ A rustic, unrefined finish that creates a timeless atmosphere even in modern construction.

Rush River Travertine/Limestone
At The Tile Shop, we know the people who quarry your travertine and limestone. Working directly with them ensures that you get the lowest prices possible, and more importantly, that you get the highest-quality stone tile in the world and the most beautiful mosaic, trim and accent pieces to accompany it. Rush River is the brand that makes it possible by offering only hand-selected stone with strict calibration and quality control standards, quality packaging, and unique decorative design options available only at The Tile Shop.

Suggested applications for travertine and limestone:

• Limestone can last many lifetimes if it is not mistreated (using it for a purpose to which it is ill-suited, choosing the wrong surface finish for the intended use, or neglecting it).
• Limestone is more porous than granite, making it easier to stain, and therefore it is not recommended for kitchen countertops.

Caring for your travertine and limestone surfaces:

Floors:
Frequent sweeping is the easiest way to protect flooring surfaces. Soil is abrasive and it can get ground into and scratch stone. Use a broom with a bristle that matches your surface, a soft broom for smooth finishes and medium soft for textured surfaces. Damp mopping with water picks up microscopic abrasive soils and potential staining agents. This is recommended for most smooth surfaces on a regular basis.

Aqua Mix® Antibacterial Cleaner is The Tile Shop’s recommended cleanser for travertine and limestone tile. Thoroughly vacuum, sweep or wipe the stone surface, and apply Aqua Mix® Antibacterial Cleaner per label instructions to thoroughly clean, enhance and protect travertine and limestone floors. Aqua Mix® Antibacterial Cleaner removes soil and grime from natural stone products without rinsing and dries streak-free.

For a Natural Finish:
Water-based Premium Gold Travertine is The Tile Shop’s recommended sealer for travertine and limestone tile. Premium Gold is a penetrating, natural-looking sealer formulated for maximum stain resistance on natural stone tile and on grout. Premium Gold is fast curing, allowing foot traffic within 2 to 5 hours of application.

After using Aqua Mix® Antibacterial Cleaner on the tile surface to properly cleanse the area (allowing ample time to dry), apply two coats of Premium Gold sealer using a clean sponge or dry cotton towel. After each coat, buff the surface dry using paper towels or dry cotton dry rags. DO NOT permit excess sealer to dry on the surface. Permit the stone tile to remain dry for 72 hours until the Premium Gold sealer has achieved a full cure. Follow label instructions.

For a Color-Enhanced Finish:
Water-based Enhance And Seal Travertine is The Tile Shop’s recommended sealer for deepening enhancing the color of natural stone. Apply in an inconspicuous spot to test this finish before applying to entire surfaces! Enhance and Seal is a penetrating solution designed to protect while providing an enhanced look to the natural stone. Enhance and Seal forms a moisture resistant barrier while still allowing complete vapor transmission. DO NOT permit excess sealer to dry on the surface.

Always protect your finished stone floors against dirt, sand or any abrasive substance that might scratch or harm the tile finish. Please follow manufacturer's instructions for proper usage of all care products. Never use acids or chemical cleaners for cleaning natural stone tile.

All other surfaces:
Frequently wipe surfaces with a soft, damp rag.

To remove fingerprints, food residues, grease and all the most common dirt from your countertops, walls, fireplaces, or vanity tops, spray Aqua Mix® Antibacterial Cleaner on the surface, rub it and wipe it dry. Aqua Mix® Antibacterial Cleaner cleans, enhances and brightens your surfaces, helping to maintain their natural beauty for decades.

Additional tips for keeping your stone tile looking like new:

• Keep your stone surface clean from dust and dirt.
• Blot up spills immediately.
• Always use coasters under drinks and food containers.
• Use placemats under dishware and flatware to prevent scratching.
• Never use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads to clean the surface.
• Travertine and limestone are calcium based ALKALINE stones, and are susceptible to acid substances. NEVER use vinegar, lemon juice or cleaners containing acids.
• Use a felt-bottomed tray for cosmetics and toiletries stored on the limestone surface.
• The Tile Shop carries items like Stone Clean, a concentrated alkaline cleaner, to help clean tougher dirt and grease, or Travertine Poultice to lift deep stains in your travertine or limestone.