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For ages, travertine was adored for its ever-lasting beauty, warm, earthy hues and a unique natural texture. Among all available natural stones, travertine is one of the most versatile and loved natural stones by architects, designers and even homeowners. At Xiamen Wanshi, we provide high quality travertine along with various other natural stones. Having been dealing with natural stone for more than 10 years with a focused emphasis on precision work, we believe tile size is as essential as the choice of the natural stone itself. In this article, we discuss about the advantages and disadvantages of each travertine tile size in order to help you make the right choice for your next project.
Small-Format Travertine Tiles (e.g., 4" x 4", 6" x 6")
Small travertine tiles are a traditional product that can be linked to traditional and Mediterranean designs. They provide a differentiating quality that can never be countered by bigger tiles.
Pros:
Design Flexibility: Smaller tiles will suit more complex designs, mosaics and rounded angles. They are able to fit into any complicated patterns even on a floor of the shower, a backsplash, and ornamental accents easily.
Ease of Installation: Due to their size, small tiles are more convenient to carry around and less cutting is required when working around these obstacles. This could occur in occasionally reduced wastage of installation.
Slip Resistance: Small-format tiles inherently offer superior slip resistance, and so they allow a viable option in wet environments, which primarily includes the floor of a bathroom and the pool surrounds.
Cons:
Increased number of grout lines: Grout lines may provide the appearance they desire although it entails more maintenance and is more prone to staining unless it is well sealed.
Businessy Look: The large grouts may give the appearance that there is extra appearance in the surface that is not aesthetical, and may distract with the natural beauty of the travertine itself.
Medium-Format Travertine Tiles (e.g., 12" x 12", 18" x 18")
Medium sized tiles form a product compromise between the detailed quality of small tiles and the glassy design of large ones. They are one of the sizes that are frequently chosen in residential and commercial uses.
Pros:
Weeks: Medium tiles are suitable in diverse locations and areas such as the kitchen and the living room as well as in the outdoors patios. Their size does not clutter the space.
Less Grout Lines: As compared to small-tiles, medium format has less grout lines that allow the surface to have a smooth look and they are easier to clean and maintain.
Economical: Medium tiles are usually a gold mean with regard to the cost of materials and installation, and it is a common option to use this type in cost-restricted projects without reducing quality.
Moderate Waste: Medium tiles do not need a large amount of materials wasted as compared to large-format tiles, however, some waste of materials could be incurred, particularly during the room layout.
Normal Aesthetic: In case one wants a more distinct or minimalistic appearance, medium tiles can be less unique in a choice compared to either small mosaic or large slabs.
Large-Format Travertine Tiles (e.g., 24" x 24", 36" x 36" and beyond)
It is also true that large-format travertine tiles have become very popular in modern architecture especially in open-plan layout and contemporary designs. They feature natural veining and texture of the stone with the minimum amount of interruption.
Pros:
Less is More: The reduced number of grout lines result in a smooth, flowing surface that highlights the natural beauty of travertine. This is particularly desirable in high density living places, corridors and business lobbies.
Contemporary Flair: The use of large tiles enhances an uncluttered and minimalistic appearance that complies with the contemporary design trends.
Less cleaning of grout joints: Less grout joints and therefore doing less cleaning of grout joints in large-format tiles saves maintenance work.
Cons:
Installation Diversity: Large tiles need subfloors which are perfectly level and that the installers are also skilled. The existence of any unevenness may cause lippage, which undermines aesthetics and safety.
Increased Waste Potential: When cutting big tiles to fit odd shapes, there can be more wastage of the material than small ones.
Weight: Big tiles are harder to move and install, and in many cases, it takes special equipment, like hydraulic lifts.
Making the Right Choice with Wanshi
The choice of the best travertine tile size is related to the magnitude of your project, design purpose, and utility. Small tiles give a detailed, slip-resistant option; the medium gives adaptation, symmetry; the large tiles are of a futuristic, flowing appearance. Whatever the size, quality must never be compromised.
Xiamen Wanshi is a professional and primary producer of natural stones products and is focused on the provision of high quality, assortment and service. Young designers and world-renowned architects choose to make use of the time they spend with us to experience the sophisticated beauty of travertine and see why Wanshi is the preferred choice of architects and designers all over the world now.