Transform Your Space with Travertine Tile Restoration
Travertine tile adds a touch of elegance to any home or business.
However, this beautiful natural stone can lose its shine and be damaged over time.
If your travertine floors, showers, or countertops in Los Angeles look worn, our expert restoration services can help.
Common Travertine Problems We Address:
Dullness: We restore the natural shine and luster of your travertine.
Scratches and Etches: We carefully remove surface damage caused by daily wear and tear or acidic spills.
Stains: We use specialized cleaning techniques to eliminate tough stains.
Cracks and Chips: We expertly repair cracks and chips, ensuring a seamless finish.
Porousness: We seal your travertine to protect it from future damage and staining.
Lippage: We can level uneven tiles for a safer and more aesthetically pleasing surface
Our Travertine Restoration Process:
Assessment: We begin with a thorough inspection to determine the extent of the damage.
Cleaning: We use specialized, pH-neutral cleaners to remove dirt and grime without harming the stone.
Repair: We repair cracks, chips, and holes with color-matched fillers.
Honing & Polishing: We hone and polish the surface to remove imperfections and restore shine
Sealing: We apply a high-quality sealant to protect your travertine from future staining.
Our Comprehensive Process
We follow a meticulous restoration process for all travertine surfaces:
- Grouting – Repair and replace deteriorated grout lines to prevent moisture damage and improve appearance
- Honing – Remove scratches, etches, and damage to create a smooth, even surface
- Polishing – Restore the natural shine and luster of your travertine
- Sealing – Apply professional-grade sealants to protect against future stains and damage
Why Choose JK Marble?
Experienced and certified stone restoration specialists.
Use of professional-grade equipment and techniques.
Commitment to exceptional customer service.
We offer free estimates and competitive pricing.
We serve Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
Don’t let damaged travertine diminish the beauty of your space.
Contact us today for a free quote, and let our travertine tile restoration experts in Los Angeles restore your natural stone to its original glory!
Before
After
Travertine Pros and Cons
Pros
- Natural rustic Old World visual beauty
- Budget-friendly natural stone cost
- Varied vein patterns with holes/pits
- Multiple finish options altering looks
- Matches a wide range of design styles
- Cool underfoot feel soothing sore feet
- Easy to clean with damp mopping
- Stain-resistant when properly sealed
- Durable for moderate residential traffic
- Eco-friendly, abundant natural material
- Can mimic marble or limestone aesthetics
- High skid resistance when textured
Cons
- Naturally porous, requiring frequent sealing
- Prone to etching from acidic liquids
- Finishes scratch easier than granite or quartz
- Salt and hard water residue shows noticeably
- Lippage unevenness is common, needing pads
- Patchy appearance if some holes get filled
- Natural vein color inconsistencies
- Spills are difficult to remove from holes/texture
- Not suited for hefty traffic
- Frost and freeze/thaw damage out externally
- Slight maintenance improves longevity
- Metallic ink accents contrast over time
Common Travertine Tile Problems Los Angeles
Travertine tile is a popular choice for homes in Los Angeles due to its natural beauty and durability.
However, like any natural stone, it’s susceptible to specific issues.
Here’s a breakdown of common travertine tile problems in Los Angeles:
1. Cracks and Chips:
Causes: Travertine, formed from compressed marine exoskeletons, has natural bubbles.
These can be just below the surface and can crack or open when subjected to pressure, such as high heels or sharp objects. Also, improper installation or insufficient floor reinforcement can cause cracks.Quick Fixes: Minor cracks and chips can be repaired.
However, a successful repair requires the correct materials and skill to match the color, secure it, and hone the surface.Professional Repair: If the damage is extensive or quick fixes fail, a professional can assess the damage and provide practical repair using color-matched epoxy compounds, honing, and polishing. In extreme cases, replacement may be necessary.
2. Staining:
Cause: Travertine is porous, making it prone to staining from spills, dirt, and even water.
Solutions:
Sealing: Regular sealing creates a protective barrier, making the stone more resistant to stains. This is recommended every 2-3 years.
Immediate Cleaning: Blot stains immediately with a soft cloth or sponge, avoiding rubbing, which can spread them.
Cleaning Solution: Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
Professional Help: For tough stains, consult a professional.
3. Etching:
Cause: Acidic substances can cause a chemical reaction that results in dull or discolored areas on the surface.
Prevention: Avoid using acidic cleaners; use pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for natural stone.
Solutions: If etching occurs, professionals can restore the surface using fine-grit sandpaper, stone polish, and sealant.
4. Scratches:
Causes: Travertine is relatively soft and can scratch from everyday wear, moving furniture, or pets.
Prevention: Avoid dragging heavy furniture across the tile. Use furniture pads to protect the surface from scratches and gouges.
Solutions: Clean the scratched area with a stone cleaner. Gently sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper.
Rinse and dry, then apply stone polish to restore the shine.
5. Lippage:
Cause: This is an uneven surface caused by tiles not being leveled during installation.
Prevention: Hire a professional installer experienced with travertine to ensure tiles are leveled adequately during installation.
Solutions: Lippage can be addressed by removing and re-installing the affected tiles or using a stone grinder to ensure all tiles are level.
6. Efflorescence:
Cause: A white, powdery residue caused by mineral salts from the setting bed rising to the surface after water exposure, such as flooding.
Solutions: This can be cleaned by professionals, but it may reoccur until the stone is completely dry.
7. Spalling:
Cause: Salts crystallize below the surface of the stone, causing pitting.
Solutions: A qualified professional can test the stone for salts and provide appropriate solutions.
8. Yellowing and Discoloration:
Cause: Iron deposits within the stone can oxidize when exposed to water, causing yellowing or browning.
Prevention: Regular sealing can help. However, oxidation can occur even after years.
9. Holes and Voids:
Causes: Travertine is naturally porous and can develop holes or voids over time.
Solutions: These can be filled with epoxy resin for a smooth surface and to prevent dirt accumulation.
Professionals can also fill in the holes in the stone for a more easily maintained surface.
General Maintenance Tips for Travertine Tiles in Los Angeles:
Regular Cleaning: Clean with a pH-neutral cleaner specifically made for natural stone. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners.
Sealing: Seal travertine every 2-3 years to protect it from stains and moisture.
Use Rugs and Mats: Place rugs and mats in high-traffic areas to trap dirt and sand.
Professional Cleaning and Maintenance: Schedule professional deep cleaning, polishing, or honing every 2-3 years or as needed.