Every finish of natural stone , so does the travertine tile , which all owns their merit or dismerit. Yeah, tumbled travertine is a hard tile, but is subject to scratching and staining just like limestone, slate or no-tumbleds. It isn't as hard as granite , but is more cost effective to install. Here we will share some information of it with you:
Tumbled travertine has a rough pitted surface because of the naturally occurring pores and holes in the rock which are left intact. For many homeowners, the textured surface of tumble travertine has a rustic appeal which enhances home décor. However, the holes must be filled with grout during installation. If left unfilled, debris tends to gather in the holes. Water also collects in the holes when it rains which accelerates wear and tear. Grout helps to maintain the structural integrity of the tiles.
Due to its textured surface, tumbled travertine creates a less slippery surface than the polished type. It is also the easiest to walk on. This makes it suitable for poolside areas. The textured surface also gives it a higher resistance to etching than the honed variety. It is best to use a cleaner to wash tumbled travertine. Cleaners that contain ammonia or strong additives can damage the tile surface. Due to its high porosity, tumbled travertine isn’t as durable as polished and honed travertine. Water infiltration tends to weaken the tile structure and makes it more susceptible to cracks.
refer from www.stonebtb.com