Natural stone and travertine: where to use them at home and how to care for them

With their warm texture and timeless look, travertine and marble are among the most popular natural stones in villa and residential projects. They age beautifully on floors, in bathrooms, on fireplaces and as wall cladding; but because they contain calcium carbonate, their surfaces can dull on contact with lemon, vinegar and acidic cleaners. Used in the right place and cleaned with neutral products, they last for decades.

What is travertine, and how is it different from marble?

Travertine is a stone with natural pores, formed from limestone deposited by spring water. Marble forms when limestone recrystallises under heat and pressure, and has a denser structure. Both belong to the calcareous (calcium carbonate based) group of stones, so their care rules are similar. Travertine's pores can be filled or left natural.

Where is it used at home?

• Floors: in living rooms, halls and terraces, with its warm tone and matt surface
• Bathrooms: as wall and floor cladding, and on vanity tops (with careful use)
• Fireplaces and feature walls: as a focal point, with its texture and depth
• Furniture: on coffee tables, consoles and table tops
• Outdoors: around pools and on terraces (with frost-resistant types and a suitable finish)

Can travertine or marble be used in the kitchen?

Yes, but knowingly. According to the Natural Stone Institute's care guide, lemon, vinegar or other acidic products can dull or etch calcareous stones, and abrasive powders can scratch the surface (Natural Stone Institute). For lower maintenance, quartz or sintered surfaces are an easier alternative. We also cover this in our kitchen renovation guide.

How do you care for natural stone?

• Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner or warm water with a little mild soap.
• Blot spills rather than wiping, straight away; then rinse with water.
• Avoid acidic limescale removers, mixtures of bleach and ammonia, and abrasive powders.
• Ask the installer how often the sealer should be renewed.

The Natural Stone Institute stresses that sealing does not make stone stain-proof; it only increases its resistance to stains. If acid has etched the surface, a stone restoration specialist should be called to re-polish it (Natural Stone Institute).

“Natural stone is chosen not to be flawless, but to age beautifully.”

Conclusion

In the right place and with the right care, travertine and marble give a space character for years. We are with you in choosing materials and matching them with wood, metal and fabric through our interior design service. We also describe a warm material language in our article on burgundy, brass and travertine.

Frequently asked questions