• Travertine tile lends Old World charm to countertops.Rock texture image by oddech from Fotolia.com
  
  Travertine is a member of the calcium carbonate family, a close relative of limestone, according to BestTravertineTile.com. It has been used as a building material since the days of ancient Rome, and can contribute an Old World look and feel to your interior. Travertine tile product classifications include polished, honed, and tumbled.
  
  

Polished

• Polished travertine may sound like an ideal choice for a kitchen or bath countertop. A smooth surface with a sheen to it can add an air of sophistication to some of the most used spaces in your home. The polishing process typically involves filling some of travertine's natural pitting and troughs, finishing it by applying a sealant. But it does require some care. Travertine is naturally softer and more porous than, for example, marble or granite, which means moisture can infiltrate, leaving a stain. Though the polishing process adds protection, you should still do your best to keep water from pooling on the countertop for long, as stains may result. Acids such as vinegar or citrus juices--even coffee and wine--can also cause stains. This extra care may sound troublesome, but even keeping synthetic Corian in good shape requires similar vigilance. Adding the classical look of travertine to your home may be well worth the extra effort.
  
  

Honed

• Honed travertine is another good choice for your countertops. Like polished travertine, it is also filled and may be sealed (If it is not sealed when you purchase it, be sure to have it sealed before installation). However, it is not buffed to a high sheen. Still a very attractive material, it also requires vigilance relative to contact with moisture or acids. If well cared for, it will enhance your kitchen, bath, or bar countertop for years.
  
  

Tumbled

• Tumbled travertine tile is neither filled nor polished. Its look is more "antiquated" or "natural," according to ServiceMagic.com, as the troughs in the stone are readily apparent. Tumbled travertine, like other finishes, comes in an array of warm, muted tones, such as ivory, beige, cinnamon, and even gold, "depending on the level of naturally occurring iron in the stone," according to the site. So although the exposed pitting and troughs of the stone demand a higher level of care, the classic appeal of tumbled travertine tiles is beyond compare.