travertine kitchen worktop

[DelGirl]

Has anyone got travertine and wished they hadn't. Does it stain easily?

It needs to be sealed well !!!

SIL has it on her kitchen floors and regrets it. It stains terribly despite being sealed. It's very high maintenance.

Definitely not recommended for kitchen work surface irrespective of how well its sealed. Please note that 'sealing' as a word can be it bit misleading as it implies that the product is now ready for any amount of use. The 'sealing process' is the application of a stain inhibitor (like Lithofin) and all this does is creates a barrier to dirt and stain. Its only as good as its weakest spot and it breaks down in time and needs reapplication.

When you consider that Cararra marble is a much denser and stronger material and is still very prone to staining and impact damage, travertine in any form is not the best worktop surface material.

If you want the travertine look, consider some of the travertine replica quartz worktops.

Thanks for your replies. It is used a fair amount here, I'm in Italy. I want something really practical so i'll look at the granite. The travertine I've seen has been filled, smoothed and polished so looks like it would withstand a lot of wear but now I've read these and other reviews I'll have a rethink.