Travertine pavers can make your deck aesthetically pleasing and more conducive for hosting parties or for relaxing. The elegance of a travertine is unmatched by other commonly used materials for decks, like wood. Having a travertine deck is a good way to elevate your home’s appeal and value, too. The natural stone may be durable and guaranteed to last for generations, but there are certain things you must do to make sure that it can indeed last more than a lifetime and to protect its quality. Here are tips on how to take care of your travertine deck:
- Clean your deck routinely – The most important step to keeping your travertine deck in good condition is to clean it at least once a year. Use clean water to rinse off the dirt. If there is too much dirt, a pressure washer should do the trick. Otherwise, use a brush with a soft bristle to remove the dirt.
- Use a specially formulated stone cleaner when necessary – Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach and those with harsh chemicals because these could affect the appearance of the stone. If you are not sure about the formulation of your cleaner, test it first on a small section of deck to see how it will affect travertine.
- Seal travertine – Your deck will always look new if you seal the travertine pavers. Do this if they were not pre-sealed by the supplier. To determine if the pavers need to be sealed, apply a minimal amount of water to their surface. If the tile absorbs it and it darkens, then it needs to be sealed. Determine the porosity, density, and finish of the travertine paver to help you decide which sealant should be used (petroleum or water-based). Better yet, ask your supplier for a recommendation.
- Identify the stain before attempting to remove it – Most surface stains can be removed with the right commercial or household cleaning product. For best results, be sure to identify what type of stain it is to know the exact cleaning method to use. For instance, if there are oil-based stains, start by wiping up excess oil as soon as it spills, or chip it off if it has hardened before using a gentle liquid cleaner (i.e. household detergent, acetone, mineral spirits) to cleanse the affected area. Avoid applying the cleaner directly to the stone. Dampen a piece of wet cloth with it and place it over the stained spot to allow the cloth to absorb the oil.