How to Make Travertine Textured Concrete Stone or Tile for Pennies

There are a couple of casting techniques that can be used to achieve the aged look of Travertine from concrete molds at a cost of pennies. The cast stone texture can either be the natural rough finish, or the smooth cut finish of polished Travertine. The basic techniques for casting them are the same, but are enhanced during the finishing and installation process. Simply put, one is left rough with the holes and voids left unfilled. The other involves grouting the stone and filling some or all of the holes and voids during or after installation. The following baking soda and rock salt techniques can be used individually or together depending on the results desired. Be sure to dust in (sprinkle) your contrasting colors into the mold before filling it with your base-colored concrete. Color dusting is covered in other articles on the subject of coloring.

What is Natural Travertine Stone? Travertine is a dense, closely compacted form of limestone found mostly in banded layers. Most Travertine is white or cream colored, though there are also browns and peach colors. The word Travertine comes from an old roman name for Tivoli, a town in Italy where there are large deposits of this material. While natural Travertine is used more for wall and floor tile, it works well in any room of the house, especially living areas, bathrooms and kitchens. One benefit of the cast concrete Travertine is that it can also be used for exterior applications like patios and walks. For protection of either, a sealer is recommended. It should especially be used on counter tops to prevent deep stains.

What is Cast Concrete Travertine Stone? The main technique for creating the texture of Travertine in concrete is the use of a mold that offers some of these voids, cuts, worm holes, etc., integrated within the mold. Then to enhance that texture, you use a medium like baking soda and/or rock salt, and a finishing technique that enhances the static design in the mold. One of the main benefits of this method is that each stone made is totally unique--- just as with real stone. The variations and voids in the surface of real Travertine are created over millions of years by the compressed bones, shells and the skeletons of sea creatures. In cast concrete Travertine--- it is created using Travertine base-design concrete molds, baking soda and rock salt.

Two Techniques Using Baking Soda in Casting Concrete Travertine Stone: When used dry baking soda distorts the surface of the concrete similar to that of limestone or soapstone. When you add moisture to the baking soda, you create a paste-like consistency. This paste will introduce voids and pits replicating the look of Travertine. You can combine both the dry and wet methods for stunning effects. The mold release will normally hold the baking soda in place. When using baking soda on the face of molds, where you will be pouring concrete in over it, a little care should be exercised to keep it in place. The same holds true for rock salt. Depending on how heavy-handed one gets with the baking soda clumps, the effect can be made to resemble anything from light weathering to heavily worn and deeply pitted Travertine surfaces. One technique is to pour out a small pile, then mist it lightly with water. If you use the baking soda dampened, you can toss fairly large amounts into areas of the mold where it will stick for a very deeply pitted effect. A combination of the two methods results in a most pleasing natural Travertine textured finish. When tan and yellow colors are added to the concrete using a marbleizing technique, and/or concrete stains are employed on the completed stone, it is very difficult to imagine that the stone is not real travertine.

Two Techniques Using Rock Salt to Cast Concrete Travertine Stone: There is the "surface" application and a "mold face" application of the rock salt technique. Each is for a different type of installation, but both give similar results. One of the main benefits of both types of treatments is that it increases the slip-coefficient of the concrete---making it less slippery. A concrete "surface" salt treatment in the construction industry is typically done on flat surfaces such as sidewalks, poured patios, pool decks, etc. The concrete is placed, screed off, then floated. Then the rock salt is hand cast onto the surface, and then troweled down into the wet concrete so it lays just at the surface. Once the concrete has dry, the salt is dissolved by water and washed away leaving a holes and voids. The mold face application is when the rock salt is placed on the oiled, (with mold release), face of the concrete mold. The producer then carefully shovels the concrete mix over the rock salt taking care to move the salt as little as possible. Once the salt-covering layer of concrete is in the mold, the mold is filled to the thickness desired and vibrated lightly. There is no concern for bug holes, as they would only enhance the look of the Travertine in this case. Be sure to sprinkle, or dust, your contrasting colors now.

One final thought when you're casting concrete to represent something like Travertine--- you may want to think about the base color of the concrete. Gray cement with plain sand and gray aggregate may produce less than desirable results for very light colors. Using white Portland cement or a mix of white and gray Portland cement when using yellow or brown (when you want to get a tan color) concrete colorant may give you something closer to what you're looking for--- a natural looking Travertine stone finish.

About the Author

John McKenzie Panagos founded Olde World Stone and Tile Molds in 1992. As an industry pioneer, he is an authority in the DIY stone and tile mold products segment of the concrete industry. He's written numerous training manuals and articles for the manufactured stone industry.
CLICK HERE
for more information, photos, and DIY instructions or
HERE TO EMAIL ME

Miracles of Moving Heavy Objects in the Past Revealed

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions GB Auctions

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

14k White Gold 3 Stone Present Past Future 45ct Diamond Engagement Ring $295.00 Time Remaining: 29d 6h 17m Buy It Now for only: $295.00 Buy It Now

1 2 CT TW Diamond Three Stone Past Present Future Ring in 14K White Gold $300.00 Time Remaining: 51m

ROLLING STONES Through The Past Darkly RARE 1970 GERMAN LP EX $10.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1h 39m

Platinum 172ct Diamond 3 Stone Past Present Future Eternity Ring Estate Jewelry $2,815.30 Time Remaining: 25d 23h 26m Buy It Now for only: $2,815.30 Buy It Now

2 CARAT Wedding Anniversary RING 3 STONE Sz 5678910 PAST PRESENT FUTURE $17.99 Time Remaining: 4h 43m

3 SM Nuumite Healing Crystal Tumbled Stone Past Lives Magical Healer RARE $5.86 Time Remaining: 9d 1h 59m Buy It Now for only: $5.86 Buy It Now

THE STONE STRENGTH OF THE PAST by R Fisher Centennial History of SUNY Geneseo 71 $2.99 Time Remaining: 6h 59m

VINTAGE 14k 3 STONE DIAMOND PAST PRESENT FUTURE ENGAGEMENT WEDDING 2 Ring Set NR $100.00 Time Remaining: 7h 40m

36 CT CZ Princess Cut 3 Stone PAST PRESENT FUTURE 925 Sterling Silver Ring $39.99 Time Remaining: 23d 1h 4m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now

ESTATE DIAMOND 3 STONE PAST PRESENT FUTURE ENGRAVED 14K Ladies Ring 160 GOLD $255.00 Time Remaining: 7h 56m

87ct G Si1 transitional cut 3 stone past present future diamond ring 14k WG $699.99 Time Remaining: 26d 6h 57m Buy It Now for only: $699.99 Buy It Now

Through The Past Darkly Big Hits Vol 2 The Rolling Stones LP hexagonal GATEF $3.99 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 8h 10m

Through The Past Darkly Big Hits Vol 2 The Rolling Stones LP NON Hex GATEFOLD $3.99 Time Remaining: 8h 13m

3 Stone Past Present Future Diamond Wedding Engagement Ring set $3,500.00 Time Remaining: 6d 8h 10m Buy It Now for only: $3,500.00 Buy It Now

1 2CT Three 3 Stone Diamond Pendant 14K White Gold Past Present Future New $399.00 Time Remaining: 8h 16m Buy It Now for only: $442.89 Buy It Now

14k Yellow Gold 3 Stone Present Past Future 50ct Diamond Ring $325.00 Time Remaining: 3d 8h 34m Buy It Now for only: $325.00 Buy It Now

50Ct 3 Three Stone Past Present Future Diamond Pendant $449.00 Time Remaining: 8h 18m Buy It Now for only: $498.39 Buy It Now

Zales New 14K 3Stone Past Present Forever Princess Diamond Band Ring White Gold $549.99 Time Remaining: 26d 23h 44m Buy It Now for only: $549.99 Buy It Now

26 CARAT GOLD EP CZ 3 STONE ROUND PAST PRESENT FUTURE Ring Size 5678910 $24.99 Time Remaining: 8h 58m

The Rolling Stones Past And Present Radio Show 1982 $62.75 Time Remaining: 11h 32m Buy It Now for only: $69.75 Buy It Now

Platinum Emerald Diamond Engagement 3 stone Past Present Future Ring Estate $3,290.00 Time Remaining: 19d 11h 56m Buy It Now for only: $3,290.00 Buy It Now

Vtg 1969 Rolling Stones Through The Past Darkly Big Hits Vol 2 Lp Hex Cut $12.99 Time Remaining: 17h 54m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 Buy It Now

925 Silver 3 Stone Past Present Future Gemstone Ring 5 Colors $14.99 Time Remaining: 11d 5h 14m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 Buy It Now

Decoding the Past The Real Sorcerers Stone DVD 2009 $5.99 Time Remaining: 21h 25m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 Buy It Now

Through the Past Darkly Big Hits Vol 2 by Rolling Stones The CD $3.25 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 39m

VARISCITE SPECIMEN IN MATRIX STONE OF ENCOURAGEMENT PAST LIFE EXPLORATION $10.00 Time Remaining: 27d 20h 37m Buy It Now for only: $10.00 Buy It Now

VINTAGE DIAMOND 3 STONE PAST PRESENT FUTURE SIGNED AMERICAN BEAUTY RING 14KT $99.00 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 56m

Round 3 Stone Past Present Future Dangle Setting Sterling Silver $8.90 Time Remaining: 12d 22h 34m Buy It Now for only: $8.90 Buy It Now

THE ROLLING STONES THROUGH THE PAST DARKLY 1969 ISSUED VG+ LP $4.99 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 57m

A2 NEW SILVER cz PAST PRESENT FUTURE 3 STONE Ring 6 $9.95 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 58m

Round 3 Stone Past Present Future Pendant Setting Sterling Silver $8.12 Time Remaining: 12d 22h 39m Buy It Now for only: $8.12 Buy It Now

ROLLING STONES PAST AND PRESENT ROCKIN RAMBLERS DR 1002 LP $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 10h 11m

Tacori Sterling Silver 925 Clear CZ Past Present Future Three Stone Ring Size 7 $89.99 Time Remaining: 28d 4h 23m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 Buy It Now

Rolling Stones Through The Past Darkly Vinyl Led Zeppelin Pink Floyd Beatles $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 10h 17m

Vintage All Clear Rhinestones Necklace With 3Stones Past Present Future $17.99 Time Remaining: 29d 13h 15m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 Buy It Now

14K Yellow Gold 3 Stone PAST PRESENT FUTURE Round Diamond Engagement Ring $749.00 Time Remaining: 1d 23h 53m

American Legion Auxiliary Past President Pin with Stones $9.95 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 4m

Rolling Stones Big Hits Sticky Fingers Through The Past Darkly 3 ea 8 Track Tape $25.00 Time Remaining: 4d 8h 14m Buy It Now for only: $25.00 Buy It Now

American Legion Auxiliary Past President Pin with 8 Green Stones $9.95 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 8m

14K Solid White Gold 3 4ct Diamond Past Present Future 3 Stone Ring Size 65 $249.99 Time Remaining: 28d 2h 55m Buy It Now for only: $249.99 Buy It Now

Crystal Zircon Three Stones Past Present Future Adjustable Trinity Finger Ring $1.88 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 41m

22 Carats Diamond Ring 3 Stone Past Present Future Engagement Ring 14k Gold $3,960.00 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 44m

925 STERLING SILVER PAST PRESENT FUTURE BEAUTIFUL SIMULATED 3 STONE RING SIZE 5 $25.95 Time Remaining: 19d 22h 49m Buy It Now for only: $25.95 Buy It Now

Dark Green Crystal Three Stones Past Present Future Adjustable Trinity Ring Sz7 $1.88 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 53m

Sterling Silver 925 Three Stone Journey Past Present Future CZ Bar Pendant $14.99 Time Remaining: 24d 9h 30m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 Buy It Now

AB Coating Crystal Three Stones Past Present Future Lady Trinity Finger Ring Sz7 $1.88 Time Remaining: 2d 9h 2m

Rolling Stones Through The Past Darkly Big Hits Vol2 Record $12.99 Time Remaining: 2d 9h 11m

WWF Wrestling Legends of the Past Present Figures NIB Undertaker Stone Cold $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 8m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now

14K White Gold Past Present Future 3 Stone CZ Engagement Ring Size 6 250CTW $38.76 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 9h 15m

100ct K VS2 Si1 Past present future 3 stone diamond Ring 14k YG $799.99 Time Remaining: 26d 6h 3m Buy It Now for only: $799.99 Buy It Now

THE ROLLING STONES THROUGH THE PAST DARKLY 1st PRESS MONO UNBOXED DECCA $6.27 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 12m

Diamond 14k 3 Stone Past Present Future Drop Pendant Necklace Sale Price: $1,210.00   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product

Invisible Roots: How Healing Past Life Trauma Can Liberate Your Present List Price: $17.95 Sale Price: $13.46 You save: $4.49 (25%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description What happens when psychological problems and physical symptoms stubbornly persist even with the most advanced methods of cure? This problem confounded many of psychotherapist Dr. Barbara Stone's clients, who could not shake phobias, addictions, depression, anger, pain, chronic fatigue, and other physical conditions, no matter what they tried...

Tears In The Rain Sale Price: $2.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product

Through The Past Darkly (Big Hits Vol.2) Sale Price: $9.49   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product

Through The Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2) List Price: $18.98 Sale Price: $13.17 You save: $5.81 (31%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description This second greatest hits collection serves up the band's classic mid- '60s period, capped off by the death of Brian Jones for whom this collection is dedicated. Having made their breakthrough with hits that challenged the status quo, the Stones were in no mood to calm down...

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past [Blu-ray] List Price: $14.98 Sale Price: $9.49 You save: $5.49 (37%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Starring Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner and directed by Mark Waters (Mean Girls), Ghost of Girlfriends Past seems to be lacking some of the chemistry we have seen from the stars in similar romantic comedies, but is still entertaining and worth a watch...

Shadows of the Past Round Stone Coaster Set List Price: $13.99 Sale Price: $11.99 You save: $2.00 (14%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description This set of 4 coasters are made from a stoneware material that continually absorbs moisture to protect fine furniture. A durable cork backing further protects furniture from scratches. Each set contains four (4) coasters...

Echoes of the Past: Royal House of Stone [Game Download] List Price: $10.99 See Reviews For This Product Description Start by taking an incredible journey in time. You find yourself in the medieval kingdom of Orion. Reveal an ancient curse and save the kingdom and its inhabitants. The last prince of Orion is waiting for your help! Open the weird locks and explore every room of the castle in Echoes of the Past: Royal House of Stone...

Like Eating a Stone: Surviving the Past in Bosnia List Price: $15.00 See Reviews For This Product Description The Bosnian Wars matched the conflagration of World War II in intensity, if not scope. Both saw the decimation of cultures, attempted genocide, and what can only be called terrorism on a mass scale: warfare directed primarily against a civilian populace...

WWF LEGENDS PAST AND PRESENT- STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN, ANDRE THE GIANT, AND THE UNDERTAKER See Reviews For This Product Description WWF LEGENDS PAST AND PRESENT- AUSTIN, ANDRE, AND UNDERTAKER

Divine Justice (Paperback) $9.89 Oliver Stone is in hiding from the U.S. government, but his comrades in the Camel Club are doing everything they can to protect him. Nevertheless, in David Baldacci`s thrilling DIVINE JUSTICE, Stone`s past keeps pulling him back into Washington`s power...