A crystalline limestone that has a layered structure, travertine has fissures and cavities that, depending on the intended application, are often filled with a resin or with cement. Its palette of warm earthy colors makes travertine very popular for flooring, both exterior and interior.

A type of stone flooring that can add beauty and value to your home. Travertine is a natural sedimentary rock that belongs to the limestone family. Travertine’s color palette usually resides within the confines of earth tones ranging from almost white and pale ivory to rich shades of red and brown. In most types of travertine there are noticeable color and veining variations that affect the overall coloration of travertine flooring or other travertine surface.

Travertine is a sedimentary rock that begins as a limestone. Over time, geological sifting forces the limestone deep within the earth. The porous nature of limestone makes it a great liquid reservoir. Limestone absorbs water from aquifers, which are enormous underground pools formed by ice age melting. Heated by the earth’s inner core, the water rises as steam, forming hot springs and geysers below. If enough time transpires, mud beds consisting of limestone and other minerals cool and crystallize into solid travertine. The cooling process results in the extraordinary small holes or cavities while minerals in the stone create unique variations in color and veining. These variations contribute to travertine’s natural beauty. Usually a cream or reddish color. It is formed through the accumulation of calcite from hot springs. It contains lots of holes that were formed from water flowing through the stone. These holes are often filled with synthetic resins or cements. Requires lots of maintenance if the holes are not filled. Classified as a limestone and a marble. It is available in colors ranging from ivory to golden brown. The holes and cavities may be filled with matching Portland cement, colored epoxy, or polyester resins.

1. The cut of the stone can have piloted or cushioned edges. Stones can be polished, honed, flamed, or acid-washed or tumbled to fit specific design needs.
2. Travertine can be cut on either a “vein” cut which is against the bedding which reveals the bedding planes or a “fleur” cut which is along the bedding plane reveals a flowery, often circular pattern. This cut is also referred to as a “crosscut” pattern.
3. Travertine can be filled, usually with cement filler, or left unfilled for a more rustic appearance. Travertine comes in several shades of crème/beige, brown, pink, and gold, and is available in a number of different tile sizes.
4. Types of Travertine
1. Unfilled: Travertine with naturally occurring holes.
2. Filled: Travertine with naturally occurring holes filled with a mixture of hardener and dust obtained from the cutting and honing process.
3. Polished: During production, a facet is put on each crystal at a microscopic level – much as a jeweler would facet a diamond. The resultant smooth surface allows light to reflect in and out of a stone in a parallel way. This enhances the visible sheen and gives the appearance of depth and luxury.
4. Honed: A smooth, non-reflective finish achieved by grinding the surface.
5. Tumbled: An antique look achieved by rounded corner and edges.