Formed by Water, Not Pressure
Travertine is the odd one in a stone showroom. It didn't form deep underground under crushing pressure — it formed at the surface, in hot springs and limestone caves, as mineral-rich water evaporated and left calcium carbonate behind
layer by layer. Gas escaping through that process left small voids in the stone. Those holes are travertine's signature, and understanding them is most of what you need to know before buying it.
Travertine runs warm: ivory, beige, walnut, noce, and silver-grey. Silver and grey travertine has become the go-to for modern projects because it carries the texture without the earth tones. The color comes from iron and other minerals in the original water, so it's genuine to the stone rather than applied.
Travertine runs warm: ivory, beige, walnut, noce, and silver-grey. Silver and grey travertine has become the go-to for modern projects because it carries the texture without the earth tones. The color comes from iron and other minerals in the original water, so it's genuine to the stone rather than applied.
The Holes Are the Decision
Every travertine slab has natural cavities. What varies is what's done with them:
- Filled — voids are grouted with color-matched resin or cement, then the surface is finished flat. Practical for countertops and floors, and the standard for most interior applications.
- Unfilled — voids left open. More texture, more character, more traction — and more to clean. Common outdoors and on feature walls.
- Filled and honed — the most common combination for interiors: smooth, matte, and low-maintenance without the glare of polish.
Get Expert Advice on Your Project
Travertine gets specified for the wrong projects more than any stone we sell. Tell us where it's going and how it'll be used,
and we'll tell you honestly whether it's the right call — and what to look at instead if it isn't.
and we'll tell you honestly whether it's the right call — and what to look at instead if it isn't.
Vein-cut greys and silvers read nothing like the beige tumbled tile of twenty years ago. Come see the range in person,
or call and we'll tell you what's on the rack right now.
or call and we'll tell you what's on the rack right now.