The Ultimate Travertine Tiles & Pavers FAQ's

💎 What is Travertine and Why Choose It?

• What is Travertine?

  • Travertine is a beautiful, 100% natural stone belonging to the limestone family.

  • It is formed near natural hot springs and is neither true limestone nor marble, though sometimes mistakenly called Travertine Marble.

  • It has been a prized building material for millennia, famously used in ancient structures like the Roman Colosseum.

• Why is Travertine Superior for Outdoors?

  • Cool Underfoot: Travertine is naturally heat-resistant and remains comfortable to walk on, even in intense direct sunlight during hot summer months, unlike concrete or brick.

  • Natural Non-Slip Surface: The porous, tumbled finish effectively absorbs water, creating a surface that is practically non-slip and ideal for pool decks and wet areas.

  • Exceptional Durability: With a compressive strength of around 8000 PSI (much higher than most manufactured pavers), travertine is incredibly durable and can last for centuries.

• What Colors are Available?

  • The primary colors are Ivory (off-white, beige, tan), Walnut (very light brown), Noche (brown), and Gold. Silver and Grey. White is also a specialised option with us.

📏 Sizes, Finishes, and Patterns

• What is the Standard Thickness?

  • Travertine Pavers (Outdoor): Typically come in a substantial 20mm or 30mm thickness for optimal durability and stability in outdoor settings, including driveways. 

  • Travertine Tiles (Indoor/Outdoor): Standard thickness is usually 12mm.

• What are the Common Finishes?

  • Tumbled: Features a rustic, textured, and porous surface. Recommended for all outdoor areas due to its superior slip resistance.

  • Honed: A smooth, matte finish suitable for indoor-only applications. Offers a more refined appearance.

  • Polished: A smooth, shiny finish that offers a luxurious, high-gloss look. Recommended for internal use only as it can be too slick when wet.

• What is the French Pattern?

  • The French Pattern (or Ashlar Pattern) is a popular, pre-determined laying style using a mixed set of four different size pavers/tiles. When laid correctly, the pieces interlock to create a unique, classic, and seamless look without any repeating joints.

💧 Installation and Maintenance

• Is Sealing Necessary?

  • No, it is not strictly mandatory, but it is highly recommended.

  • Sealing enhances the stone’s rich color and provides crucial protection against spills and stains, especially in indoor areas or high-traffic/entertaining patios.

  • For Salt Water Pools, sealing is essential. Use a high-quality, water-repellent impregnating sealer (like a Modified Silane Sealer) that penetrates the stone without blocking the natural pores.

• Can it be Used in Cold Climates?

  • Yes, premium-grade travertine performs well in cold, freeze/thaw climates.

  • For outdoor installation in freezing areas, use a flexible adhesive, such as FlexBond or a similar crack-prevention mortar, to prevent cracking caused by the freeze/thaw cycle.

• How Should I Clean Travertine?

  • For routine cleaning, use a soft mop and cleaners specifically formulated for natural stone.

  • Crucial Rule: NEVER use acidic cleaners, vinegar, or bleach. Travertine is calcium-based and acidic chemicals will etch and damage the stone surface permanently.

  • For heavy-duty cleaning, concentrated stone and tile cleaners are available.

• How Do I Remove Stains?

  • Identify the source of the stain (e.g., oil, rust, organic matter) and use a suitable poultice designed for natural stone to draw the stain out of the porous material.

• Should the Natural Holes in Tumbled Travertine be Filled? 

  • Generally, no, not for outdoor pavers. Leaving the natural holes open is what makes the surface highly porous and helps with water absorption and slip resistance.

  • For interior tiles, the holes are often filled with grout or epoxy to create a smooth, cleanable surface.

• What Grout/Joint Material Should Be Used? 

  • For outdoor pavers laid on a compacted base, a Polymeric Sand or Decomposed Granite material is often recommended for the joints to allow for flexibility and drainage.

  • For tiles laid on a concrete slab, a non-sanded or fine-sanded grout that complements the stone’s color should be used.

🚚 Purchasing and Logistics

• How Much to Order for Waste/Cuts?

  • You should typically allow 5% to 10% extra for waste, cuts, and minor breakage. The supplier claims a very low breakage rate (a mere 5%) due to quality control.

• What is the Minimum Order Size?

  • Travertine is sold by the piece (for pool coping) or by the square meter (for tiles/pavers).

  • Products are securely packed in crates to prevent damage, and the minimum purchase is generally a crate or pallet quantity (e.g., French Pattern Pavers often contain 25m² per crate).

• Can I See the Actual Lot Before Buying?

  • Yes, the supplier will provide high-resolution pictures of the current pallet lot upon request, including pieces laid out to show color and texture variations. Warehouse inspections are also available upon request.

• What is the Return Policy?

  • The standard policy allows a 21-day return on unused material, provided it is in its original, uninstalled condition and returned on the original packaging/pallet.

  • Be aware of restocking fees for material returned in excess of requirements, and special orders are non-returnable.

• What About Travertine Tiles Price?

  • While prices range from $44m2 to $89m2, please contact us  directly for the most competitive price m² as we have factory-direct rates and shipping options nationwide.