What this covers
Travertine is a limestone formed around springs, with natural holes that are factory-filled or left open. It comes honed, polished or tumbled and is often laid in a Versailles pattern of mixed sizes. It is set over a rigid substrate in mortar, grouted, and sealed; unfilled holes are grouted during installation. Its warm tones suit sunrooms, kitchens, baths and patios.
When to call
- A sunroom, kitchen, bath, courtyard or patio in a warm palette.
- A Mediterranean or southwestern style home.
- An indoor-outdoor floor that continues onto a terrace.
What to expect
- ChooseFilled or unfilled, honed or tumbled, and the pattern.
- Substrate and layoutA rigid base is prepared and the pattern dry-laid.
- Set and groutStone is set in mortar, cured, and grouted, filling any open holes.
- SealSealed to resist stains, then trim and a walk-through.
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Questions people ask
What are the holes in travertine?
Natural voids left as the stone formed. Filled travertine has them packed at the factory; unfilled stone is grouted on site for a rustic look.
Is it slippery?
Honed and tumbled finishes are not. Polished travertine is kept to dry areas.
Can it go outside?
Yes, in climates where it will not freeze with water in its pores. In freezing regions it is used indoors or under cover.
Related: Natural stone flooring · Marble flooring · Porcelain tile flooring · All flooring
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