What Is Travertine Tile? Types, Finishes and Uses
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Travertine is a natural stone with a warm, earthy look, known for soft color shifts and small natural pits. It is popular for floors, showers, backsplashes and patios. This guide explains what it is, the colors and finishes you will see, and how to choose it.
What travertine is
Travertine is a type of limestone formed by mineral-rich water, usually near hot springs. As it forms, small gas pockets leave holes in the stone, and layers of minerals create bands of color. These holes and bands are what give travertine its look.
Compared with marble, travertine is usually warmer in tone, with beige, ivory, gold and brown colors, and it has more texture on the surface. Marble is usually cooler and has veining. Both are natural stones, both are softer than porcelain and both should be sealed.
Colors you will find
At Tilefornia, travertine comes in these main colors:
- Ivory: a light, creamy neutral. See Ivory travertine.
- Noce (brown): a deeper, warm brown, often with strong banding. See Brown Noce travertine.
- Scabos: a mix of tan, gold and brown tones with a rustic look. See Scabos travertine.
- Durango, Walnut, Silver and Gold: other options in the range from light beige to dark brown and gray-toned.
Color varies from tile to tile and from lot to lot. Order a sample to see the real color in your light.
Travertine finishes
The finish changes how travertine looks and feels. See our finishes page for photos.
- Tumbled: edges and corners are softened, and the surface has a worn, aged look. A popular choice for floors and rustic rooms.
- Honed: smooth and flat with a matte surface. A cleaner, more modern look.
- Brushed: lightly textured, with a soft, aged surface. Often used for floors and outdoor areas.
- Polished: glossy and reflective. Used less often, mostly on walls.
Filled and unfilled
Travertine has natural holes. Filled travertine has the holes packed with a cement or resin filler, so the surface is smooth. Unfilled travertine leaves the holes open for a rustic look. Check the product title for which one you are buying. Unfilled tile is often used with a grout that fills the holes during installation.
Where to use travertine
- Floors: kitchens, living areas, entries and bathrooms. Honed, tumbled and brushed finishes suit floors, because they are less slippery than polished.
- Showers and bathrooms: walls and floors, sealed well.
- Backsplashes: subway, mosaic and herringbone patterns.
- Patios and pool areas: brushed or tumbled tile gives more grip. Check that the specific product is meant for outdoor use, and ask about freeze-thaw conditions in your area before you buy.
- Fireplaces and accent walls.
Travertine tile sizes and shapes
Field tiles come in common sizes such as 6x6, 12x12 and larger. Smaller formats include 3x6 subway and 2x4 brick. Mosaics come in 1x2 herringbone, hexagon and other patterns. Matching trim includes pencil, chair rail, stair nosing and baseboard. Our trim guide explains each piece.
Travertine vs marble
| Travertine | Marble | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Warm, earthy, natural pits and bands | Cooler, with veining |
| Colors | Ivory, beige, gold, brown | White, gray, black, cream, many veined tones |
| Texture | More surface texture | Smoother |
| Care | Seal; avoid acids | Seal; avoid acids |
Both stones can etch from acids and both need sealing. Choose travertine for a warm, rustic or Mediterranean look. Choose marble for veining and a more formal look.
Caring for travertine
- Seal after installation, and test with water now and then. See our guide on sealing marble, which applies to travertine too.
- Clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Avoid vinegar, lemon, bleach and ammonia.
- Sweep often, because grit scratches stone.
- Blot spills right away.
- Use mats at entries.
See the stone care page for more.
Common questions
Is travertine good for floors? Yes, in most rooms. Honed, tumbled and brushed finishes are common choices.
Is travertine slippery? Polished surfaces can be. Honed, brushed and tumbled finishes give more grip. Check the product details.
Does travertine need sealing? Yes. It is porous, and sealing helps protect it from stains.
Is travertine the same as limestone? Travertine is a kind of limestone, with a distinct look from the pits and banding.
Can travertine be used outside? Some products are suitable. Ask us about your climate and the specific tile first.
Shop travertine
Browse all travertine tile, then order a sample to check color and finish. Shipping is free, and large orders go by freight.
General guidance only. Check product details for finish, size and suitability for your project.