Travertine Grades Demystified: What You Need to Know Before Making a Purchase from Stone Depot's blog

Since the dawn of civilisation, Travertine has been a preferred building material. The Colosseum in Rome, Sacre Coeur in Paris, and the Willis Tower (originally Sears Tower) in Chicago are well-known structures made of different types and grades of Travertine tiles and pavers. Given this, you could question whether travertine flooring is out of date.

NO!

Due to their many advantages, Travertine pavers and tilesare still widely used today. It is Australia’s most popular choice among landscapers, architects and homeowners due to its durability and ease of usage. Additionally, it has effective thermal and acoustic insulating qualities. Travertine pavers are a fantastic option for pool decking because of their wonderful looks as well as for practical reasons. Various types and grades of Travertine pavers and tiles are available in the market.

However, when looking at types and grades of Travertine, you must keep a check on a couple of things. Here are those:

Choose a good Travertine supplier: Pick a reliable and reputable natural stone supplier. It is strongly advised that you consider a company that (ethically) sources Travertine from the top quarries globally. Additionally, be sure to approach a vendor with a strong and dependable customer service so that you can receive continuous assistance while looking for tiles. One such supplier that offers different types of Travertine is Stone Depot.

Examine the Travertine quality: Travertine paver and tile quality is determined by grades. It is strongly advised that you always choose premium quality because it has consistent colour variations and fewer pores on its surface. Additionally, high-grade Travertine has consistent cuts.

Different finishes of Travertine tiles – Travertine tiles are classifieds according to their finish:

·        Polished

·        Honed

·        Filled

·        Brushed

·        Chiselled

Let’s understand these facets a little deeper to make the right choice.

Understanding Travertine Grades

Based on uniformity and quality, Travertine is generally graded. Each grade offers a distinct level of quality and pricing, ranging from commercial grade to premium grade.

·       

Commercial Grade

The most affordable grade of Travertine is called commercial grade. It is frequently utilised for large scale commercial projects where cost is one of the important factors while choosing a building material. Travertine of commercial quality may contain numerous inherent flaws including cracks and pores. Compared to better Travertine paver and tile grades, it also has a duller appearance.

·       

Standard Grade

Travertine of standard grade is superior to commercial grade. It is more uniform in appearance and has fewer flaws. This grade of Travertine pavers and tiles is appropriate for residential applications when both quality and pricing must be considered.

·       

Premium Grade

The best grade of Travertine that is available in the market is premium grade. There are hardly any discolouration, and the pores are minimum which makes it seem quite uniform. When quality is a major priority for high-end residential and commercial projects, premium-grade Travertine is frequently employed.

Various Finishes of Travertine Tiles and Pavers

There are different types and grades of Travertine, you can also find various finishes of Travertine. There are three main finishes tumbled, honed and polished Travertine.

·        Tumbled Travertine

The Travertine style known as tumbled Travertine has a more rugged, organic appearance. There may be more rigidity and pitting on the tile or paver surface. The appearance of this Travertine is the most authentic of the three. It is in motion in all directions. Tumbled Travertine is typically seen/used in backsplashes, spas, showers and outdoor areas. Here in Australia, it is also common as flooring in homes decorated in Spanish or 

Tuscan design. 

You have more restrictions on the sheens you can get on tumbled Travertine pavers and tiles. Many people adore the high gloss appearance, but tumbled Travertine’s rougher texture makes achieving it challenging.

·        

Honed Travertine 

Comparatively speaking, tumbled Travertine is more traditional than honed Travertine. This particular form of Travertine usually has a smoother surface and edges. Travertine tiles or pavers can be made to look honed by grinding one side of the tile. Honed Travertine pavers and tiles are used indoors for flooring and backsplashes in patios, walkways, and swimming pools. Honed Travertine can be filled or unfilled depending on the style you want. 

Honed Travertine typically has a matt finish that gives a luxe feel to the space. If you were looking for a higher sheen on your natural stone product and went with honed Travertine, we suggest getting a higher-grade Travertine to ensure aesthetic beauty. Some leading natural stone suppliers in Australia, like Stone Depot, offer Honed Travertine with tumbled edges.  

·        Polished Travertine

Travertine that has been polished is among the popular types. This elegant, cutting-edge, refined style exudes a high-end and opulent feeling. Like Travertine that has been honed, polished stone is given a bright surface by grinding one side with abrasive grits.

Since polished Travertine can become slick when highly shined, we advise staying away from areas with frequently present water. Polished Travertine often has a semi-gloss or high-shine surface, which is quite simple to restore if they fade over time.

The best finish that is usually recommended by architects and landscapers is Honed and Tumbled Travertine pavers and tiles that help achieve the best design possibility. It is because this, Travertine style has all functional and design benefits. All of these different types and grades of Travertine should be sealed before installation so that they do not lose their natural texture over time and also minimise the damage from strains.

Explore Different Types and Grades of Travertine Pavers and Tiles

Travertine pavers and tiles are natural stones that can offer style and beauty to any setting. It is adaptable and resilient. There are many types and grades of Travertine pavers and tiles to pick from, whether you’re searching for a flooring solution or a decorative accent for any project.

Every grade of Travertine, from commercial to premium, has distinct characteristics and ranges in price. To choose the right sort of Travertine for your project, it is crucial to comprehend the variations among the grades.

The right Travertine pavers or tiles for you will depend on your budget, the style and function of your space, and your personal taste. No matter the type or colour you choose, investing in premium quality Travertine is a smart choice that will provide years of beauty and durability to your space.