Travertine: A Natural Stone with a Warm, Distinctive Character
Travertine is primarily composed of lime. Yet this limestone has a different appearance to 'traditional' limestones. This is due to the process involved in its creation.
How Travertine is Formed
Limestone is formed geologically in seas and oceans. In contrast, travertine originates on the mainland, close to hot springs and waterfalls. The hot water from the springs dissolves a portion of the lime. Once the water cools, at the site of a waterfall for example, some of that dissolved lime is deposited against pre-existing layers of limestone. Twigs, leaves and other organic matter also find their way to the bottom of the springs and waterfalls, where they settle amongst the layers of lime. This organic matter decomposes over time, leaving pits and holes in the limestone and creating the characteristically porous texture of travertine.
Similar to the growth rings in trees, the changing seasons create distinctive layers or bands - an interplay between dark and light, narrow and wider zones. The colour variation in travertine is determined by its mineral content. Travertine is most commonly found in hues of beige or cream, but also comes in shades of copper red, blue-grey and brown.
Explore our Travertine Range
The Distinctive Appearance of Travertine
The texture and appearance of travertine is partly determined by the way in which the blocks are cut. Blocks can be cut in two ways:
Travertino Romano Striato Vein Cut - Honed
"Vein Cut": The block is cut so that the bands or veins are exposed. As a result, the characteristic linear texture is visible on the surface of the slabs.
Travertino Romano Striato Cross Cut - sabbiatino
"Cross Cut": The block is cut perpendicular to the linear texture, creating a more cloudy design on the surface of the slabs.
Both cutting methods accentuate travertine's typical pore structure. These pores can be left unfilled, or filled with mastic or transparent resin during production (always before the final finish is applied), or with cement on site during installation. Both the filler and its colour can vary, influencing the final appearance of the stone.
Travertine is easy to work with. Alongside the classic polished and honed finishes, we also apply sandblasted (sabbiatino), arenado, antico and sensato. Each finish gives the material its own texture and light reflection.
Travertine in the Spotlight: Pietra Bicci
Pietra Bicci is a beige, compact travertine from Italy with a fine, cloudy pattern. The material differs from standard travertine through its lower porosity: fewer and smaller pores make the stone denser and more compact than most travertines. Brachot sources Pietra Bicci directly as blocks and saws the required thicknesses in-house to project specifications. Its warm, earthy tones suit both classic and contemporary interiors, as well as Mediterranean architecture. Available in sensato and sawn finishes, among others.
Travertine Applications
Travertine is suitable for both interior and exterior use, and for a variety of applications.
Interior Use
Travertine is a popular choice for floor tiles or wall coverings in kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms. We strongly recommend opting for filled travertine in your interiors. This facilitates the maintenance of travertine floors and prevents water from seeping into the holes in wet areas and damaging your travertine. The latest trend, however, is to use unfilled travertine in the home. In that case, the pores must be filled with grout during installation.
Wall cladding shower in Pietra Bicci
Kitchen worktop & splashback Travertino Nuvole
Stairs in Noce
Wall cladding in Travertino Argento (arenado)
Bathroom in Travertino Titanium (arenado)
Pool copings in Pietra Bicci
Splashback kitchen in Travertino Titanium
Indoor flooring in Travertino Titanium (sanded)
Stairs in Pietra Bicci
Indoor flooring in Travertino Navona Extra (honed)
Indoor flooring in San Pietro (sanded)
Indoor flooring in Pietra Bicci (sensato)
Indoor flooring in Pietra Bicci
Indoor flooring in Pietra Bicci (sensato)
Indoor flooring in Pietra Bicci
Indoor flooring in Noce
Kitchen in Travertino Romano Striato (polished)
Kitchen in Travertino Romano Classico
Exterior Use
Only unfilled travertine is suitable for outdoor application. This is because the filler in filled travertine cannot withstand freezing temperatures. The filler can come lose from the stone in sub-zero weather. Most types of travertine are suitable for use as cladding or exterior flooring, but unfilled. Despite its high porosity, travertine is one of the more durable limestones. This makes it suitable for use in technically challenging installation techniques, such as anchored cladding and tile support systems.
Outdoor flooring in Pietra di Calma
Outdoor flooring in Pietra Bicci
Pool copings in Pietra Bicci
Outdoor flooring in Noce (diamondscoured)
Outdoor flooring and pool copings in Travertin Classic Beige (antico)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the holes in travertine are completely normal — they are a defining characteristic of the material, not a defect. They form during the stone's creation, when organic matter such as twigs and leaves decomposes between the calcium layers and leaves small pockets behind. The number and size of pores varies between varieties: Pietra Bicci, for example, is denser and has fewer, smaller pores, while Travertino Romano Classico shows a much more open pore structure. Whether the pores are left visible or filled is a finishing choice, not a quality issue.
The refurbishment of the HasHotel in Hasselt comprised both a renovation and expansion. A section of the hotel was demolished and replaced with a new structure of neatly arranged prefabricated floors. This poised, elegant and dynamic design with sophisticated details was created by Hasselt-based agency UAU Collectiv. And despite an exceptionally exquisite façade featuring strips of vitrified brick, it’s the natural stone that steals the show. From the moment you enter HasHotel, there’s simply no escaping the travertine.
Baelskaai forms part of Ostend’s new Oosteroever district. This comprehensive development reconciles new and existing architecture with the port and its surroundings. The green interior enhances the project’s liveability and dynamism. A sleek, symmetrical façade with enclosed terraces was constructed for one of the modern apartment buildings using 2,500 square metres of natural stone tiles.
The same maintenance and installation guidelines apply to travertine as for limestone and marble. Acidic products are obviously not recommended. We advise facilitating indoor maintenance by impregnating the surface, particularly in stain- and moisture-prone areas. Use a detergent that’s suitable for natural stone for everyday maintenance, and occasionally apply a protective care agent for added stain resistance.
Always consult the supplier's technical information sheet to familiarise yourself with the various applications, installation method and maintenance requirements of your favourite travertine.