what is travertine floor tile? exploring its origins and composition
by clé tile | published: Jan 03, 2025
backsplash: clé zellige 2x6 in argon brown; floor: pantry pavers 6x6 in sand
you could say we’re a little bit obsessed with stone. it’s intimately connected to our natural history, and each slab is unique from the next. stone tiles are no different — every tile tells its own story with one of a kind veining and coloring.
travertine is a popular choice for flooring and tiling projects, known for its timeless beauty and durability. in this article, we’re delving into what travertine tile is, how it forms, what sets it apart from other types of tile, and where you can install it in your home.
what is travertine tile?
travertine tile is a type of natural stone tile that forms from mineral deposits in natural hot springs or limestone caves. it is characterized by its unique texture and appearance, with naturally occurring pores caused by carbon dioxide escaping to the stone’s surface. these small holes can be filled or left unfilled, depending on the desired look.
more specifically, travertine is a type of limestone. where limestone forms out of the organic remains of marine organisms such as coral and shells, travertine forms when mineral-rich water flows over that limestone.
the formation process of travertine
travertine forms in limestone caves or around hot springs. calcium carbonate mixes with other minerals and settles into layers, eventually getting pressed into stone. meanwhile, trapped gases within the rock escape and create the characteristic pits and voids found in travertine.
it’s a process that takes (quite literally) millions of years, making travertine a truly timeless addition to any space.
travertine deposits at mammoth hot springs in yellowstone national park; photo courtesy of jenean newcomb
where does travertine come from?
travertine is found in abundance in regions with limestone deposits and geothermal activity. think: italy, turkey, mexico, china, peru, and spain.
italy, particularly the tivoli region east of rome, is renowned for its high quality travertine. in fact, the word travertine is derived from the Italian travertino, which comes from the latin tiburtinus, meaning “of tibor.” (tibor is tivoli by another name.)
turkey is also a major producer of travertine, with quarries in denizli and afyonkarahisar.
what is travertine floor tile made of?
travertine floor tile is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, which is the main mineral found in limestone. it also contains other minerals and impurities, which contribute to its color variations and unique patterns.
the most common colors of travertine include beige, ivory, walnut, and gold, although it can also be found in shades of gray and red. our pantry pavers and lapidary collections have beautiful examples of the variation that’s possible with travertine.
lapidary long oval in red travertine. design: mary welch fox design / photo: margaret wright
exploring the characteristics of travertine tile
travertine tile offers several distinctive characteristics that make it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. (natural beauty, durability, and longevity are just a few of them.) keep these in mind as you compare tile options — porcelain vs travertine, for example.
natural features and aesthetics
clé founder deborah osburn once described travertine tile as having “a similar visual sensibility as that of wood,” and we think it’s an apt description. every tile has linear veining that echoes wood grain, along with coloring that is primarily monotone. like wood, travertine can function as a muted natural accent in a wide variety of spaces.
variations in colors and patterns
every travertine tile is unique, with variations in color and veining that add depth and character to any space. its many shades are stunningly neutral, ranging from soft ivory and beige to bolder gold and red. if you’re one to embrace pattern, you’ll love the natural texture present in travertine tile.
texture and finish types
speaking of texture: you’ll find travertine tile in a variety of textures and finish types. some travertine tiles, such as those in our pantry pavers collection, are tumbled to give them a lived-in look that is also soft underfoot. others, such as those in our rough-cut mosaics collection, are honed to create a smooth finish that teeters between matte and satiny.
that’s not all, either. you’ll also find travertine tiles with polished, brushed, or even completely natural finishes, depending on the texture and aesthetic you are going for. travertine tiles may also be filled to conceal its natural pits and voids (but we’re all about embracing travertine in its perfect imperfections).
longevity and durability
travertine is a durable flooring material that can withstand heavy foot traffic and everyday wear and tear. it’s also resistant to scratches and stains, making it a great option for busy areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.
travertine can also withstand temperature fluctuations, meaning it’s a great option to consider for your outdoor spaces. with proper care and maintenance (more on that in a moment) this type of tile can last decades.
maintenance and care
with durability in mind, travertine is porous and generally needs regular sealing in order to prevent water absorption and staining. how often you do this depends on where the tile is installed, how much water exposure it sees, and much patina you’re willing to embrace. (we’re ones to embrace patina in all its forms.)
on a more everyday basis, travertine floor tile can be cleaned fairly easily with sweeping or vacuuming, followed by mopping with a ph neutral cleaner. as always, something gentle is best here.
where to install travertine floor tile
travertine tile can be used in many different applications, including flooring, countertops, backsplashes, and outdoor patios. its natural warmth and elegance complement a wide range of architectural styles.
looking at travertine flooring specifically, this tile is suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, including:
living rooms
the warmth and natural beauty of travertine make it an excellent choice for living areas where comfort and aesthetics are paramount. and with so many tile shapes and sizes to choose from, you can go for a custom look here.
kitchens
travertine’s durability and resistance to moisture make it an ideal material for kitchen floors as well. another bonus? this tile material can give your kitchen a beautifully rustic and lived-in feel.
bathrooms
because travertine offers most slip resistance than most types of natural stone tile, it’s an especially great fit for the bathroom. we’re especially big fans of using a mosaic tile option on the bathroom and shower floor. (the extra grouting takes that slip resistance even further.)
bedrooms
want to invoke a mediterranean sensibility in your bedroom? or infuse an organic-meets-elegant feel? travertine tile could be just the thing your space needs.
entryways and foyers
make a lasting impression with a grand entrance featuring the timeless beauty of travertine tile. as we just mentioned, travertine offers more slip resistance than most stone surfaces (an added bonus).
outdoor patios and pool decks
its natural texture and slip-resistant surface make travertine an excellent choice for outdoor spaces, where it can withstand exposure to the elements. one caveat? outdoor travertine tile is not always freeze/thaw rated, so it’s best to avoid using it outdoors in climates that see freeze/thaw cycles.