Travertine Tiles

Travertine is a natural limestone, formed by calcium carbonate deposits around hot springs and in limestone caves. It is quarried stone, not a printed look-alike, which is why every tile has its own veining and colour. It suits classic and contemporary schemes equally, and works indoors and out.

At TFO, travertine tiles start at $39 per square metre and run to $99 per square metre depending on finish, size and format. Mosaics are priced by the sheet rather than by area, from $20 a sheet, and work out dearer per square metre than standard formats. Travertine generally costs less than marble while giving you the same natural stone character. We import direct from the manufacturers, so you are buying at outlet prices.

Yes. We sell full-sized samples from $5, so you are looking at the real tile rather than a small chip. Natural stone varies batch to batch, so this is the only reliable way to see how a colour reads in your own light. Samples are non-refundable.

Sweep or vacuum first, then mop with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid anything acidic, so no vinegar, no lemon and no standard bathroom spray, as acid etches the stone. Wipe spills as they happen rather than letting them sit. For the full method, read our Complete Guide to Cleaning Travertine Tiles.

Yes. All of our natural stone needs sealing. Travertine is porous, so a penetrating sealer protects against stains and moisture without changing how the stone looks. Reseal every three to five years indoors, and every one to two years outdoors or around pools.

It depends on the finish. Polished travertine can get slippery. Tumbled and brushed finishes have enough surface texture to hold grip, which makes them the better choice for bathrooms, ensuites and pool surrounds.

Yes, and it is one of the better natural stones for it. Travertine stays cool underfoot in direct sun and handles harsh sun, heavy rain and coastal salt air without fading. Tumbled and brushed finishes are the right call outdoors for the extra grip.

With proper care, 50 to 100 years. Travertine holds up in high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens and entryways. Indoor installations tend to outlast outdoor ones because of less weather exposure, though regular sealing keeps outdoor travertine performing for decades.

Match the grout to the tile or go one shade lighter. Beige, cream and light grey all work well. A contrasting grout fights the natural variation in the stone instead of letting it show.

Travertine is natural stone, so it asks a little more of you than porcelain does. It is porous and needs resealing every few years to keep stains out. It is softer than porcelain, so grit tracked in at an entry point will mark it over time. And polished finishes get slippery wet, which is why we stock tumbled and brushed for bathrooms and pool surrounds. None of it is hard to manage. Sealed and swept, travertine lasts 50 to 100 years.

Tumbled has a weathered, rustic feel and grips well, so it is the usual pick for wet areas and outdoor spaces. Honed is smooth and matte, which suits interiors. Brushed sits between the two with a soft texture that works in either. Some finishes come filled, where the natural pits are smoothed for a uniform surface, and others are left unfilled for more texture.

A paver is thick enough to carry weight on its own. A tile is not, so it has to be bonded to a solid surface like concrete with adhesive and grout. Travertine tiles are usually 12mm or 15mm, which suits indoor floors, walls, bathrooms and covered outdoor areas. Pavers are around 30mm and can be laid straight onto a compacted base, which is what a driveway, a large patio or a pool surround needs. You will
find a few thicker French pattern formats in this collection, with the full paver range under our travertine pavers.