If you think that travertine stone is all the same, this is not so. There are quality differences and also different types of looks and finishing processes. Many people wonder which type is the best to use. You might have certain questions such as:

What are the differences between honed, filled and tumbled?

Honed travertine , whether it be travertine stone or travertine pavers, has been polished, or sanded, in layers so as to remove many of the imperfections. Natural travertine can have many nooks and crannies. Honing removes many of these holes.

Filled travertine are stones where the existing holes have been filled. This creates a smoother look to the stone.

Tumbled travertine are actually tumbled to give cut pavers a rougher appearance. If you compare tumbled travertine pavers to those that are not tumbled, you will notice a difference in the edges. The tumbled stones have rougher edges and the corners are less defined. Tumbled pavers are usually not honed or filled.

Should travertine stone be sealed?

This is actually a personal preference. Sealing enhances the color, without giving any shine to the stone. It also helps protect the stone. That being said, sealing is not necessary.

Is it better to dry lay the travertine pavers or set them in mortar?

Dry laying the travertine is the answer. This gives a more natural look. It is an easy installation. Any movement over time can easily be rectified by adjusting the position of the travertine. In addition, it is much less expensive. Think of them similar to concrete pavers.

Are there differences in the travertine from various companies?

Yes, there definitely is. It is also important to get samples so that you know if the look is what you want. Some companies do very little honing or filling on their travertine pavers that are not tumbled. There will be many holes. Although this is not a functional problem, it can be an aesthetic one.

There are also various color choices from different companies.

A good company will provide travertine stone that has been finely honed and sometimes slightly filled. The colors will be those that are attractive. They will also provide samples, which is so important.