Before you reach for your pen and paper, rest assured, there’s no need for calculations here – we’ve done all the math for you. Travertine grades are a standard measure of quality control used to differentiate premium quality material from commercial quality material. At Tile Stone Direct, as quarry owners, we only stock premium quality travertine because we believe no other grade can endure the elements and weather changes effectively. But how can you tell the difference? Here’s a helpful guide to distinguishing premium quality travertine from commercial quality travertine.
Texture
The characteristic cobbled texture of travertine imparts a rustic, cozy feel. Natural travertine, irrespective of grade, comes with small holes and indents. The key difference between premium and commercial quality travertine lies in the number of holes and how they are filled. Tile Stone Direct’s travertine pavers and pool copings have minimal holes, and large holes are filled with a special filler, never cement, to reinforce the travertine’s strength. In contrast, commercial quality travertine has numerous holes, with large ones left unfilled, making it easy for water and snow to penetrate, leaving the travertine soft and susceptible to damage. Tile Stone Direct stands by each paver and coping we produce, with a dedicated quality control team at our quarry in Turkey inspecting every item before it is packaged and shipped to the United States.
Color
One of the beauties of natural stone is its color variation – no two stones are exactly alike. However, there’s nothing more disappointing than selecting a stone color and receiving material that looks completely different. Commercial quality travertine exhibits heavy variation, with some pieces being almost black or having large dark spots. Premium quality material maintains consistent color throughout the lot without large dark spots or veins. While all travertine, whether commercial or premium, will have some variation, that’s part of what makes it unique. For instance, Tile Stone Direct’s Silver Travertine features light grey veining throughout the stone, giving it movement and life. But what we show you in our warehouse is exactly what you will receive.
Durability
Travertine is a material that has stood the test of time. The Romans used it for their bathhouses, and the Greeks for their metropolises. However, not all travertine is created to last. Holes in commercial quality travertine expose the stone to water and melting snow, weakening it and making it prone to breaking and popping up from the ground. That’s why selecting a stone with minimal or filled holes is crucial. Although the lower price of commercial quality stone may be tempting, it is not designed to last, especially in areas with hot summers and cold winters or extreme weather conditions like hurricanes. Even temperature fluctuations between day and night, particularly in regions where nights are cold and days are hot, can be too much for commercial quality travertine.
Tile Stone Direct maintains hands-on quality control at our quarry, hand-selecting only the best travertine, marble, and limestone for stocking in the United States. Our quality control team inspects each product upon arrival, and we stand by our materials 100%.