What is Travertine?

Travertine: Colors, Formats, and Sizes for Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne

Travertine is a remarkable natural stone formed by mineral springs, celebrated for its distinctively textured surface and warm, sandy tones. For retailers and showroom owners across Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, it has become the ultimate “problem solver” for the Australian climate. Its high thermal density allows the stone to stay remarkably cool even under the scorching sun, making it the premier choice for comfortable barefoot walking around pools and patios.

Architecturally, travertine is the key to achieving a seamless “indoor-outdoor” flow. By using a smooth finish for interiors and a slip-resistant version for exteriors, property owners can create a continuous, high-end look that brings a resort-style feel to any home.

Available Colors in Travertine

To match the diverse architectural styles found in Australia’s major cities—from the coastal vibes of Brisbane to the modern urban landscapes of Melbourne—our travertine is available in three primary color options:

• Classic (Beige): Warm and inviting, these sandy, sun-kissed tones capture the essence of the coastline. It is the gold standard for creating a bright, breezy atmosphere.
• Silver Premium (Grey): Sophisticated and contemporary, this cool, stony palette features smoky layers perfect for modern, minimalist architectural designs.
• Ivory Light (Cream): These soft, luminous ivory hues offer an elegant, airy finish that opens any space, providing a sense of calm and timeless class.

Formats and Sizes Available in Travertine

Reliant Stones provides a consistent inventory of travertine in various formats to meet specific installation needs:

1. Travertine Tiles and Pavers

We supply 12mm thick tiles, available in honed & filled or honed & unfilled finishes, ideal for indoor flooring or outdoor areas requiring a thinner profile. For heavy-duty applications like pool surrounds and garden paths, our 30mm thick pavers are built to withstand weather extremities while remaining cool to the touch.

2. French Pattern

Available in both 12mm and 30mm thicknesses, the French Pattern uses a set of six pieces to create an artistic, modular look. This format offers great design flexibility for those seeking an alternative to standard linear layouts.

3. Travertine Crazy Paving

For a unique, handcrafted aesthetic, our Crazy Paving uses irregularly sized stones and randomly shaped pieces. This format is perfect for curved walkways and feature walls. We offer this in:

• Classic: Timeless beige and tan irregular cuts.
• Ivory Light: Bright cream tones in random sizes.
• Silver Premium: A bold blend of grey and silver in irregular shapes.

4. Travertine Cobblestones

Ideal for textured paths and stylish entryways, our cobblestones are available in 90x90mm and 100x100mm sizes, with thicknesses of 20mm or 30mm.

• Mesh-Backed: Pre-mounted on flexible backing for rapid, precise installation.
• Loose: Individual pieces for custom, hand-laid patterns and organic curves.

Specialized Finishing Pieces

To ensure a professional finish for complex projects, we supply precision-cut treads, risers, and pool coping:

• Treads and Risers: We offer Pencil Edge and Bullnose Treads (1220x406x30mm) alongside matching Risers (1220x170x20mm). These are suitable for both indoor and outdoor staircases, ensuring a consistent look from top to bottom.
• Pool Coping: Our range includes Bullnose Coping (610x406x30mm), Pencil Edge Coping (610x406x30mm), and the striking Drop Edge Coping (available in 40/20mm and 70/30mm drops). These profiles ensure a safe, seamless transition at the water’s edge.

Where to Install Travertine?

Travertine is a highly versatile natural stone, making it the ideal choice for a variety of residential and commercial settings across Australia. Its unique physical properties—specifically its durability and ability to remain cool underfoot—allow for seamless transitions throughout a property.

Outdoor Entertaining & Pool Areas

Because travertine stays remarkably cool even in the heat of Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne, it is the premier choice for pool surrounds and patios.

• Pool Edges: Using our Bullnose, Pencil Edge, or Drop Edge Coping ensures a safe and stylish transition to the water.
• Walkways & Garden Paths: Travertine Pavers (30mm) , French Pattern and Crazy Paving provide a sturdy, slip-resistant surface for garden trails and organic-shaped walkways.
• Entryways: Mesh-backed or Loose Cobblestones create high-impact, textured entryways that stand up to constant foot traffic.

Interior Flooring

Travertine is perfect for creating an elegant, high-end atmosphere inside the home.

• Living & Dining Areas: Use 12mm Travertine Tiles (Honed & Filled) for a smooth, sophisticated floor that is easy to maintain.
• Wet Areas: Its natural beauty makes it a popular choice for laundry rooms and bathroom floors, especially when seeking an airy, “Ivory Light” aesthetic.

Staircases

With matching Treads and Risers, travertine can be installed on both indoor and outdoor staircases.

• Internal Stairs: Pencil Edge Treads offer a sleek, modern look for contemporary interiors.
• External Stairs: Bullnose Treads provide a comfortable, rounded edge for porch steps or tiered garden levels.

Feature Walls & Vertical Surfaces

Beyond flooring, travertine adds incredible texture to vertical spaces.

• Accent Walls: Crazy Paving  layouts can be used as stunning feature walls in outdoor entertaining areas or internal foyers.

How to clean Travertine?

Travertine is a beautiful, long-lasting investment, but because it is a porous limestone, it requires the right care to maintain its natural luster. To keep your stone looking pristine, follow these essential cleaning and maintenance tips:

1. Seal the Stone Regularly

The most important step in protecting travertine is sealing. Because it is naturally porous, a high-quality penetrating sealer should be applied upon installation and reapplied every 1–3 years (depending on foot traffic and exposure). This creates a barrier that prevents liquids from soaking in and causing deep stains.

2. Use pH-Neutral Cleaners

Avoid using generic floor cleaners, vinegar, lemon juice, or anything acidic. Acid reacts with the calcium carbonate in travertine, causing “etching”—dull marks that look like water rings or cloudy spots.

• Do: Use warm water and a small amount of pH-neutral stone soap or a specialized travertine cleaner.
• Don’t: Use abrasive scrubbing pads or powders that can scratch the surface.

3. Immediate Spill Response

Travertine is sensitive to acidic substances like wine, orange juice, coffee, and salad dressings. If a spill occurs:

• Blot, don’t wipe: Wiping can spread the liquid across a larger area. Blot the spill immediately with a clean paper towel or soft cloth.
• Flush the area with water and a stone-safe cleaner, then pat dry.

4. Routine Maintenance

• Indoor Surfaces: Dust mop or vacuum (with the brush attachment only) regularly to remove grit and sand. Small particles of dirt act like sandpaper and can dull the finish over time.
• Outdoor Areas: For patios and pool surrounds, a garden hose is usually sufficient for regular cleaning. For deeper cleans, use a soft-bristled broom and a stone-safe detergent. Avoid high-pressure washers on a concentrated setting, as they can open up the pores of the stone or damage the grout.

5. Managing “Unfilled” Travertine

If you have unfilled travertine, the natural “voids” or holes can occasionally collect dirt. Use a soft brush to gently agitate these areas during your deep clean to ensure debris doesn’t settle and darken the stone’s appearance.

By following these simple steps, you ensure that your travertine remains a timeless feature of your home for decades to come.