Limestone & Travertine Flooring Types

Types of Travertine

• Travertine is available in three different grades: premium, standard and commercial -- also known as first, second and third grade. Premium grade has a uniform thickness with very little filler added. Standard grade also has a uniform thickness, but with more filler added. Commercial grade travertine contains the most filler and may not have a uniform thickness. All three grades of travertine are usually available in shades of beige and light brown.

Cuts and Finishes of Travertine

• Travertine naturally has many pores on it's surface. You can leave it untreated, for a natural look, or apply a coat of resin for a smooth, polished look. Travertine can be cut along the grain, which gives it a linear look, or in a fleuri or cross cut. The fleuri cut exposes a random, circular pattern, but is not recommended for high-traffic areas.

Types of Limestone

• Different granite companies have different methods for determining the grade of limestone. However, the grading is determined by the degree of fineness of the particles in the stone. Limestone is formed from sedimentary materials such as coral or shells and comes in a great variety of colors ranging from whites, creams and grays all the way to greens and blues. Because limestone absorbs water, all types should be treated with a sealant.

Finishes of Limestone

• The most common finish for limestone is polishing. This creates a clean, shiny look. But limestone also can be honed and tumbled. Honed finishing involves polishing the limestone until it appears matte. This look hides scratches and is easy to maintain. A tumbled finish creates a slightly pitted surface with rounded corners for a natural feel.