THE MOST TRUSTED PLACETO BUY TRAVERTINE®SINCE 2007

FAQ

Answers about travertine, marble, limestone and Shellstone pavers, tile and pool coping. Learn how to compare materials, plan delivery and care for natural stone.

Choose natural stone for your project

Compare the material, surface finish and dimensions before you choose a product. The setting method, drainage and local climate also affect performance.

What is the difference between travertine, marble, limestone and shellstone?

Travertine is a type of limestone formed by mineral-rich water. Its visible pores are part of its natural structure. Marble forms when limestone or dolostone changes under heat and pressure; it often has distinct veining. Limestone is a sedimentary stone. Our Shellstone range is limestone with visible shell and fossil fragments. These materials have different appearances and installation requirements. Compare the exact products, rather than choosing by material name alone.

Which natural stone pavers can I use for a pool deck or patio?

Our catalogue includes travertine, marble, limestone and Shellstone pavers for outdoor projects. Select a surface finish intended for the area. Have your installer check wet-area requirements, drainage, the base and the local climate. No natural stone surface is slip-proof. Keep the surface clean and remove algae, debris and standing water. Compare pool deck and patio pavers.

What is the difference between stone pavers, tiles and pool coping?

Pavers are thicker units used in outdoor paving systems. Tiles are thinner units installed over a suitable prepared substrate. Pool coping forms the edge of the pool and has a specified edge profile. These products are not interchangeable. Check thickness, support, intended use and edge dimensions on the product page.

Can I use natural stone pavers on a driveway?

Driveways need products and a base designed for vehicle loads. Smaller formats, such as 6×12 travertine pavers, can be an option when the exact product and installation are approved for that use. A 3 cm thickness or a small format alone does not establish suitability. Ask your installer to confirm the product, vehicle loads, base depth and edge restraints before ordering.

Which stone tiles can I use in a kitchen or on a covered porch?

Select a tile listed for the intended use and install it over a suitable substrate. A covered porch can still become wet or freeze. Check the finish, drainage and climate as well as the substrate. Use Floor Finder to compare options, then check the individual product page. Pavers should not be substituted for tiles without reviewing the installation design.

What does a tumbled, honed, leathered or sandblasted finish mean?

Tumbling softens edges and changes the surface texture. Honing produces a smooth, matte surface. A leathered finish has texture and a low sheen. Sandblasting gives stone a finely textured surface. The exact texture varies by stone and process. Order a sample to compare finishes. A finish name does not replace a wet-slip test or an installation specification.

Will natural stone become hot in direct sunlight?

Yes. Any paving surface can become hot in direct sunlight. Stone color, exposure, air temperature and surface conditions affect how hot it feels. Lighter stone may feel cooler than darker stone in the same conditions, but it is not guaranteed to stay cool or safe for bare feet. Compare samples in the conditions where the stone will be used.

Are natural stone pavers non-slip?

No paving surface is slip-proof. Surface texture can affect traction, but water, algae, dirt, sealers and wear can change it. Ask for any test information available for the exact stone and finish. Keep wet areas clean and provide drainage. Do not assume that pores, a matte appearance or a textured finish guarantee safe traction.

Travertine pavers, tile and pool coping

Travertine has a long history as a building stone. Select its thickness and finish for the application, and understand its natural pores and color range.

What is travertine?

Travertine is natural limestone deposited by mineral-rich water, often around springs. It is cut into pavers, tile and coping. It is sometimes sold under names such as travertine marble, but it is not marble. Its pores, bands and color changes are natural features.

What are travertine pavers?

Travertine pavers are natural stone units used in outdoor paving. Our range includes multiple colors, rectangular sizes and French Pattern sets. Check each product for its thickness, finish, crate coverage and recommended uses. Browse travertine pavers.

Why choose travertine pavers for a pool deck or patio?

Travertine offers natural color variation, surface texture and a choice of modular formats. Tumbled travertine has softened edges and an open surface character. These features can suit a traditional pool deck, patio or walkway. Base preparation, drainage, installation and care remain essential. Compare samples with the surrounding pool finish, walls and landscaping.

Where do Travertine Mart's travertine pavers come from?

Our travertine pavers are sourced from Turkey. Travertine also occurs in other countries. Country of origin alone does not establish a stone’s grade or performance. Check the specific product details and any laboratory results supplied for that material.

How thick are your travertine pavers and tiles?

Many of our travertine pavers are listed at 1.25 inches thick. Selected products are available at 2 inches. Travertine tile is thinner, with thickness shown on each product page. Do not use one product’s thickness for another. The application and installation system determine which thickness is appropriate.

What does the finished surface of travertine look like?

Tumbled travertine has softened edges and visible surface texture. Honed travertine is smoother and matte. Filled and unfilled surfaces differ in how visible the pores are. Select a finish from the actual product range and review a sample. A polished interior finish should not be assumed suitable for a wet outdoor deck.

Are holes and pores in travertine defects?

Visible pores and holes are normal features of travertine. Their size and distribution vary. Natural surface features differ from transit damage or an installation defect. Review the product description and sample before purchasing. Inspect delivered material before installation and contact us about any damage or material that does not match the order.

Are travertine pavers durable?

Travertine has been used in buildings and paving for centuries. That history does not guarantee the life of every installation. Stone selection, support, drainage, jointing, climate and maintenance determine performance. Review the laboratory data associated with the exact product and use a suitable installation system.

Can travertine be used in a cold climate?

Suitability depends on the exact stone and installation. Review any freeze-thaw results listed for that product and design the base and drainage for the local conditions. Travertine Mart’s limited warranty covers only the specified Premium Select travertine pavers and coping under its stated installation conditions. Flexible mortar installations are included, subject to the full warranty terms. Read the 1-Year Limited Warranty before selecting a system.

Can travertine be used around a saltwater pool?

Discuss the exact stone, salt exposure, drainage and care requirements with your installer before ordering. Keep salt deposits and concentrated pool chemicals off the stone. If you choose to seal, ask the sealer manufacturer to confirm compatibility with the stone and exposure. A sealer does not prevent all salt or chemical damage. The limited warranty excludes saltwater and chemical damage.

Which travertine finish should I choose around a pool?

Tumbled travertine is a common choice for pool decks because of its textured appearance and softened edges. Confirm the exact product’s wet-area suitability with your installer. Provide drainage and keep the deck clean. Do not choose a polished finish for a wet deck without specific evidence that it meets the project’s requirements.

Can I get uniform travertine color?

Natural travertine is not uniform. Minerals and deposits produce variation in color, veins and pores. Even stone sold under one color name can vary between pieces and lots. Review a sample and current-lot photographs, then blend pieces from multiple crates during installation.

Which travertine colors do you offer?

Our catalogue includes Ivory, Ivory Swirl®, Silver, Walnut, Noche, Leonardo, Country Classic and other named selections. Names identify product ranges, not a fixed color on every piece. Check current photographs and order samples. Compare travertine colors and formats.

What is French Pattern?

French Pattern combines four sizes: 8×8, 8×16, 16×16 and 16×24 inches. A common nominal 16 sq ft module uses two 8×8 pieces, one 8×16 piece, two 16×16 pieces and one 16×24 piece. Packaging and crate coverage vary by product. Confirm the supplied layout and quantities before installation; do not infer crate coverage from the pattern name.

Marble pavers and marble pool coping

Our marble range includes light and grey selections in several surface finishes. Compare each finish and color as a separate product.

Can marble pavers be used outdoors?

Our outdoor marble pavers are listed for uses such as pool decks, patios and courtyards. Check the exact product, finish and thickness for the project. Outdoor pavers differ from polished interior marble tile. Your installer must confirm the base, drainage, local climate and wet-area requirements. Browse marble pavers.

What is the difference between leathered and sandblasted marble pavers?

Leathering produces a textured surface with a low sheen. Sandblasting creates a finely textured, matte surface. These processes can change how the same marble color appears. Compare samples of the exact finishes in daylight and when wet. Neither finish name guarantees slip resistance.

What color are Bianco Ibiza marble pavers?

Bianco Ibiza has soft white, pale ivory and light grey tones with subtle natural movement. Our current range has a leathered finish and is listed at 3 cm thick. Formats include French Pattern, 6×12, 12×24, 16×24 and 24×24. Compare Bianco Ibiza marble pavers.

What color are Tahoe and Tundra Grey marble pavers?

Tahoe is a grey marble selection with silver and white movement. Tundra Grey has a grey background with silver, charcoal and cloudlike movement. Both ranges include leathered and sandblasted products. Treat them as separate selections; do not assume identical lots or performance. Compare Tahoe and Tundra Grey samples.

Is Vanilla marble a beige or grey stone?

Our Vanilla marble is described as pale warm grey with soft greige tones. The sandblasted surface can soften its appearance. Lighting, surrounding finishes and natural variation affect how it looks. Review a sample rather than selecting from the color name alone. See Vanilla marble pavers.

How do Carrara Ice, Crema Bella and Pearl marble differ?

Carrara Ice has a white and light silver background with darker silver veins. Crema Bella has a light beige and silver background with darker silver movement. Pearl has an ivory background with light and dark brown veins. Available finishes and formats differ by range. Check each product page and compare samples before matching pavers to coping.

Do you sell marble pool coping?

Yes. Our Pearl marble range includes tumbled pool coping in listed sizes such as 6×12 and 12×24. Coping is priced by linear foot rather than by paver area. Confirm the edge profile, dimensions, pool design and crate quantities before ordering. A marble paver does not automatically have a matching coping product.

Will marble pavers stain, scratch or etch?

Marble can stain and its surface can scratch. Acids can etch marble, changing its texture or sheen. An impregnating sealer can improve stain resistance, but it does not make marble acid-proof or prevent scratches. Use compatible cleaners, remove spills promptly and protect the surface from concentrated pool chemicals.

Does the travertine warranty cover marble pavers?

No. Travertine Mart’s 1-Year Limited Warranty expressly excludes marble. It applies only to the stated Premium Select travertine pavers and coping, subject to its conditions. Review the exact product information and warranty document before ordering.

Limestone and Shellstone pavers

Light limestone and Shellstone require particular care during handling, installation and sealing. Their natural fossils and pores are part of the material.

What are limestone pavers?

Limestone pavers are natural sedimentary stone cut for outdoor paving. Our Premium Select limestone range has off-white, beige and light tan tones with natural shell and fossil markings. Current products are listed at 3 cm thick in French Pattern and rectangular or square formats. Browse limestone pavers.

What is Shellstone?

Our Shellstone products are natural limestone with visible shell and fossil fragments. They are not concrete pavers or a manufactured shell coating. The pale cream, off-white, beige and light tan tones vary from piece to piece. Review a sample to understand the texture and fossil character. See Shellstone pavers.

What is the difference between Shellstone and the other limestone pavers?

Both ranges are natural limestone. Shellstone is selected for visible shell and fossil character. The other limestone selection also has natural variation and can contain small fossil fragments. Compare their actual color, texture and markings in samples. Do not assume that one range’s test data applies to the other.

Can I use limestone or Shellstone pavers around a pool?

Our product descriptions list outdoor uses such as pool decks, patios, paths and courtyards. The exact stone still needs an appropriate installation, drainage and care plan. Discuss wet conditions, pool chemicals, salt exposure and climate with your installer. A light color or fossil texture does not establish slip resistance or chemical resistance.

Which sizes of limestone and Shellstone pavers are available?

The current ranges include French Pattern, 6×12, 12×24, 16×24 and 24×24. They are listed at 3 cm thick, approximately 1.25 inches. Crate coverage differs by format. Check the current product page for dimensions, coverage and purchase options.

Why do limestone and Shellstone need special installation materials?

Our product instructions require mineral-free sand and/or white thin-set, as appropriate for the project, and sealing on both sides before installation. These light, porous materials can stain or discolor if handled or installed incorrectly. Your installer must select compatible setting materials and a sealer approved for the stone and installation system. Test compatibility before work begins.

Should limestone and Shellstone be sealed before installation?

Yes. Our limestone and Shellstone product instructions call for sealing both sides before installation. Confirm the sealer’s compatibility with the stone, setting material and bonding method. Follow the product instructions and the installer’s approved specification. Sealing reduces some staining risks; it does not make the stone stain-proof, acid-proof or maintenance-free.

Are shells, fossils and pores in Shellstone defects?

Shell fragments, fossils and pores are natural features of Shellstone. Their distribution and appearance vary. Transit breakage and material that does not match the order are separate matters. Inspect the delivery before installation and contact us about any damage or discrepancy.

Can I use limestone or Shellstone in a freezing climate?

Do not assume suitability from the material name alone. Ask for performance information for the exact product and have your installer review freeze-thaw exposure, drainage and the setting system. Our 1-Year Limited Warranty excludes limestone and Shellstone. Confirm your project requirements before ordering.

Are limestone and Shellstone covered by your limited warranty?

No. Our 1-Year Limited Warranty excludes limestone, including Shellstone. Their product pages also state the installation and sealing requirements. Read the warranty document and the specific product instructions before purchasing.

Installation, sealing and care

Use the instructions for the exact stone and installation system. Care products should be approved for the material and finish.

Can stone pavers be installed over existing concrete or asphalt?

An overlay needs a site-specific design. Your installer must inspect the existing surface for movement, cracks, drainage and height clearances. Repairs alone do not make every substrate suitable. Do not install pavers directly over asphalt or concrete without an approved system. Check the stone thickness, bonding method and load requirements first.

Do I need to seal travertine?

Sealing travertine is optional. You can choose whether to seal it. A compatible impregnating sealer can reduce some staining. It does not make stone stain-proof or prevent acid etching. If you choose to seal, confirm compatibility with the installer and sealer manufacturer. Follow the selected product’s application and maintenance instructions. Limestone and Shellstone have separate pre-installation sealing requirements.

How do I clean travertine, marble, limestone or Shellstone?

Remove loose dirt with a soft broom or dust mop. Use a pH-neutral cleaner approved for the stone and follow its dilution instructions. Rinse as directed and remove excess water. Do not use vinegar, lemon-based cleaners or acidic descalers on these calcium-based stones. Test unfamiliar products in an inconspicuous area.

Can I use bleach or a pressure washer on natural stone?

Do not use concentrated bleach or aggressive pressure washing as a routine cleaning method. They can damage stone, joints, sealers or the surrounding installation. Use stone-specific cleaning products and ask a qualified stone-care professional about algae or persistent stains. The limited warranty excludes bleach, chemical and pressure-washer damage.

How can I remove stains from natural stone?

Identify the stain before choosing a treatment. A stone-compatible poultice can help with some stains, but treatment depends on the cause and material. Etching is surface damage and is different from a stain. Do not use an acid to remove marks from travertine, marble or limestone. Ask a stone-care professional when the cause is unclear.

How much material should I allow for cuts and waste?

Allow extra material for cuts, corners, layout and future repairs. Our estimate workspace suggests a 10% installation allowance as a planning starting point. Your installer should calculate the requirement for the actual design. Transit breakage is a separate consideration. Full-crate rounding can also change the amount ordered.

What do the laboratory test results on product pages mean?

A laboratory result describes the tested sample under a specified test method. Check which stone and finish the report covers, the units and the test conditions. A result for one material is not proof of another material’s performance. Test results do not replace a site-specific installation design or the written warranty conditions.

Can I mix colors, sizes or stone materials in one project?

Yes, when the installation design supports it. Check thickness, dimensions, edge profiles and setting requirements before combining products. Materials with different thicknesses need an appropriate base design. Natural colors will vary, so review samples together and order enough of each selection for the full project.

Samples, estimates, orders and delivery

Use samples and a non-binding estimate request to review your choices before placing a material order.

How large are your color samples?

Samples are typically about 4×4 inches. They show the general color and finish, not a full-size paver or every variation in a crate. Order the material and finish you want to compare. Contact us before ordering several sizes of the same stone if you only need to compare color.

Are samples free, and is sample shipping refundable?

Samples are free. Shipping is $6.99 per sample piece. Sample shipping is refundable up to $50 with a qualifying material order of 500 sq ft or more. Contact us with your name and sample order number to request the refund. See the sample refund policy for the process.

Can I request photographs of the current stone lot?

Yes. Ask for current-lot photographs before ordering. They can help you review the color range and movement beyond a small sample. Photographs and screens can affect perceived color, so compare them with a sample. The exact delivered material will still have natural variation.

Does submitting an estimate request or offer place an order?

No. Estimate requests and offers are non-binding. No credit card is needed and no payment is taken when you submit the initial request. Our team reviews the materials and delivery details, then sends a response for you to review. An approved estimate has its own price, validity period and acceptance steps. Open My Estimates & Offers.

What is the difference between Pre-Order and Buy Now?

Pre-Order reserves material at the stated price with an estimated lead time. Buy Now uses available stock and usually ships faster. Check the product page and the approved estimate for current availability and timing. Lead times are estimates, not guaranteed delivery dates. See Pre-Order information.

What is the minimum material order?

Stone is generally sold in full crates. The product page shows the coverage or quantity for that specific product. Pavers and tiles are commonly priced per square foot; coping is priced per linear foot. The estimate workspace shows crate rounding before submission. Sample pieces are ordered separately.

How much do pavers, tile and pool coping cost?

Price depends on the stone, finish, format and purchase method. Check the current product page rather than using an old general price range. Compare the price unit: square foot for pavers and tile, linear foot for coping. An approved estimate lists material, delivery, services and applicable tax separately.

How is freight calculated, and can I arrange my own carrier?

The website’s freight estimate is a planning figure based on the order and delivery location. Our team confirms the shipping method and charges in the updated estimate. You may arrange your own carrier; coordinate collection and readiness with us in advance. Residential delivery, liftgate and other selected services are listed separately. Read the shipping policy.

What do I need to unload a stone delivery?

Requirements depend on the shipping method and crate weight. A dry van can require a forklift and pallet jack; a flatbed can require a forklift. Liftgate or forklift delivery service must be confirmed in your estimate. Have the specified equipment and crew ready. Do not assume a driver will unload unless that service is included.

Do you ship stone nationwide?

Yes. We ship nationwide, with freight quoted for the order and destination. International deliveries need a separate review of routes, duties and local requirements. Contact us about access restrictions, delivery equipment or locations outside the continental United States. See the shipping policy.

Do you inspect crates before shipment?

Yes. We check crates or pallets for visible breakage, packaging condition and secure straps before they leave the warehouse. Packaging reduces transit risk but cannot eliminate it. Inspect the material at delivery and record any visible damage on the delivery receipt before the driver leaves.

What should I expect for transit breakage?

Our stone is shipped in secure crates to reduce breakage. We describe typical transit breakage as less than 4%, but this is not a guarantee for every shipment. Inspect the delivery, note visible damage on the delivery receipt and contact us promptly. Do not install damaged material before the issue has been reviewed.

What is Peace-of-Mind Claim Service, and can I remove it?

This optional service lets our team handle eligible carrier claims for transit breakage over 4%. It applies only to full crates and must be purchased at the time of order. Inspect material at delivery and note any damage on the delivery receipt; claims cannot be filed without that notation. You can remove the service before accepting the estimate if you do not want it.

What is your return policy?

Eligible Buy Now material orders have a 31-day return window, subject to written approval and the policy’s conditions. Material must be unused, uninstalled and in its original condition and packaging. Customer-paid return freight and unloading charges can apply. Standard Grade, clearance, custom and treated material have exclusions. Read the full return policy before ordering.

Do you charge restocking fees?

Eligible in-stock returns do not have a restocking fee under the stated policy. Pre-Orders cancelled after payment or returned under the policy are subject to a 25% restocking fee. Custom and container orders have separate restrictions. Read the return policy and Terms of Sale for the full conditions.

What if a page or checkout does not work?

Use an up-to-date browser and contact us with the product or page URL and the error you see. Do not send card details by email. If payment was attempted, check for an order confirmation before trying again. Our team can help review the order status. Contact Travertine Mart.

Need help with a specific product? Send us the product name, project location and intended use. Contact Travertine Mart or call (800) 556-9720.

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