Don’t worry about the title. We tried to make it less dramatic and more conversational. So, you are going to get travertine for your next project? If yes, then what grade of travertine? This is the question that experts will ask you when you discuss the travertine for your residential or commercial project. Travertine grading will help you to find the best quality travertine for your home. As we all know, popular travertine is used in the construction industry, so you may also want it for your project.
However, travertine is versatile in design. This makes it one of the best wall and floor materials for a wide range of projects. At NT Pavers, we believe in providing only the highest quality travertine. We want to assure you that our products can withstand extreme weather and the test of time. We know how Grading the travertine can help you find the best quality that isn’t just aesthetically pleasing and practical.
Different types of travertine offer other benefits and features you may or may not want. This post will help you understand the grading system and select the correct type of travertine. Keep reading for the best idea.
What Does Travertine Grading Mean?
Travertine grading determines the stone’s texture, durability, and color consistency. This makes it easier to distinguish between different levels of stone. The travertine by NT Pavers stocks are carefully selected and go through rigorous quality checks. Conversely, commercial-grade travertine usually has more imperfections, like unfilled holes and inconsistent colors.
The Key Difference Between Premium And Commercial Travertine
Here are the critical differences between premium and commercial grades of travertine tile:
Category | Premium-Grade Travertine | Commercial-Grade Travertine |
Texture | Minimal holes: large holes filled with unique filler | Numerous holes; large holes often left unfilled |
Color Consistency | Consistent color with natural, subtle variations | Heavy variation: dark spots or large veins common |
Durability | Highly durable; filled holes enhance strength | Less durable; exposed holes make stone susceptible to damage |
Weather Resistance | Better suited for extreme weather conditions | Prone to damage in freezing or wet environments |
Longevity | Long-lasting, especially in high-traffic areas | Shorter lifespan, more prone to wear and tear |
Maintenance | Low maintenance due to reinforced structure | Requires frequent repairs due to structural weaknesses |
Price | Higher initial cost but better value over time | Lower cost upfront but higher long-term maintenance costs |
You can find the difference between premium and commercial-grade travertine to make an informed decision.
Travertine Grading: Spotting Premium vs. Commercial Travertine
You will have understood the critical considerations of travertine grading. Now, let’s look at how to spot the difference between premium and commercial travertine. When selecting a travertine for your project, consider three major vital points: texture, color consistency, and durability.
Texture
One of the most popular textures for travertine is the rustic, cobbled texture that enhances its charm. It gives it a warm and inviting feel. Travertine is a porous natural stone paver. Both premium and commercial-grade travertine contain holes and nicks in them. This cannot be altered because it is a natural stone formation. However, the number and size of these holes can be significantly different between grades.
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Premium-Quality Travertine:
There is a general rule of thumb in the travertine market. The fewer holes in the travertine, the more premium travertine is. At NT Pavers, our premium travertine features minimal holes. To reinforce the stone’s structural integrity, large holes are professionally filled with special fillers (never cement). Unfilled holes can let water seep in. It weakens the stone and makes it more vulnerable to weather damage.
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Commercial-Quality Travertine:
Commercial-grade travertine has more holes. Many large holes are left unfilled. These holes may act like pots for water and snow. Over time, it can deteriorate the stone and cause it to break down and lose its original beauty.
This difference is essential for homeowners to understand, especially those living in different weather conditions. Travertine with unfilled holes may erode faster, especially in colder climates. Water can freeze and expand inside the stone.
Color Consistency
One of the unique and significant features of the travertine is its color patterns. Travertine stands out among natural stones as no two pieces of travertine look similar. This enhances its charm. A slight color variation is okay, but excessive variation can be a significant red flag.
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Premium-Quality Travertine:
We have consistent coloration throughout our travertine at NT Pavers. There will be natural variations, but nothing extreme, no large dark spots or veins that stand out. We have Silver Travertine, for instance, with delicate, light gray veining that adds movement and visual interest but doesn’t overwhelm.
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Commercial-Quality Travertine:
In contrast, commercial-grade travertine often has more color variation than travertine usually features. Some pieces will have a black surface with prominent dark veins. Those don’t match the overall aesthetics of stone. The result can be a project that looks mismatched or disjointed.
When you select your home, you should check it physically. Visit the store in person and ask for samples. Ask for the stone that you selected online. Premium travertine ensures your home’s interior or exterior looks cohesive and elegant.
Durability
Travertine has a long history of being used in construction, from Roman bathhouses and the Colosseum to Greek temples. This shows its natural strength and natural durability. However, not all travertine are the same. The durability of the stone can vary dramatically depending on its grade.
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Premium-Quality Travertine:
Premium travertine is more durable because of its fewer and smaller holes. These holes are filled with professional-grade fillers that strengthen its structure. Filling these holes makes it perfect for high-traffic areas like patios and pool decks. These areas are prone to moisture, foot traffic, and temperature fluctuations that will negatively impact them.
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Commercial-Quality Travertine:
Commercial-grade travertine is considered less durable. Compared to premium ones, it has several holes. Over time, water can seep into these holes, weakening the stone. This water can freeze and expand in freezing regions, causing cracks and breaks. Also, commercial-grade travertine is more likely to dislocate from the ground or become loose, making the surface uneven and dangerous.
If you live in an area with extreme weather—hot summers, cold winters, or frequent rainstorms—it’s essential to choose premium-grade travertine to ensure your outdoor spaces stand the test of time.
Why Grading Travertine Matters?
Let’s first understand the importance of grading travertine. We know how beautiful and durable travertine is. But what most people don’t know is that not all travertine is created equal. The travertine grading system can help homeowners who are new to selecting a natural stone. They will be assured that they are choosing the right type of travertine tile for their home.
When you use premium quality travertine, you ensure your investment is worth it. It will withstand different conditions, from heavy foot traffic to extreme weather changes. Commercial-grade travertine may seem a cost-effective option at first. However, it can prove problematic over time due to cracking, water damage, and discoloration issues. You don’t want your patio or pool coping to require repair or changing over time. Because the stone couldn’t withstand environmental stresses like it should!
By understanding the grading system, you can save time, money, and frustration in choosing the suitable material.
NT Pavers Commitment to Quality
At NT Pavers, we take great pride in offering only high-grade travertine. We own the quarry, and we control every production stage, from extraction to shipping. Our quality control team in Turkey inspects each piece before it is packaged and shipped to the U.S., as we don’t believe in compromise, even on micro levels. Regarding premium-quality stone products, we want to stand out with those that stand the test of time. Only premium travertines from trusted providers are in our stock.
We believe in our travertine products so much that we want our clients to visit our warehouse in Hawthorne, New Jersey. You can inspect the material for yourself. We are open to displaying our showroom or even examining the exact crate of stone you’ll receive. With this transparency, you know exactly what you’re going to get.
Final Words On Grade of Travertine
Travertine is one of the most preferred materials for residential construction projects. With its warm hues, it is possible to create an inviting space. However, you will come across different types of travertine in the market. Knowing how travertine grading works will help you get the right one. Premium grade travertine costs a bit more, but you will get superior quality, durability, and texture. On the other hand, you can save money on commercial-grade travertine. But it will cost you several different things. Make an informed decision when buying travertine. It will be worth considering in the long run. Furthermore, long-term travertine suppliers like NT Pavers will ensure continuity of supply as well as offer additional beneficial services such as professional installation.