Antique Travertine Tiles

Travertine Grades Explained

Before purchasing your travertine tiles or pavers, it is important to become familiar with industry terms in order to choose the grade & rating of the travertine tiles or travertine pavers most appropriate for your purposes. The most popular grade in Australia is standard grade, due to its overall performance rating and value for money.

TRAVERTINE GRADES

Premium grade

A Grade

Standard Grade

Rustica Grade

PREMIUM GRADE

• – This grade offers the greatest selection of colours with some inclusions of gray or black markings in the travertine tiles surface.
• – The travertine tiles are carefully chosen to be more consistent in colour and surface honing.
• – None of the travertine tiles of this grade will have large holes migrating through the tile from top to bottom.
• – The tumbled edges of the tiles are smooth and corner edges are more intact.
• – Should be sealed after installation process has finished with a penetrating sealer such as TASMAM STONESHIELD.

Performance Rating 9

Value for Money Rating 7

Overall Rating 8

A GRADE

• – This grade offers the second largest selection of travertine tile colours, with minor if any inclusions of gray or black markings.
• – The travertine tiles are carefully chosen to have reasonably consistent colours throughout each batch.
• – Some minor holes are allowed in A grade travertine tiles. Additionally, these minor holes may be filled through the full thickness of the tile and become nearly invisible.
• – Generally speaking any of the holes will be filled during the grouting process with our colour matched travertine grout.
• – The edges of the tumbled tiles are smooth and occassionally have small parts of the corner missing due to the tumbling process.
• – Should be sealed after installation process has finished with a penetrating no colour change sealer, such as TASMAM STONESHIELD

Performance Rating 9 

Value for Money Rating 9 

Overall Rating 9 

STANDARD GRADE (MOST POPULAR CHOICE)

• – This grade offers the second largest selection of travertine tile colours, with slightly more inclusions of gray or black markings.
• – The travertine tiles are carefully chosen to have reasonably consistent colours throughout each batch.
• – Some large holes are allowed in standard grade travertine tiles. Additionally, rarely some holes may be filled through the full thickness of the tile.
• – The color may contain some striations or swirls.
• – The edges of the tumbled tiles are smooth and occassionally have small parts of the corner missing due to the tumbling process.
• – Should be sealed after installation process has finished with a penetrating sealer such as TASMAM STONESHIELD

Performance Rating 9

Value for Money Rating 9

Overall Rating 9

RUSTICA GRADE (BUDGET GRADE)

• – Large color variations are allowed within the tile including gray or black markings.
• – Small to large unfilled holes are allowed as are small defects in sizing and honing.
• – The tiles are not filled and should be filled with colour matched grout during grouting.
• – It is acceptable for large voids to be filled during grouting process.
• – Holes that run from the surface to the bottom of the tile are allowed.
• – Edges may be cracked or broken.
• – Tiles may be delivered without color selection or sorting.
• – Can be left to age gracefully over time, aquiring that aged look.

Performance Rating 7

Value for Money Rating 9

Overall Rating 8