Travertine or limestone, how to choose
Travertine and limestone are two cousins in the broad family of carbonate sedimentary rocks. They share a palette of warm tones, from beige to walnut, and a geological kinship. They diverge in their texture, their porosity and their behaviour with water, which governs their uses and their maintenance.
At Atelier Matière, we distribute both (Petra Stones, Marmi) and we recommend one or the other depending on the project. Here are the criteria for choosing.
Appearance and drawing
Travertine is recognised by its pores, small natural holes created by gas circulation during its formation. These pores are filled at the factory (filled travertine) or left open (natural travertine) depending on the desired effect, textured and alive for the open version, smooth and calm for the filled one. Limestone has a more uniform grain, a more discreet drawing, sometimes lightly clouded.
Maintenance and porosity
Travertine and limestone are both porous and must be sealed with a water-repellent before use. Because of its pores, travertine demands extra attention with acidic splashes (vinegar, lemon juice, acidic detergents) that can mark the surface. Polished limestone is slightly more resistant but shares the same sensitivity to acids.
Price and availability
Travertine and limestone sit in a comparable price range, below the classic marbles (Calacatta, Statuario). Italian travertine (Chiaro, Noce, Scabos Romano) is very widely available. Italian limestones (Grolla, Pietra Dorata) and French ones (Comblanchien, Pierre de Bourgogne) are more patrimonial and can take longer to source.
Recommended uses
Travertine, indoor floors and walls, swimming pools (vein-cut version), sheltered outdoor areas (natural version with a structured finish). Limestone, residential floors, bathroom counters, wall claddings. We advise against both in a heavily used kitchen, because of culinary acids. For a classic bathroom floor that is warm and elegant, travertine remains unbeatable.
Related selection
Let’s compose your project
Every material needs to be touched, compared and confronted with the light of the project. We welcome you by appointment in one of our two Paris showrooms to refine your selection.