Travertine Slabs – Ivory Color, Cross-Cut: 

Ivory Color & Cross-Cut Character

Ivory travertine represents the lightest, most elegant spectrum of travertine colors, ranging from pure bright white with minimal veining to soft, creamy off-whites. The cross-cut orientation (cut perpendicular to the stone’s sedimentary layers) reveals travertine’s distinctive organic cavities and swirling patterns rather than linear veins, creating a textured, cloud-like appearance that is both visually dynamic and warmly organic. This combination offers a bright, neutral backdrop that maximizes light reflection while adding natural character.

Standard Sizes & Dimensions

Slab Sizes (Most Common):

• Jumbo/Giant Slabs: 72″ x 120″ (6′ x 10′), 63″ x 126″, 70″ x 130″

• Standard Large Format: 60″ x 120″ (5′ x 10′) – Most popular for minimal seams

• Regular Slabs: 48″ x 96″ (4′ x 8′), 55″ x 110″

• Thickness Options:

  • 2cm (¾”): Primarily for vertical applications (walls, shower surrounds, backsplashes) or floors with proper substrate

  • 3cm (1¼”): Standard for horizontal applications (flooring, countertops) – sturdy enough without reinforcement

  • 1.2cm (½”): For lightweight wall cladding and decorative applications

Tile Sizes (Cut from slabs):

• Large Format: 24″ x 48″, 36″ x 36″, 24″ x 24″

• Modular: 12″ x 24″, 16″ x 32″, 18″ x 36″

• Mosaic Patterns: Available for borders and accents

Finish Options & Characteristics

1. Honed & Filled (Most Popular)

• Process: Surface ground to smooth matte finish; cavities filled with resin/cement

• Appearance: Soft, velvety, uniform surface; light-reflective without shine

• Best For: Interior floors, walls, countertops, high-traffic areas

• Maintenance: Requires regular sealing; shows fewer water spots

2. Polished

• Process: High-gloss buffing; usually filled

• Appearance: Luxurious, reflective; enhances ivory’s brightness; colors appear richer

• Best For: Feature walls, bathrooms, formal spaces, furniture tops

• Note: Slippery when wet; shows etching from acids

3. Brushed/Tumbled

• Process: Mechanical brushing for aged, textured surface

• Appearance: Weathered, rustic, matte; natural cavities remain open

• Best For: Pool decks, patios, exterior applications, rustic interiors

• Key Benefit: Excellent slip resistance

4. Chiseled/Antiqued

• Process: Hand-chiseled edges with honed or brushed surface

• Appearance: Artisanal, old-world charm with textured perimeter

• Best For: Accent walls, fireplace surrounds, Mediterranean-style designs

5. Natural/Unfilled (Specialty)

• Process: Honed surface with open, unfilled cavities

• Appearance: Highly textured, authentic travertine character

• Best For: Exterior features, dry areas, specific design statements

Primary Applications & Uses

Residential Interiors:

• Flooring: Throughout living spaces, especially where brightness is desired

• Bathrooms: Shower walls, floors, vanities, tub decks – creates spa-like ambiance

• Kitchens: Countertops (honed recommended), backsplashes, waterfall islands

• Feature Walls: Fireplace surrounds, accent walls in living/dining rooms

• Staircases: Treads and risers for continuous flow

Commercial Spaces:

• Hotel lobbies and spas

• Boutique retail flooring

• Restaurant dining areas and bars

• Corporate office reception areas

Exterior Applications:

• Pool Decks & Coping: Brushed finish provides critical slip resistance

• Patios & Walkways: Withstands freeze-thaw cycles (check specific variety)

• Exterior Cladding: Mediterranean, Spanish, or coastal-style homes

• Outdoor Kitchens: Countertops and backsplashes

Specialty Uses:

• Bathroom vanities and tabletops

• Shower benches and niches

• Baseboards and trim (for integrated look)

• Fountains and water features

Technical Considerations

Maintenance Requirements:

• Sealing: Mandatory for all finishes except some exterior brushed applications

  • Penetrating sealers for honed/polished

  • Enhancing sealers for color depth

  • Reapply every 1-3 years depending on use

• Cleaning: pH-neutral stone cleaners only

• Protection: Use coasters under glasses; avoid acidic substances (citrus, vinegar)

Performance Notes:

• Durability: Softer than granite; can scratch but develops patina

• Etching Susceptibility: High – avoid acids on polished surfaces

• Color Consistency: Ivory shows fewer variations than darker travertines

• Light Reflection: Excellent for dark spaces; makes rooms appear larger

Design Advantages:

1. Versatility: Complements both cool (gray, blue) and warm (wood, brass) palettes

2. Timelessness: Never trends out; classic Mediterranean to modern minimalism

3. Light Enhancement: Maximizes natural and artificial light

4. Seamless Flow: Can be used continuously from interior to exterior (with proper finish)

Cost & Selection Tips

Price Factors:

1. Grade: Premium (uniform color, minimal filler) vs. commercial (more variation)

2. Finish: Polished typically most expensive

3. Thickness: 3cm costs 20-30% more than 2cm

4. Size: Jumbo slabs command premium pricing

Selection Checklist:

• View actual slabs (not just samples) – natural variation is significant

• Check for filler quality in honed finishes

• Verify suitability for intended application (interior/exterior)

• Request sealed sample to see true color

• Consider edge treatments (eased, beveled, chiseled)

Professional Recommendations:

• Use honed finish for high-traffic areas and kitchens

• Choose brushed finish for any wet exterior application

• Reserve polished finish for low-traffic feature elements

• Select 3cm thickness for flooring and countertops

• Plan for 10-15% overage for cutting and pattern matching