TRAVERTINE TILE FINISHES

1. Honed Finish (Filled or Unfilled)

Factory Process:

• Slabs cut → tiles cut

• Holes are filled with polyester resin/cement (if “honed filled”)

• Surface is smoothed using polishing heads

• Abrasive grits: 60 → 120 → 220 → 400 → 800

• Result is a smooth, matte surface

Look:

• Flat, matte, modern

• Soft touch, no shine

• Clean and contemporary

Filled vs Unfilled:

• Filled: Holes filled → smooth surface

• Unfilled: Holes left open → rustic + natural

Slip Resistance: Medium
Best For:

• Indoor flooring

• Bathrooms

• Kitchens

• Commercial interiors

2. Polished Finish

Factory Process:

• Like honed, but polishing continues to high grits

• Grits: 800 → 1200 → 3000 → buffing + chemicals

• Creates a high gloss

Look:

• Highly reflective

• Luxury appearance

• Brings out deep color + veins

Slip Resistance: Low (slippery when wet)
Best For:

• Walls

• Countertops

• Low-traffic residential floors

• Luxury interiors

3. Brushed (Antique/Leathered) Finish

Factory Process:

• Surface sanded lightly

• Passed through brushing line

• Brushes used:

  • Coarse steel

  • Medium nylon

  • Fine nylon

• Softens the surface + digs into soft minerals

Look:

• Textured, antique feel

• Soft undulating surface

• Enhances natural pores

Slip Resistance: High
Best For:

• Outdoor patios

• Pool decks

• Walkways

• Rustic interiors

4. Sanded + Brushed Finish

Factory Process:

• Surface sanded with abrasive belts

• Grit: 60–220

• Followed by full brushing sequence

• Keeps pores open

• More even texture than raw brushing

Look:

• Natural, slightly coarse

• More uniform than pure brushed

• Rich texture

Slip Resistance: Very high
Best For:

• Exterior floors

• Driveways

• Garden areas

• Pool surroundings

5. Tumbled Finish

Factory Process:

• Small tiles placed inside tumbling drums with:

  • Ceramic beads

  • Sand

  • Water

• Edges soften naturally

• Surface becomes lightly textured

Look:

• Weathered, antique

• Rounded edges

• Classic Mediterranean feel

Slip Resistance: High
Best For:

• Bathrooms

• Outdoor pathways

• Accent walls

• Vintage-style villas

6. Split Face Finish

Factory Process:

• Tiles split along natural grain

• Natural clefts appear

• Purely natural breaking, no sanding or polishing

Look:

• Rough, 3D stone texture

• No two pieces identical

• Very dramatic natural appearance

Slip Resistance: Extremely high
Best For:

• Exterior walls

• Feature walls

• Fireplaces

• Water features

(Not used for floors.)

7. Bush-Hammered Finish

Factory Process:

• Surface hammered with a mechanical bush-hammer

• Creates small craters

• Heavy texture

Look:

• Very rough

• Heavy-grip surface

• Industrial appearance

Slip Resistance: Extremely high
Best For:

• High-traffic outdoor flooring

• Industrial/public areas

• Stairs

• Pool decks

8. Sandblasted Finish

Factory Process:

• Surface blasted with sand under pressure

• Uniform rough surface

• Softens color

Look:

• Matte, frosty appearance

• Color becomes lighter

• Very uniform texture

Slip Resistance: Very high
Best For:

• Outdoor floors

• Pool decks

• Driveways

• Hotels and resorts

9. Vein-Cut vs Cross-Cut 

Vein-Cut

• Cut parallel to natural veins

• Linear patterns

• Modern, continuous look

Cross-Cut

• Cut perpendicular to veins

• Cloudy, circular patterns

• More traditional

Both can be honed, polished, brushed, etc.

Quick Comparison Table