Travertine Tile Guide: Ivory vs Silver vs Noce vs Scabos
Travertine is one of the most versatile natural stones: warm, textured and at home in a classic bathroom, a modern kitchen or around a pool deck. The two choices that shape the result are the color of the travertine and its finish.
Quick answer: Ivory is the light, warm beige classic; Silver is cool gray for modern spaces and outdoor paving; Noce is warm brown and rustic; Scabos mixes cream, gold and rust tones for a lively, earthy look. Choose honed and filled for smooth, easy-care floors, tumbled for an aged look, and split-face for textured feature walls.
The Four Travertine Colors Compared
| Travertine | Color | Style | Highlights in our range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivory | Light, warm beige | Classic, Mediterranean, transitional | Versailles pattern sets, 12×24 cross cut or vein cut, 18×36, 16×24 tumbled and antiqued, mosaics, moldings and trims |
| Silver | Cool gray with beige movement | Modern, coastal, outdoor | 12×24 cross cut and vein cut, 24×24, 16×24 and 24×24 tumbled pavers, split-face mosaics |
| Noce | Warm walnut brown | Rustic, Tuscan, warm modern | 18×18 and 24×24 honed and filled, tumbled tile, pinwheel, octagon and basketweave mosaics |
| Scabos | Cream, gold and rust blend | Earthy, rustic, lively | 7×20 split-face ledger panels and corners, polished, tumbled and split-face mosaics, trims |
Travertine Finishes Explained
- Honed and filled: the natural holes are filled and the surface is ground smooth and matte. The easiest finish to clean; ideal for floors, showers and kitchens.
- Tumbled: tiles are tumbled to soften edges and open the surface for an aged, old-world look. Popular for backsplashes, rustic floors and patios.
- Brushed and chiseled: a textured surface with chipped edges, as on our Ivory Versailles set. Gives a hand-worked, antique look.
- Polished: a reflective surface that deepens the color, mainly on mosaics and accent pieces.
- Split-face: the stone is split to show a rough, natural face. Used on ledger panels and mosaics for textured feature walls and fireplaces.
Cross Cut vs Vein Cut
Travertine forms in layers. Cross cut slices across the layers and shows a cloudy, flowery pattern. Vein cut slices along them and shows long, linear bands. Vein cut suits modern, linear designs; cross cut gives a softer, classic look.
Where to Use Each Travertine
- Bathroom floors and showers: honed and filled Ivory or Silver; tumbled mosaics for shower floors.
- Kitchen backsplashes: tumbled Ivory or Noce subway tile, or Scabos mosaics.
- Feature walls and fireplaces: Scabos split-face ledger panels.
- Patios and pool decks: tumbled Silver pavers and Ivory Versailles pattern sets, with exterior-suitable installation.
- Classic formal floors: Ivory Versailles pattern in honed or tumbled finish.
Finishing Pieces
Every color has coordinating trims, including pencil liners, bullnose liners, chair rails, baseboards and moldings, so edges, niches and wainscoting match the field tile. See our pencil liner vs bullnose guide.
Care Tips
- Seal travertine after installation and reseal periodically.
- Clean with pH-neutral stone cleaner; avoid acidic or abrasive products.
- Expect natural variation in color, pits and veining; blend tiles from several boxes. Read natural stone variation explained.
Travertine FAQ
Which travertine color is most popular?
Ivory travertine is the most widely used because its light, warm beige works in both classic and modern interiors.
Is honed and filled or tumbled travertine better for a bathroom?
Honed and filled is smoother and easier to clean, so it suits floors and showers. Tumbled gives a softer, aged look and more texture, popular for backsplashes and rustic floors.
Can travertine be used outdoors?
Yes, with suitable products and installation. Travertine pavers and Versailles sets are popular for patios and pool decks; confirm exterior suitability and climate before ordering.
Do you sell travertine slabs?
Yes, by project quote. See marble, travertine and onyx slabs.
Compare Colors in Person
Order samples of two or three travertines ($19.90 each, free shipping, credited to your order within 60 days).
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