Tumbled Travertine

All “tumbled travertine” stones are not produced the same way. Stones labeled tumbled have not necessarily gone through an identical process.

When a stone is tumbled it has gone through one of two processes used for finishing. The determination of what method to use is based on the size of the travertine stone tiles to be tumbled.

First Method

Smaller tiles along with sand, water (or other lubricant), and rocks are placed in a rubber drum and are tumbled so the rocks and sand wear down the edges of the stone tiles.
Second Method- Larger tiles cannot be tumbled the way smaller ones are done, due to possible breakage. They are usually chiseled and chipped on the edges by hand or machine to give the tumbled travertine finish.

Effects of Tumbling

Think of toned down or muted colors. Another common description used to identify the finish is chalky and dusty. There are no negative effects of tumbling to travertine stone apart from the dull finish. In the event you would like a little “less of a dusty look” travertine color enhancing sealer can be added after full installation and grouting. It will still be a muted with a brighter non dusty finish.

Types of Marble for Tumbling
First of all the stones types that can be tumbled are: Quartz, marble, limestone, travertine, onyx, granite and slate. Marble is said to be the most popular for tumbling.

The caution is that several stones are commonly labeled “tumbled marble” they are: onyx, limestone, quartz or travertine. They are all in some way derived from marble, travertine and limestone are formed from calcium (metamorphic marble is formed from these stones). Always inquiry as to what stone specifically you’re purchasing, you need to know as maintenance of each stone will vary.

Tumbled Travertine Finished Results

Natural Tumbled 

Has a soft surface and rounded edges as mentioned this process is usually for smaller stones- sand, water, and rocks are placed in a rubber drum and are tumbled so the rocks and sand wear down the edges of the stone tiles.

Honed Tumbled 

Has rustic edges matte finish, honed can be filled or unfilled and is accomplished by grinding one side of the stone of the unfinished stone.

Antiqued Tumbled 

Maybe the best choice for customers looking for a Rustic surface with small holes, pits, and worn edges will like this finish.

Polished tumbled

surfaces combined with a tumbled, rustic edges similar to the honed process however after grinding one side of the stone of the unfinished stone it is filled and polished. It has a smooth texture and gloss or semi-gloss finish and can be reflective.

Chiseled tumbled 

Has chiseled and chipped edges giving a beautiful worn look. It is done by hand or machine to give the tumbled travertine finish. This process is usually done on larger stones to prevent breaking.

Brushed Travertine Tile

Is usually unfilled, we use a rotary wheel to accomplish the brushed finish. Finishers brush the surface of the stone to desired surface texture. This finish is not as popular as tumbled and honed but can be used interchangeably with these finishes as the effect is very similar.

Straight Edge Travertine Tile Finish

Is ideal for pavers however, it’s also used for indoor use. Straight edge is also referred to as a saw cut. After cutting, the edges are left as is and the finished look is determined by the pattern the stone creates “naturally” or the type of blade used to saw. Results range from rough to smooth. No changes are made to the stone after cutting is done.

All tumbled stones will look worn, soft, dusty and smooth.

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