Travertine has long been part of the Scottsdale look. From Spanish Colonial estates to modern desert retreats, this natural stone brings warm, earthy tones that feel right at home among saguaros, red rock and golden sunsets. If you are considering travertine for your next flooring project, there is a lot to love, and a few details worth understanding before you choose.
At Manufacturers Floor Covering Outlet, our team has helped East Valley homeowners select and install beautiful floors since 1982. This buyer's guide covers what travertine is, why it suits Scottsdale living and how to pick the right style for your home.
What Is Travertine?
Travertine is a type of limestone formed by mineral deposits around natural springs. As water flows and evaporates, it leaves behind layers of calcium carbonate that harden into stone. The process creates the small holes, veining and soft color variations that give travertine its distinctive character.
Common colors include:
Ivory and cream
Beige and light walnut
Gold and honey tones
Silver and soft gray
These warm, natural shades echo the desert landscape, which is a big reason travertine remains a regional favorite.
Why Travertine Works So Well in Scottsdale
Naturally Cool Underfoot
Stone stays cool to the touch, a welcome feature when Scottsdale summers stretch well past 100 degrees. Walking barefoot across travertine on a hot afternoon is one of the simple pleasures of desert living.
Timeless Desert Style
Travertine complements stucco walls, wood beams, wrought iron and modern minimalist interiors alike. It adds a sense of luxury that never feels out of date. Whether your home leans toward Santa Barbara charm or clean contemporary lines, travertine adapts easily, and it pairs beautifully with area rugs, leather furniture and natural wood accents.
Indoor-Outdoor Flow
Many Scottsdale homes open onto patios, pool decks and outdoor kitchens. Travertine performs well both inside and outside, so you can carry the same stone from the living room to the backyard for a seamless look.
Lasting Value
Natural stone is durable and adds appeal for future buyers. With proper care, a travertine floor can look beautiful for decades.
Understanding Travertine Finishes
The finish you choose affects both appearance and performance.
Honed
A honed finish is smooth and matte. It offers a soft, sophisticated look and good slip resistance, making it a popular choice for living areas and kitchens.
Tumbled
Tumbled travertine has rounded edges and a gently worn, rustic texture. It feels old-world and relaxed, and it hides dust and wear well, which helps in a desert climate.
Brushed
A brushed finish has a lightly textured surface that sits between honed and tumbled. It adds character while staying comfortable underfoot.
Polished
Polished travertine has a glossy shine that reflects light beautifully. It works best in formal spaces with lighter foot traffic, since it can be more slippery when wet.
Filled vs. Unfilled Travertine
Because travertine naturally contains small holes, many tiles are filled at the factory with a matching resin or cement for a smooth surface. Filled travertine is the most common choice for indoor floors. Unfilled travertine keeps its natural pitted texture and is often used outdoors or in rustic designs.
You can explore our selection of natural stone flooring to compare travertine colors, finishes and sizes.
Popular Travertine Patterns
Layout plays a big role in the final look of your floor.
French pattern (Versailles): A mix of four tile sizes in a repeating pattern, perfect for a classic, elegant feel
Straight lay: Clean and simple, ideal for modern spaces
Offset or brick: Adds subtle movement and works well with rectangular tiles
Large format: Fewer grout lines for a more contemporary, open look
Caring for Travertine in the Desert
Travertine is durable, yet like all natural stone, it benefits from regular care.
Seal It Properly
Sealing helps the stone resist stains and moisture. Plan to reseal periodically, as recommended for your specific product and traffic level.
Keep Dust at Bay
Desert dust can dull the surface over time. Sweep or dust mop often and place mats at entries.
Use Gentle Cleaners
Travertine is sensitive to acidic products. Avoid vinegar, lemon-based cleaners and harsh chemicals. A pH-neutral stone cleaner is the best option.
Watch for Spills
Wipe up wine, coffee and citrus juice quickly to prevent etching or staining.
Protect Outdoor Stone
On patios and pool decks, sealing and regular rinsing help travertine stay fresh through intense sun and monsoon storms.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Natural stone varies from tile to tile, so careful planning is part of a great result. Our experienced installers, with 10 to 25+ years in the trade, blend tiles for even color distribution, prepare the slab properly and set each piece with the right mortar and spacing. Many projects qualify for same-day or next-day installation.
Shopping for Travertine With Our Team
Seeing travertine in person makes all the difference, because color and texture vary naturally. Our Tempe showroom features more than 2,000 samples, from budget-friendly to luxury options. You can also book a free in-home measure and estimate to see samples in your own lighting, and financing programs are available to help you plan your budget.
Bring Natural Beauty to Your Scottsdale Home
Travertine offers cool comfort, timeless desert style and lasting value, making it a natural fit for Scottsdale homes. Whether you prefer a polished formal entry, a honed kitchen floor or tumbled stone flowing out to the patio, the right finish and pattern can bring your vision to life.
Visit us at 316 S 52nd St, Tempe, AZ 85281, or call (480) 968-7900 to start planning. Contact our team to book your free in-home estimate today.
