BuildDirect is pleased to provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on a wide variety of our products. If your questions are not answered on these pages, or you simply wish to speak with a Customer Service Representative, our customers can contact us toll free from anywhere in North America at or by email at customerservice@builddirect.com
To browse products, please select a category below:
Back to Main FAQ Menu
What is travertine?
What colors does travertine come in?
What does the finished surface of travertine look like?
Where would I use travertine?
What should I consider in using travertine?
How do I obtain travertine or marble samples?
What are the volumes shipped by BuildDirect?
What is the minimum pallet order for travertine/marble tile?
How much does a pallet of travertine or marble tile contain?
How much does a container hold?
I need a smaller amount of tile than your minimum – where do I go from here?
I would like to see the pallets before I buy them. Is this possible?
How much breakage should I expect with an order?
What is travertine?
Travertine belongs to the larger family of stone called limestone also known as Calcium Carbonate. Marble is also a type of limestone that has had additional heat and pressure applied to it by the earth’s crust. Travertine is formed by minerals dissolving in ground water and then being deposited on the earth’s surface by rivers, natural springs, or geysers.
Return to Top
Shop For Travertine Tile Flooring
What colors does travertine come in?
Travertine comes in many different colors including ivory, beige, walnut, noce, and gold. The color of travertine is the result of iron compounds or other organic impurities.
Return to Top
Shop For Travertine Tile Flooring
What does the finished surface of travertine look like?
Travertine can have four major finishes, polished (shiny), honed (matte), brushed and tumbled (textured surfaces). The type of finish given to the travertine will determine how shiny the surface will be. The polished and honed surfaces are flat and smooth, while the brushed and tumbled surfaces are flat and textured. The polished surface is the shiniest, while the tumbled surface reflects the least amount of light. The most common finish for travertine is honed.
Return to Top
Shop For Travertine Tile Flooring
Where would I use travertine?
Travertine has been used in the construction of buildings for thousands of year. In today’s construction, travertine is used for flooring, cladding on buildings, showers, wall coverings and counter tops.
Return to Top
Shop For Travertine Tile Flooring
What should I consider in using travertine?
Travertine is a natural stone product. Because the minerals that make up travertine are highly reactive with acidic solutions (e.g. orange juice, vinegar), a major consideration is where the travertine will be installed and what it will be exposed to. Sealers will provide some protection to the stone no matter what the environment, but knowing what it will be exposed to will help you decide whether travertine is a good fit for your project.
Return to Top
Shop For Travertine Tile Flooring
How do I obtain travertine or marble samples?
Samples are available from BuildDirect. We can send you up to three stone samples for $US25.00 ($35.00 overnight delivery). Sample pieces are approximately 4”x 4”.
Return to Top
Shop For Travertine Tile Flooring
What are the volumes shipped by BuildDirect?
BuildDirect ships both travertine and marble tile in two volumes: either pallets or containers.
Return to Top
Shop For Travertine Tile Flooring
What is the minimum pallet order for travertine/marble tile?
Pallets are shipped from warehouses in North America and require a minimum order of two pallets (except for 12” x 12” tiles which have a minimum order size of one pallet with 420 sq ft). Building materials are heavy and will require proper equipment or labour to accept goods on delivery. Please check the weight of your goods before they are delivered so that you are properly prepared
Return to Top
Shop For Travertine Tile Flooring
How much does a pallet of travertine or marble tile contain?
Pallet volumes start at 333 sq ft. and go up to 359 sq ft. depending on the size and thickness of the tile.
Return to Top
Shop For Travertine Tile Flooring
How much does a container hold?
Container volumes start at 5,000 sq ft. and go up to 7,500 sq ft. depending on the size and thickness of the tile.
Return to Top
Shop For Travertine Tile Flooring
I need a smaller amount of tile than your minimum – where do I go from here?
Please consult your local Yellow Pages for information on retailers that sell in smaller quantities. Look under "Stone Retailers" or "Ceramic Retailers."
Return to Top
Shop For Travertine Tile Flooring
I would like to see the pallets before I buy them. Is this possible?
Unfortunately, we are unable to show you the product at the warehouse. The warehouses we use are privately owned facilities and all products are in factory- sealed crates. We suggest ordering a sample and reviewing the graphics on the website.
Return to Top
Shop For Travertine Tile Flooring
How much breakage should I expect with an order?
It is not unusual to have 2% - 3% of the tile broken to some degree (e.g. chipped edges). Any amount up to 10% is still considered acceptable. These damaged tiles can be used for the cuts you will need to make. If breakage is above 10%, we would ask you to have it noted on the logistics receiving document and take pictures. Please make a claim with us within 10 days of receiving the order.
Return to Top
Shop For Travertine Tile Flooring