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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? When I receive my shipment, what is the first thing to do when I am ready to install? Who can buy from BuildDirect? What forms of payment do you accept? Can you tell me the exact date that the container will arrive? I need a smaller amount of tile than your minimum – where do I go from here? Do you offer any further discounts for trades people? I would like to see the pallets before I buy them. Is this possible? How much breakage should I expect with an order? How are residential deliveries made?
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
What are the volumes shipped by BuildDirect?
BuildDirect ships both travertine and marble tile in two volumes: either pallets or containers.
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).
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.
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.
When I receive my shipment, what is the first thing to do when I am ready to install?
Be sure to check all contents of the pallets prior to installation. Any claim will be void if the natural stone has been installed.
With all natural stone applications, it is highly recommended that the installer avoid choosing tile for an installation on a “one pallet at a time” basis; the best method is to open boxes in all pallets from the start. Each tile from each box will be varied from pallet to pallet and an installation should incorporate the contents of all pallets evenly during an installation. This method will more effectively address the issue of color variation, which is a reality when working with any natural stone product. Please contact your sales rep with any questions.
Who can buy from BuildDirect?
Anyone meeting the minimum order size may buy from BuildDirect.
What forms of payment do you accept?
BuildDirect accepts Visa, MasterCard, bank drafts (also referred to as cashier’s checks or money orders) and wire transfers. BuildDirect takes full payment at the time of the order.
How long does it take for pallet delivery within North America?
Pallet shipments from a warehouse in North America will normally be delivered within 5 to 14 days from the date payment is received. 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
Can you tell me the exact date that the container will arrive?
Unfortunately we cannot offer guarantees on container shipment time lines. At this time, most containers take 8 to 12 weeks from the date of order. There is a chance it could take longer because of factors beyond our control. For example, security measures undertaken by U.S. Customs and Border Protection could possibly delay a shipment.
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."
Do you offer any further discounts for trades people?
The prices we show on our web site are our best prices up front. If you can reach our minimum purchase requirements, we will sell to you regardless of whether you are in business or a private home owner.
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.
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.
How are residential deliveries made?
The product would be delivered on a truck equipped with a lift-gate. The pallets would be lowered to the ground and pulled onto your driveway with a pallet-jack. A residential delivery is considered completed once the product is placed on the driveway.