Piece · Tables
The travertine table,
porous stone, precise choices.
Travertine is a spring-deposited limestone with very variable porosity. For a dining table, choose a filled travertine (its pores closed), honed or polished, and sealed against stains. It remains sensitive to acids (lemon, vinegar, wine), which dull the surface: it is a stone that takes a patina, not an unmarkable surface.
How to choose
- 01
Filling
Essential for a dining table; choose the resin or mortar colour.
- 02
Finish
Honed (matt, forgiving) or polished (glossy, acid marks more visible).
- 03
Sealing
Water- and oil-repellent sealer applied in the workshop, renewed as advised, often yearly.
- 04
Thickness and weight
Usually a 2 to 3 cm top; ask for the total weight for delivery and floor.
- 05
Base
Central pedestal for round tables; two bases or a box base for long tops.
- 06
Natural variation
Each block has its own tone and veining: ask for a photo of the actual top or a sample from the batch.
01 — Filled, open, honed, polished: four decisions
An “open” travertine keeps its natural holes: beautiful on a wall or outdoor floor, impractical under a plate. A table top is almost always “filled”: the pores are closed with a tinted resin or a fine mortar. The filler colour is a choice: tone-on-tone for a calm surface, slightly contrasting to read the stone.
Then the finish. Honed, the surface is matt and silky and small marks blend in. Polished, it shines and deepens the colour, but acid marks show more because they break the gloss. For a family table, honed is usually the most forgiving choice.
02 — Thickness, base and weight
A stone dining top is often around 2 to 3 cm thick, sometimes with an added edge that suggests a thicker slab. “Monolithic” tables, carved from the block or built as a box, weigh far more: from several dozen to over a hundred kilos depending on diameter. Ask the maker for the exact weight before delivery.
A central pedestal frees the legs and suits round tables; on a long oval or rectangular table, two bases or a box base spread the load better. In an older apartment, a top of 160 cm or more justifies checking the floor span.
03 — Living with a limestone
A water- and oil-repellent sealer slows the penetration of water and grease, which gives you time to wipe. It does not prevent the chemical reaction between acids and limestone. Coasters and placemats remain the best insurance, especially for wine, citrus and vinaigrette.
Over time, a travertine table takes a patina: a few duller areas, a warmer colour. A stone specialist can re-hone a heavily marked surface. It is a stone that can be repaired, which is part of its value.
Care
- Wipe wine, lemon, vinegar and coffee immediately with a damp cloth.
- Clean with pH-neutral soap; never vinegar, descaler or bleach.
- Renew the sealer as the maker advises.
- Have a stone specialist re-hone a heavily marked surface.
Frequently asked questions
Is travertine suitable for a dining table?
Yes, if it is filled, sealed against stains and you accept a patina. Travertine is limestone: the acids in lemon, vinegar or wine dull the surface on contact. Placemats and quick wiping are usually enough to keep a beautiful table for years.
What is the difference between honed and polished travertine?
Honed is matt and soft to the touch; small marks barely show. Polished is glossy and intensifies colour, but an acid mark creates a clearly visible dull spot. For a heavily used table, honed is usually recommended.
How do you remove a stain from a travertine table?
A fresh stain usually comes off with neutral soap and a damp cloth. An old grease stain can be treated with a poultice made for limestone. A dull mark left by acid is not a stain but etching of the surface: only re-polishing or re-honing by a professional removes it.
How much does a travertine table weigh?
It depends on diameter, thickness and base. A 2 cm top weighs much less than a table carved from the block, which can exceed a hundred kilos. Ask for the exact weight before delivery: it determines the number of movers, access through stairs, and sometimes a floor check.
A project in mind?
Let’s talk.
Send us a brief: floor area, uses, timing, ideas. We usually reply within two working days with a first selection and a method. Meetings in Levallois-Perret (Greater Paris), by video call or on your premises.