Filled vs Unfilled Travertine
Travertine is naturally porous, so its face has small holes and pits. Filled travertine has those holes filled at the factory for a smoother, more uniform surface. Unfilled travertine leaves them open for a textured, rustic look. Both are the same stone, sold with different surface treatments. SoCal Tiles sells both.
| Attribute | Filled | Unfilled | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface | Natural holes filled for a smoother face | Natural holes and pits left open | SoCal Tiles product catalog |
| Look | More uniform and formal | More textured and rustic | SoCal Tiles product catalog |
| SoCal finish names | Filled & Honed; Filled & Brushed & Chiseled Edge | Brushed & Chiseled – Unfilled; Honed & Unfilled; Brushed & Unfilled – Straight-Edged | SoCal Tiles product catalog |
| Why travertine has holes | Travertine is naturally porous | Same stone, same porosity | Travertine, Wikipedia |
| Care | Calcareous: etches with acids; sealing adds stain resistance, not etch protection | Same | Natural Stone Institute, Care & Cleaning of Natural Stone |
Choose Filled when…
You want a smoother, more uniform surface and a quieter, more formal look.
Choose Unfilled when…
You want the open pores and texture that make travertine look rustic and natural.
Neither choice is ranked here for durability or water resistance. We found no independent source comparing them on performance, so ask about your specific room before you buy.
Learn more: Travertine
SoCal Tiles carries
- Walnut Travertine Tile – 24x24, Filled & Honed
- Valerenga Travertine Tile – 18x18, Filled & Honed
- Walnut Travertine Tile – 16x24, Brushed & Chiseled – Unfilled
- Valencia Travertine Tile – Versailles Pattern, Brushed & Chiseled – Unfilled
- All travertine
Tiles and mosaics can be ordered as a sample from the product page.
Sources
- Travertine, Wikipedia (retrieved 2026-09-24)
- Natural Stone Institute, Care & Cleaning of Natural Stone (retrieved 2026-09-23)
- SoCal Tiles product catalog: travertine (retrieved 2026-09-21)