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Richard J Kinch wrote:
writes:

But are there other problems I should be concerned
about.

You seem to be aware of the roughness. This will make it impossible to
keep clean. Are you aware of how porous and spongy travertine is? The
roughness means you will have vegetable material that will leach tannins
and foster mildew growth. This brown and black staining matter will soak
into the stone and stain it permanently. In short, this stone will weather
into a real dingy state, nothing like when it is new. Is this part of the
"Italian" look you are after?

I know that unfilled travertine can get dirty looking. But if it is
sealed and hosed off occasionally is that going to be a problem? Is it
wiser to have the holes filled, either at the factory w resin, or with
grout when installed. Are there people with actual experience with
this stone? Are there good alternatives that give a real stone look
and feel but are easier to maintain?