What a French pattern set is
A French pattern set is a mix of square and rectangular pieces cut in fixed proportions, so they fit together into a pattern that repeats without looking like it does. Laid out, the joints wander instead of running in straight lines, which gives a patio or pool deck the old world look most people picture when they think of travertine. You will also hear it called a Versailles or Opus pattern.
Because the pieces come together as a set, you buy the right proportion of each size in one go. Your installer then follows a layout so that the same sizes do not end up side by side.
3 piece or 4 piece
The difference is the number of sizes in the set. A 4 piece set adds a fourth size, so the pattern covers more ground before it repeats and reads as more random. A 3 piece set uses one size fewer, which is simpler to lay and gives a slightly more regular look.
One widely used 4 piece set combines 8" x 8", 8" x 16", 16" x 16" and 16" x 24" pieces, but the exact mix varies from quarry to quarry. Before you order, ask us for the breakdown of the set on the ground, so the layout is planned from the real sizes.
Pattern set or a single size
Not every project wants a pattern. Single sizes such as 12" x 24", 16" x 24" and 24" x 24" lay in straight lines, as a grid or a running bond, for a cleaner and more contemporary finish. Larger formats mean fewer joints, which suits modern homes and long, open pool decks.
A quick way to decide: if the house leans traditional, Tuscan or Spanish, a French pattern usually fits. If it leans modern, a single large format usually does.
Which of our stones come as sets
Every travertine we stock comes as both a 3 piece and a 4 piece set, and so do our marbles and most of our limestones. Here is what each stone comes in.
| Stone | Pattern sets | Single sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Travertine | 3 pcs, 4 pcs | 12" x 24", 16" x 24", 24" x 24" |
| Light Ivory Travertine | 3 pcs, 4 pcs | 12" x 24", 16" x 24", 24" x 24" |
| Shell Beige Limestone | 3 pcs, 4 pcs | 12" x 24", 16" x 24", 24" x 24" |
| Alaska Gray Travertine | 3 pcs, 4 pcs | 12" x 24", 16" x 24" |
| Malibu Travertine | 3 pcs, 4 pcs | 12" x 24", 16" x 24" |
| Perla Blanca Limestone | 3 pcs, 4 pcs | 12" x 24", 16" x 24", 24" x 24" |
| Light Mocha Travertine | 3 pcs, 4 pcs | 12" x 24", 16" x 24" |
| Noce Travertine | 3 pcs, 4 pcs | 12" x 24", 16" x 24", 24" x 24" |
| Walnut Travertine | 3 pcs, 4 pcs | 12" x 24", 16" x 24", 24" x 24" |
| Ice White Marble | 3 pcs, 4 pcs | 12" x 24", 16" x 24", 24" x 24" |
| Tundra Gray Marble | 3 pcs, 4 pcs | 12" x 24", 16" x 24", 24" x 24" |
| Sky Gray Marble | 3 pcs, 4 pcs | 12" x 24", 16" x 24" |
| Diana Royal Marble | 3 pcs, 4 pcs | 12" x 24", 16" x 24", 24" x 24" |
| Crema Paloma Limestone | 3 pcs | 12" x 24", 16" x 24" |
Ordering the right amount
Measure the area in square feet and add extra for cuts. Many installers add five to ten percent, and lean toward the high end for a French pattern, because the mixed sizes mean more cutting at the edges. Our guide to measuring your project walks through the math.
Order everything from the same lot. Natural stone shifts in color from one quarry run to the next, so a top up order months later may not match. A few spare pieces kept back for repairs is cheap insurance.
Finish the edge with matching coping
If the stone is going around a pool, plan the coping at the same time. Coping is measured in linear feet around the edge rather than in square feet, and we stock it in the same stones as the pavers so the edge matches the deck. See which stones come in which coping profile.
