If you’ve read some of our recent Facebook and/or Instagram posts that show our clients’ pools, you’ve likely noticed that we specify that the travertine on the pool decks has been installed in the ‘Versailles’ pattern. And, if we haven’t built a pool for you or you’re not already fully fluent in flooring-related terminology, it’s just as likely that you’ve wondered exactly what that means.

Well…first things first. The ‘Versailles’ pattern refers to the arrangement of the individual pieces of travertine when laid or installed. This pattern is also referred to as the ‘Opus Romano’ or ‘Romano’, the ‘Ashlar’, the ‘French’ and sometimes simply the “Four Piece’. The names, however, are used interchangeably to refer to the same pattern and merely reflect emerging regional preferences: It is now often called ‘French’ in the south, ‘Ashlar’ on the east coast and ‘Versailles’ on the west coast of the United States.

Irrespective of what it is called, this pattern originates directly from ancient Rome and its timeless elegance is overwhelmingly our clients’ first choice when it comes to selecting how the travertine on their pool decks and adjoining lanais and walkways will be laid.

The following diagram and photo show just how this classic grouping of four sizes breaks the monotony of single-size hardscape installations and highlights the unique characteristics of travertine.
Versailles pattern travertine pool deck Versailles pattern travertine pool deck