Q. How and with what do I address a crack in a travertine table top?
A. Many problems with natural stone can be resolved by homeowners. Other problems require the services of a stone restoration professional. Before you move forward with DIY repair efforts, understand that your results may fall short of your expectations, and you are much more likely to feel satisfied with the outcome if you leave this repair to a professional. To find a vetted PRO in your area, visit www.surfacecarepros.com and click on Find a PRO.
If you do want to attempt your own repair, here's how.
First, the crack will need to be slightly opened with a hand tool to create enough space for the filler to bond securely. This step is easy to skip, but without it, fillers may not have enough surface area to adhere properly.
Use a vacuum to remove debris and dust.
Apply a stone-grade epoxy or resin, tinted to match the surrounding stone, into the crack. Use a plastic scraper to remove any excess filler on the surrounding stone.
Once the filler cures, the surface will need to be leveled and blended. Light sanding may help flatten the repaired area, but this is where your DIY repairs are likely to become noticeable. Travertine tabletops usually have a honed or lightly polished finish, and spot sanding can leave a dull or shiny patch that contrasts with the rest of the surface.
Without the proper abrasives and polishing equipment, it can be difficult for a homeowner to fully blend the repaired area with the surrounding stone. A PRO can hone and polish the entire slab or tabletop, not just the repaired area, to restore a uniform texture and sheen. If you have ever considered changing the finish of your top from honed to polished or vice versa, a PRO can achieve whatever finish you desire.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fred Hueston is the Chief Technical Director at SurfaceCarePROS.com and Director at StoneForensics.com. He is also the author of Stone and Tile Restoration: The Manual, a comprehensive online manual for stone and tile restoration contractors. [Learn more about Fred.]
Article ID: 846
Created: January 3, 2026
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Author: Fred Hueston
Online URL: https://surfacecarepros.com/kb/article/how-to-repair-a-crack-in-a-travertine-table-top-846.html