Outdoor Travertine Pavers | Guide for Pools, Patios & Walkways
In this 5-minute read, you’ll find exactly the pros and cons of Travertine, best color combination and pattern for design & FAQ on Travertine pavers.
Travertine pavers and tiles have been a popular choice for centuries, and with good reason. Travertine has a timeless elegance that seamlessly matches almost any decor and never goes out of style. Plus, thanks to its natural stone properties, it’s perfect for outdoor areas, driveways, patios, pools, hardscapes, stair treads, and more.
Travertine Pavers Ideas and Designs for Exterior Areas
Here are a few things to consider when planning your design.
Chiseled & Tumbled Finish
Indoor flooring tile will have a smoother and more polished finish. Exterior pavers, on the other hand, are much thicker, with a more rustic finish.
Chiseled and tumbled finishes are popular for outdoor areas due to their more rustic look. Honed tile has a more polished finish and can be great for grill areas, outdoor kitchens, or anywhere else you want a refined look.
The Right Color Combination
Outdoor travertine pavers are available in a wide variety of colors and hues—from ivory pavers that are almost white to mocha travertine with a pinkish hue. As you shop, you’ll notice each company has its own fancy names for the color combinations they offer.
Some popular colors and color combinations are:
- Gold
- Tuscan Blend (combination of dark brown and light beige tiles)
- Scabos (beige pavers with distinct dark veins of brown, grey, green, gold, and red)
- Silver (with the cooler shades of grey, these are popular for a more modern look)
- Light Walnut
- Espresso
Choosing The Best Pattern
The pattern can also make a big difference in the overall look of the outdoor floor. Some of the most common patterns are:
- Running Bond: A running bond pattern with silver or grey pavers is a nice choice for a cool modern look.
- Basket Weave
- Herringbone
- French Pattern: The french pattern with chisled pavers gives a refined, old-world look to your patio.
Pros and Cons of Travertine Pavers for Outdoor and Patio Areas
The Pros
Travertine is one of the most popular natural stone products (along with flagstone, limestone, and marble) that are used for large outdoor paving stones. Travertine is naturally slip-resistant—which makes them great for outdoor flooring, pool decks, and pool coping.
It’s also durable and long-lasting in exterior applications. If you live in a climate with freeze/thaw cycles, exterior travertine tile is a smart choice since it can handle temperature extremes.
And since it comes in a variety of natural hues and colors, it looks right at home in the outdoors next to other surfaces like wood, grass, and natural stone products.
The Drawback
One of the biggest cons for most homeowners is the expense. Travertine tends to be more expensive than simple concrete pavers.
Something else you should consider is maintenance. Natural stone flooring should be sealed from time to time to protect the color and surface finish. However, that is the case with most other masonry and stone products—even granite should be sealed from time to time.
Travertine Paver FAQs
Are travertine stone pavers more expensive than flagstone pavers?
As a natural material, the cost of both travertine and flagstone can vary greatly depending on how it’s processed, color variations, and the amount purchased. However, both tend to have an average price of about $5-10 per square foot. That’s the average price for just the stone, not including installation and other basic materials like sand, concrete, grout, and sealers.
How much are travertine tiles and pavers?
Exterior travertine tile and pavers can range from $4-$15 per square foot. The average price, as mentioned before, is closer to $5-10. A lot will depend on the quality, thickness, finish, and color. And don’t forget to factor in installation costs as well.
Should you seal travertine that's outside?
Yes, it’s important to seal any natural stone product. After installation, it’s best to apply a stone sealer. It’s easy to do and will protect the patio deck from getting stained over time.
Is travertine more expensive than concrete pavers?
Usually, yes. Some simple large format concrete pavers can cost as little as $2 per square foot. However, they don’t have the same unique beauty as a natural stone product.