Travertine Countertops vs Granite Countertops–Selecting the Tile Design for Your Home
Natural stone countertops can add timeless beauty to any home. But trying to decide between all the different materials — granite, travertine, quartz, marble — can make your head spin.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this 5-minute read, we’ll compare two popular options — travertine vs granite.
Both are natural stones. Both come in a variety of shades. Both can be expensive. However, there are a few important differences. Let’s have a quick look at the differences so you can make the right choice.
*If you’re considering marble countertops as well, don’t miss our Travertine vs. Marble article.
Travertine vs Granite in Terms of Appearance
One of the biggest differences between granite and travertine is their appearance and this is the difference that is most likely to influence your final decision.
Granite comes in a wider variety of colors ranging from light cream and beige to orange, gold, and even black. And each color can sometimes have contrasting specks that almost make the countertop sparkle.
Travertine, while offering a wide range of colors, is limited to more neutral colors like grey, cream, and tan. However, one striking feature of vein-cut travertine is the long veins, often of a contrasting color that really make the countertop stand out.
Which is more durable, travertine or granite?
Both granite and travertine are natural stones with a durable surface. However, in a head-to-head durability competition, granite does win since travertine is a softer stone.
While granite does have slightly better long-term durability, travertine countertops are still adequate for normal usage. However, you should be extra diligent with protecting travertine from acidic stains and regularly sealing it.
Usage and Applications of Travertine and Granite
In general, travertine is best used in:
- Backsplashes
- Showers
- Tub surrounds
- Bathroom countertop
- Bathroom vanity
- Residential floor tiles
- Residential kitchen countertops
- Paving stones
- Pool coping
- Patios
Granite makes a great product for high-traffic areas like:
- Stair treads
- Residential and commercial countertops
- Commercial floor tiles
Type of Maintenance Care Needed
Granite and travertine are both porous stones, with travertine being much more porous than granite. Because of that, both need regular maintenance to stay protected from stains.
Here are some maintenance tips for keeping your granite and travertine countertops looking nice:
- Clean up spills right away. If anything spills, especially acidic substances, juices, condiments, wine, or harsh cleaners, clean it up right away.
- Clean your countertops regularly with water and a natural stone cleaner. Only use mild cleaning products that are approved for use on stone counters.
- Seal the surface periodically. This is especially important for travertine countertops. Use a sealer specially formulated for kitchen counters.
- Although both materials are somewhat heat resistant, you should still avoid placing hot pans directly on the surface of the counter.
*Want to learn more about how to take care of travertine? Check out our Complete Guide to Travertine.
The Differences in Pricing
One of your biggest concerns when purchasing a new countertop is the price. So what can you expect to pay for one of these countertops?
First, you need to figure out how many square feet your countertop will be. Calculate the area by multiplying the length x width of each section. Once you know how many square feet you’ll need, you can get an estimate.
| Material | Average material cost | Average cost with labor for a 28 square foot countertop |
| Granite Slab | $45-$200 per square foot | $2,000-$6,000 |
| Travertine Slab | $25-$100 per square foot | $1,500-$3,500 |
| Travertine Tile | $6-$25 per square foot | $700-$1,700 |
As you can see, the prices can vary greatly and depend a lot on:
- The type of countertop material for installation
- Color and style of the stone
- The time it takes to install
- Size of the slab
- Bullnose and other shaped edges
Selecting Your Countertop Tile Design
So which is the best countertop for your home — granite or travertine?
- Both offer a beautiful design
- Both are durable material, with granite being slightly more durable
- Both are low-maintenance, just needed periodic sealing and cleaning
So when it comes down to it, your choice will depend a lot on your personal preferences. So be sure to shop around with local stone dealers, countertop companies, and masonry contractors.
*If you’re in the Garland, Dallas, Texas area, give us a call at A&X Masonry and get your FREE consultation. We’d love to help your stone project become a reality!
And don’t miss our other articles to learn more about using natural stone around your home.
