15 Travertine Pavers Pros And Cons | Read Before Buying!
Travertine pavers are beautiful, but they’re not for everyone. Keep reading to get 15 travertine pros and cons so you won’t waste your money.
Updated: July 1, 2024
Travertine pavers can turn a boring old patio or pool deck into a work of art. That’s why they’re such a popular choice with homeowners who want a high-end look.
So does that mean they’re the right choice for you? In this 5-minute read, we’ll give you 15 travertine paver pros and cons from the masonry experts at A&X Masonry. That way you can make the right choice and avoid wasting money.
Let’s start with the PROS.
Top 9 Major Pros of Travertine Pavers
1. Travertine pavers work well in changing weather conditions
Travertine is a natural material formed from calcium carbonate that is very stable in changing temperatures. So if you live in an area with frequent freeze/thaw cycles, travertine is a good choice.
However, for it to get the maximum temperature stability in extreme climates, you should choose premium travertine and have it installed over a sand bed.
2. Travertine is naturally slip-resistant
Like many natural stone pavers, travertine has a porous, non-slip surface with a rustic finish. That makes it a great choice for pool decks, travertine pool coping, travertine patios and other outdoor spaces where people walk when it’s wet.
Just be careful with polished travertine flooring tiles. The porous structure is filled with epoxy and polished, leaving a shiny and slippery travertine stone surface. A polished travertine floor is best left indoors.
3. It looks great and never goes out of style
Builders have been using travertine building materials for centuries. Its natural colors and unique veins complement a wide variety of styles. So even if you decide to redo your landscaping or patio area in the future, you know that the travertine pavers will still look great!
4. Travertine resists fading from UV light
Like most natural stone, travertine pavers will not fade — even if they’re always in the full sun. You can’t say the same for most manmade products. So whether your tiles are on a porch, under a roof, or around your pool in full sun, you know they’ll look the same years down the road.
5. More affordable than marble or granite
Travertine gives you a look that’s comparable to marble and granite but without their hefty price tag. So with exterior travertine tile, you can save some money and still enjoy its natural veins and rugged look.
6. Installation is relatively easy (depending on with method you use)
Most handy homeowners can tackle small travertine patio projects on their own. This is especially true if you install the travertine pavers over a sand bed and you’re not installing them around a swimming pool.
*IMPORTANT: While installing travertine pavers over a sand bed can work in some instances, it’s not the best option for everyone and can cause problems if not done properly. If you want some help with your project and are in the Garland, Dallas, Texas area, give us a call at Alexander and Xavier Masonry. Call and get your FREE consultation today!
Give us a call now. (972) 217-0296
7. Environmentally-friendly
Producing manmade concrete paver products can mean working with a lot of dangerous chemicals and manufacturing processes. But fortunately, travertine is a natural stone product, so there are fewer harmful chemicals involved in the process of getting it from the mountain to your patio.
8. You can replace individual tiles if needed
If an individual paver does get damaged (cracked from something heavy falling on it or surface damaged from an acid spill) then it’s not too difficult to pull up and replace just the damaged tiles.
If they’re laid over a sand bed, most homeowners can DIY this repair. If they’re over a mortar bed, then you should probably call the professionals.
9. Excellent durability
Exterior travertine tile has an extremely hard and wear-resistant surface. That means it’s a great choice for outdoor areas with heavy foot traffic.
Top 6 Major Cons of Travertine Pavers
1. More expensive to use than poured concrete or concrete pavers
As a natural stone, travertine is considered a luxury building material. Unfortunately, that does mean it often comes with the luxury price tag as well.
Patios and pool decks with concrete pavers or poured concrete offer good durability at a fraction of the price. Top masonry companies like A&X Masonry can even stamp and stain the concrete to imitate the look of natural stone.
2. You have to choose your cleaning agents carefully
Just like most natural stone surfaces, you need to avoid using harsh cleaning solutions like ammonia, bleach, vinegar, or other acidic products. The best option is to use water and a mild, Ph-neutral detergent.
Learn more about Travertine Maintenance.
3. It needs to be sealed
Unsealed travertine in outdoor spaces is harder to clean and more likely to develop stubborn stains that are hard to remove. So once the pavers have been installed, you need to apply a sealer to the travertine surface. Then sealing should be part of regular maintenance and you should reseal your travertine every couple of years depending on the product you use.
4. Staining can be a significant problem (if the pavers aren’t sealed)
Travertine is a porous stone. That means that dirt, dust, grime, and other nasty stuff can get caught in the pores and stain over time. Fortunately, this is easily remedied with regular cleaning and a natural stone sealer.
5. Travertine pavers are heavy
But really, that’s the same with most paver materials — natural stones, brick, concrete, etc.
6. Travertine color choices can be limited
Since travertine is a natural stone, you’re limited to the colors that mother nature produces. Fortunately, travertine comes in a wide range of hues from neutral colors like cream and tan to more striking colors like blue, gold and silver travertine.
Verdict of the Pros and Cons of Travertine Pavers
So what’s the verdict? Well on the one hand you have travertine’s timeless beauty and rugged durability. But you also have some increased maintenance like regular cleaning and sealing.
Your choice will really come down to your budget and what you want to achieve with your patio. If your budget allows you the luxury of choosing travertine, we know you won’t be disappointed. Especially if you choose a professional masonry contractor like A&X Masonry to do the job.
FAQ
Is travertine more expensive than concrete pavers?
Yes. Travertine and other natural stone pavers are usually more expensive than concrete pavers.
How much are travertine tiles and pavers?
The average price for travertine tile and pavers is about $5-$15 per square foot. However, depending on the colors and finishes, you could find some for as low as $3 per square foot or as expensive as $15 per square foot.
Are travertine pavers durable?
Yes, travertine pavers are highly durable. They have a hard, wear-resistant surface that can withstand heavy foot traffic and changing weather conditions, making them a great choice for outdoor areas.
Do travertine pavers stain easily?
Travertine pavers can stain easily if not properly sealed. Due to their porous nature, unsealed travertine is more susceptible to absorbing dirt, grime, and spills, but regular sealing can significantly reduce the risk of stains.
How long do travertine pavers last?
Travertine pavers can last for decades with proper maintenance. Their longevity depends on factors like installation quality, environmental conditions, and routine care, including sealing and cleaning.
Are travertine pavers slip-resistant?
Yes, travertine pavers are naturally slip-resistant. Their porous surface provides excellent traction, making them a safe option for pool decks, patios, and other areas where water may be present.
