17 May 2024
Travertine vs Marble: Which Stone is Right for Your Project
When it comes to remodelling a home or a design project, from deciding the colour theme for your space to choosing the flooring style, every decision is equally important. A significant decision you’ll have to take is selecting the right flooring material. And that is going to define the final look of your design project.
Natural stone is a versatile and durable choice, but with so many options it can get overwhelming to pick the right one for your home. While doing your stone search, you may have contemplated Travertine Vs Marble. Both are popular home design project choices. Some people get confused between the two as they tend to look similar. However, both have unique qualities that make them better suited for some design applications over others.
In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between Marble and Travertine and take a closer look at the pros and cons of using them for your project. Keep reading to find out!
Let’s discover some differences between Travertine and Marble
Physical Appearance
Travertine has a distinctive porous surface and natural colour variations. It is available in exquisite shades of cream, beige, grey and silver in various immaculate finishes. Honed and Unfilled Travertine pavers are used for outdoor areas such as patios, courtyards, gardens and pool areas while the honed and filled version of the paver is well suited for indoor areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms. They can be polished to a high shine or brushed for a more rugged appearance. The subtle texture and pores on the surface give a beautiful, classy look to your spaces both indoors and outdoors.
Marble on the other hand has a glorious look and feel to it. Its luxurious colours and intricate veining patterns stand out from the crowd. It is available in stunning shades ranging from classic whites to warm beige to rich greys. There are blue, green and black varieties of the stone also available but not as popularly used as the other ones. If you’re looking to create an extravagant look for your space, Marble is the obvious choice. Popularly used for kitchen countertops and indoor flooring as well as for outdoors, this one exudes an unmatched aura.
Durability
The first factor when it comes to Travertine Vs Marble has to be durability. Both are robust stones and can withstand regular wear and tear. Travertine is considered a softer stone in comparison to Marble with a Mohs scale rating of 3. Therefore, in its raw form, it is more prone to scratching, chipping or breaking. However once sealed, it develops enhanced durability and with proper care and maintenance, it can last a very long time.
Marble on the other hand is a denser and thicker stone with a Mohs scale rating of 4, which makes it more resistant to scratches and damage. But it is still prone to marks and staining if not sealed properly. When it comes to durability, Marble is the more durable one of the two.
Slip-Resistance
Due to its porous surface and rustic textures, Travertine has a naturally good grip on the ground in comparison to Marble. Travertine does not get slippery even when wet. For this reason, it is a favourable choice for pool decks, pool copings and pool tiles. But it needs periodic sealing to prevent damage from pool chemicals and water seeping into its surface.
Marble on the other hand has a far smoother surface. As it is less porous it doesn’t get affected by pool chemicals like chlorine. But on the downside, it can get slippery when wet. Nevertheless, Marble is also widely used for surrounding areas of the pool. Also, it is available in a range of finishes that make it perfect for around-the-pool use.
Maintenance
Travertine and Marble, like other natural stones, require regular care and maintenance to keep looking their best. Travertine needs a simple cleaning routine. You should sweep the floor regularly to remove any dust and not wait it out until it becomes dirty before cleaning it. If you see grime settled between the pavers, you can use soapy water and a mop for cleaning. Alternatively, you can use a pH-neutral cleaner. Keep your Travertine pavers and tiles away from acidic cleaners as they will damage the natural lustre of the stone over time. Being a porous stone, periodic sealing is a must. It shields the surface from too much moisture seeping in and protects it from any kind of damage.
When it comes to the difference between Marble and Travertine, we need to comprehend that the Marble tiles and paver doesn’t have any heavy maintenance requirements. It works well with simple routine cleaning like Travertine. However, it is prone to staining, so you must take caution while using acidic materials such as lemon, vinegar and wines. In case of spills, immediately clean the surface to prevent stains. It is vital to reseal the surface of your Marble every year to maintain the shield and prolong its life.
Cost
The cost of Travertine and Marble depends on several factors such as the quality of the stone, its thickness, its finish and the place from where it’s quarried. Generally, Travertine is a much more pocket-friendly option than Marble. So, if you want a stunning makeover for your space with natural stones without breaking the bank, Travertine is your perfect material.
Marble and Travertine are both beautiful natural stones that can add elegance and charm to your living areas however they both have their unique benefits and drawbacks. Let’s break down some pros and cons of using Travertine and Marble for your home design.
Pros of using Travertine
Beauty: Travertine pavers and tiles have an inherent natural beauty that can give a stunning makeover to your design spaces both indoors and outdoors. The warm shades of beige and cream make Classic Travertine a popular choice for a patio, alfresco and pool areas. Whether you choose a conventional paving style or a modern Crazy Paver look, with Travertine the result will be amazing and dreamlike.
Durability: Although Travertine is softer than Marble, it is still a highly durable stone. With a naturally slip-resistant surface and endurance to medium-heavy traffic, it can withstand all weather conditions. It has a cool underfoot which means it will not get very hot even under the scorching sun. With proper care and maintenance, it can last many years.
Versatility: Travertine is a multipurpose material. It can be used for numerous design applications. With a range of colours and finishes available, it is well-suited for any design style, from conventional to modern minimalist. Whether you want to build a new home or upgrade your patio, Travertine can seamlessly blend with any architectural style. It can be used as indoor and outdoor flooring, walling, garden paving and for countertops.
Cons of using Travertine
Porosity: Travertine is a porous stone with several visible pores on its surface. These pores allow moisture, water and other substances to seep into its surface and weaken its structure over time. They also make it prone to chipping and staining. Sealing adds a protective layer and helps to prevent damage to the surface of the stone.
Maintenance: Travertine requires regular upkeep to stay in top condition. It needs sealing and cleaning with pH-neutral cleaners specifically meant for Travertine stone.
Pros of using Marble
Extravagant appearance: Known for its captivating beauty, Marble can add glamour and elegance to indoor as well as outdoor spaces. Available in serene colours, it has an intricate veining pattern flowing through its surface. Argento Marble offers a timeless look and modern elegance to any area and is a popular choice for pool surrounds.
Durability: Marble is an incredibly durable stone with a thick and dense surface. It is not as porous as Travertine and can endure pool substances. But sealing is a must. Depending on the use, you should reseal your Marble pavers and tiles every year.
Heat-resistant: Marble is heat and fire-resistant material and makes for a great choice as kitchen countertops. You can keep your pans and hot dishes on it without worrying.
Cons of Using Marble
Staining: Marble is prone to staining. So, in case of spills, immediate cleaning will save you the trouble later. It is advised to avoid acidic substances and keep mats to prevent stains. Also, regular sealing helps and goes a long way in preserving its beauty and sheen.
Cost: Marble is considered a luxurious natural stone and that’s why the high price. If you want a fancy-looking patio or an expensive kitchen design and you can splurge, there is nothing like Marble.
Bottom Line!
When it comes to Travertine Vs Marble, we need to understand that both are gorgeous natural stone materials. Their distinctive characteristics and unique aesthetics make them better suited for specific home design applications. Travertine is known to bring a warm, natural and classy look to your outdoor spaces while Marble provides a luxurious modern elegance to your home. So, it’s a tough choice. And ultimately depends on your style, the design needs of your project and your capacity to splurge. Whether you choose Marble or Travertine, just know that you’re making a smart investment that will increase the worth of your property over time.
Don’t rush into a decision without doing your thorough research. Start exploring all options available in Marble and Travertine pavers and tiles to find the perfect natural stone for your space. You can also reach out to our team of experts to get answers to all your product queries.
Here are a few more blogs that will help you to compare more natural stones:
*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.
