Marble vs. Travertine Pavers – Which is Best?

One of the first choices you’ll have to make when considering backyard patio remodel ideas is marble vs. travertine pavers. Some people feel the two are interchangeable, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Travertine is not made from marble and is inf act a different stone altogether. Marble vs. travertine pavers both have unique properties that make them suited for patio renovations, but what are those differences – and which one would be right for you?

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What is Travertine – And What Does It Look Like?

Travertine is a form of sedimentary stone found in and around freshwater hot springs. The stone comes in a wide range of warm earthly tones. Travertine is compressed over time until it becomes solid and has several channels and holes due to the water and gas expelled during formation. Travertine is treated to fill in these holes when collected and turned into useable tiles. This process prevents the travertine from being too porous and difficult to clean.

The pavers used for travertine driveways and other applications are surprisingly soft. As such, the material is vulnerable to acidic cleaners, abrasive materials, stains, and scratches. Travertine pavers require more TLC than other materials, including marble. It’s essential you know how to clean travertine as small particles and dust can cause problems if left untreated. It’s also possible your travertine could get damaged by heavy objects such as furniture and decorations. You can mitigate the damage through the use of soft coasters.

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What is Marble – And What Does It Look Like?

Marble stone is created when sedimentary stones such as travertine or limestone are exposed to long-term pressure and heat. The stone transforms and recrystallizes to become tougher and denser. This recrystallization process also gives the marble a beautiful polish that has become associated with the stone.

Marble, much like other natural stones, stands out for its earthly and muted appeal. When used as part of an outdoor kitchen installation, marble helps create subtle shading. Marble also comes in other varieties, including greens and reds to make a bold accent with marble pavers for pool decks. One of the few flaws of marble, and something that affects the marble vs. travertine pavers cost, is that marble must be quarried from the ground.

Marble comes in a range of colors and textures, including blurry and milky-white to black or shades of red and green. These color varieties are caused by impurities in the ground naturally staining the stone. The different colors only add to the marble’s exquisite look and feel as it is cut and polished to perfection, ready to be used as marble pavers.

Much like limestone, marble can be eroded by fumes and water. Some impurities can also make marble less durable. Marble stones can also be challenging to split into equal-sized blocks and must be mined carefully, which can increase the cost of it — but it also adds to the unique look of your marble patio pavers. Look for quality marble pavers Florida, and you should be fine.

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The Major Differences Between Marble and Travertine

There are several differences between the two materials, but we’ll focus on the important ones.

Usage

Marble is used for bathroom walls and floors or kitchen countertops because it looks clean and elegant while still being practical. Marble is tougher than other stones, and so it can withstand a lot of everyday use, making it an ideal choice for outdoor kitchen installation and patio renovations. Make sure that you regularly treat your marble with a sealant once a year. This is an essential step in how to clean marble and helps prevent marble from getting damaged.

While travertine is mostly used indoors, it can be used for outdoor spaces. Travertine pool pavers and travertine patio pavers look great and are an excellent option to consider. Natural stone travertine pavers have innate friction that makes them suited for outdoor use to prevent slipping, such as travertine pavers around a pool. The only problem is travertine can be rough on bare feet unless you sand it down a little.

Cost

Marble vs. travertine pavers cost is going to be a significant factor for a lot of people. Natural stone travertine pavers tend to be more expensive than cultured marble, but natural marble is the most costly option. With that said, the costs for stones can vary wildly according to the quality and region. Both options are reasonably heavy and need to be carefully installed. It would help if you considered hiring an expert with knowledge of how to install travertine pavers.

Strength and Processing

Marble tends to be harder but also more fragile at the same time. This means that tumbled marble pavers will likely cost more due to the potential for production losses during processing. Marble tiles are treated to prevent them from breaking. The costs for these processes are passed on to the consumers at a heftier price tag.

Travertine is softer than marble stone but easier to process, resulting in different kinds of travertine tiles to choose from, such as filled, tumbled, honed, etc. Marble is typically only offered in polished or honed finishes. Tumbled marble pavers are available, but often only in small sizes.

Durability

Marble is denser and more durable than travertine. Marble has the durability to be used for commercial projects. Travertine has more than enough durability for a patio remodel in West Palm Beach, but may not be the perfect option for commercial projects.

The Bottom Line

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The main differences between the two options are the cost and the finish. Marble costs more, and travertine is available in a broader range of colors and finishes. The choice of which one is best for you depends on your budget and what you’ll use it for. You should consider travertine if you don’t have the budget for marble. Travertine pavers last for years and add a splash of color and vibrancy to any space when used correctly and taken care of.

US Brick and Block can help you make the right decision for your project when it comes to marble vs. travertine pavers. Get a free project estimate below.