Travertine pavers have long been a popular choice for homeowners, landscapers, and designers looking to add a touch of sophistication and durability to outdoor spaces, especially in warmer regions of the country. Their typically lighter colors, distinctive grain and relatively consistent coloring, gives outdoor travertine pavers exceptional aesthetic appeal, particularly around pools and casual living areas. Nevertheless, using travertine for outdoor flooring does have some drawbacks which is why travertine look porcelain pavers are fast becoming a realistic alternative.
What’s the Difference Between Natural Travertine and Porcelain?
Natural Travertine is a type of limestone that over millenniums has formed around mineral spring deposits, typically characterized by its porous texture and distinctive vein structures. Large travertine stone slabs are quarried from these deposits and cut to appropriate sizes for interior tiles or premium travertine pavers.
In contrast, travertine look porcelain pavers are manufactured from clay, digitally printed with wet and dry pigments and fired at an extremely high temperature, giving them a very hard, dense, non-porous structure.
What Are the Disadvantages of Natural Travertine?
Compared with porcelain pavers, natural travertine outdoor flooring has a number of drawbacks that need to be considered:
- Porosity: Travertine is a porous stone, so it can absorb liquids and stains if not properly sealed.
- Damage from acids and chemicals; Travertine is sensitive to acidic substances such as citrus juices, vinegar, and harsh cleaning chemicals, which can etch or dull the surface over time.
- Susceptibility to mold and mildew: Because of their porosity, outdoor travertine pavers are prone to the development of mold when exposed to excessive moisture.
- Regular maintenance & sealing required: Regular sealing is required to protect the surface from moisture and discoloration.
- Cost: Compared to concrete or brick pavers, travertine pavers tend to be more expensive.
What Are the Similarities of Travertine and Porcelain?
Durability and Longevity
Both natural travertine stone slabs and travertine look porcelain pavers are very durable products which can withstand extreme weather conditions. But since porcelain is essentially non porous and won’t suffer freeze/thaw cracking, it can offer an advantage over natural travertine outdoor flooring in more northerly regions.
Slip Resistance
Slip resistance of natural travertine pavers will vary depending on the finish – polished, honed or tumbled and brushed – with polished finish pavers displaying the least slip resistance. Honed travertine pavers have a SCOF slip resistance rating ranging from 0.40 to 0.50 which is slightly lower than travertine look porcelain pavers (>0.6 typically) while tumbled and brushed finish travertine has a SCOF value in the range 0.50 to 0.70.
Heat Absorption
Any stone or porcelain paver will absorb heat, so both can feel hot to bare feet when hot sun is beating down on the pavers. How hot a paver will get is more influenced by the color of the paver. Since travertine pavers tend to be a lighter color than bluestone pavers for example, there can be an assumption that travertine is naturally cooler. In reality there is little difference in heat build up between a travertine stone slab or a porcelain paver with similar SRI values.
Color Range
While beige travertine pavers are probably the most common, premium travertine pavers are available in a vast array of colors including off white, silver grey, yellow, cream, walnut, brown and ivory. The same applies with travertine look porcelain pavers which also offer a broad color range.
Travertine stone slabs are supplied as either cross-cut or vein cut. Cross-cut stone tends to have a softer feel due to the flowery pattern the cut reveals, whereas vein cut displays more linear veins Travertine look porcelain pavers can also be supplied with either cross-cut or vein cut appearance. Ultimately when selecting a color or style, your main consideration is your existing outdoor design and how the chosen pavers will complement it.
Size and Thickness
Typically, natural travertine stone slabs are ½”- 1 ¼” in thickness and up to 24” x 24” in size. The thinner sizes are normally used for mortar set travertine patio tiles or indoor flooring while the larger dimension travertine stone slabs are used for exterior landscaping.
Travertine look porcelain pavers can be supplied in sizes up to 24” x 48”. Their thickness is precisely ¾” thick so they are typically easier to lay compared with natural travertine where the thickness can vary slightly.
Aesthetic Appeal in Commercial Use
In commercial applications, both travertine outdoor flooring and porcelain pavers are commonly used in hotels, resorts, and public parks due to their durability and upscale appearance. Businesses and property developers often choose travertine stone slabs or travertine look porcelain to create impressive outdoor spaces that will attract customers and guests.
Installation Options with Travertine Pavers
Sand-set installation
The travertine stone slabs are laid on a prepared bed of sand or gravel. Spacers are used to keep the pavers precisely aligned and the joints are then filled with sand. This cost-effective installation technique is commonly used for patios, walkways, and garden paths.
Mortar-set installation
For a more permanent and stable surface, travertine patio tiles are installed over a concrete base using mortar and then grouted. This method is generally used for driveways and areas that experience heavy foot traffic.
Adjustable pedestal supported roof decks
Travertine look porcelain pavers have the advantage in that their extra strength allows them to be installed on roof decks supported only by adjustable height pedestals situated at each corner.
Stackable pad supported over existing concrete
Travertine look porcelain pavers can also be installed over existing concrete using only stackable rubber pads as support – no need for mortar and grout. This method can ensure a perfectly level surface and allows water to flow away freely under the pavers.
FAQs
Where can travertine pavers be used?
Travertine pavers are suitable for a wide range of applications, including:
- Patios
- Pool surrounds
- Walkways and garden paths
- Plazas
- General landscaping
What are the benefits of using travertine look porcelain pavers outdoors?
Porcelain is exceptionally durable, scratch and stain resistant with a non-slip surface, and comes in a broad a range of aesthetic options, making the pavers ideal for outdoor flooring.
Is travertine look porcelain easier to maintain than natural travertine outdoor flooring?
Definitely. Because natural travertine is porous, it needs to be sealed from time to time to prevent stains and damage from acids and any spills need to be promptly addressed to avoid staining. Porcelain however is essentially non porous. It is unaffected by acids and does not need any sealing. It just needs cleaning with mild soap and water from time to time.
Are porcelain travertine patio tiles suitable for all climates?
Yes, travertine look porcelain is practically impervious to water so will withstand even severe weather conditions, including snow and ice.
Where can I purchase porcelain pavers that simulate premium travertine pavers?
Premium travertine look pavers can be purchased directly from Archatrak for shipping to any location in the USA.
Conclusion
Both travertine stone slabs and travertine look porcelain pavers offer a versatile and high-quality option for outdoor spaces. With their durability, natural beauty and functional benefits, they both make an excellent choice for patios, pool decks, walkways, and more. Whether you opt for ivory, walnut, silver or beige travertine pavers, these pavers will add sophistication and charm to any landscape. Natural travertine patio tiles do require some maintenance and sealing from time so time, so if maintenance is likely to be an issue, then travertine look porcelain pavers could be your best option in the long term.