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When it comes to selecting the perfect flooring for your home, there’s nothing quite like natural stone to bring a certain level of sophistication and warmth to a space. Two of the most popular natural stones used for floors are travertine and marble, but which is best?
Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into the differences between each. We’ll break down the manufacturing process, durability, lifespan, cost, and more, and finish by looking at the pros and cons of each, making it easier than ever to determine which is the right choice for your needs.
While both travertine and marble are natural stone tiles that will add a touch of luxury and elegance to any space, and there are similarities to each, they also have their differences. Let’s explore these in more detail.
To create travertine pavers and tiles, large blocks of travertine are first cut into smaller slabs, which are then honed and polished to achieve a perfect finish.
Marble tiles are created in much the same way, with large blocks of marble being cut from quarries and then cut into large slabs. These are then polished to enhance their natural beauty and expose their veining, and then cut again into tiles.
Travertine tiles are well-known for their durability and resilience, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic and heavy-use areas such as kitchen countertops and bathroom floors. However, travertine is softer than marble, which means it is easier to scratch over time.
Marble tiles are extremely durable, which makes them good for both residential and commercial use. However, they do require regular sealing and maintenance to keep them strong, and even though marble is harder than travertine, it is prone to scratching if not properly cared for.
As it’s a natural material, travertine can last for decades. However, travertine tiles do require regular sealing to extend their lifespan and keep them performing well.
Just like travertine, marble tiles can last for an incredibly long time, but they also need proper care in order to extend their lifespan for as long as possible.
A popular choice for the budget-conscious, travertine tiles are generally much more affordable than marble tiles. However, the cost can vary depending on quality, finish, and size.
It’s no secret that marble is considered one of the most luxurious materials in the world, and, as such, it comes with a higher price tag. Compared to travertine, it’s definitely the more expensive of the two.
While all natural stones should only ever be cut by a professional installer, travertine is softer and, therefore, relatively easy to cut and shape.
Marble is much tougher to cut and shape compared to travertine, and this is due to its hardness and density. In fact, specialised equipment and techniques need to be used to cut marble tiles, which, along with the cost of the tiles themselves, make them less of a budget-friendly choice.
Travertine is much more naturally porous than marble, and this means it has a higher water absorption rate. As such, travertine tiles may be more susceptible to water damage if they aren’t properly sealed and regularly maintained.
Marble has a lower water absorption rate compared to travertine, making it less resistant to water damage, especially with proper sealing. This makes them a better option for moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
All natural stone requires special maintenance, and both travertine and marble need regular sealing to protect from stains and scratches.
As mentioned above, in terms of maintenance, both marble and travertine are pretty evenly matched. Both can also be cleaned with mild detergent, although marble often requires a specialised cleaner to keep it in good condition.
Travertine tiles are best suited to indoor use and can be used as flooring, walls, backsplashes, and countertops. They are also perfect for adding warmth and character to any space and are especially good for rustic design themes.
Marble tiles are also best used indoors and, just like travertine, are ideal for floors, walls, and countertops. However, it is better for adding a touch of luxury to a space and is great for creating elegant, timeless looks.
There are loads of benefits to choosing travertine tiles, but the biggest is probably the fact that their natural beauty adds warmth and character to any space, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere in the process.
Travertine is also a highly durable material, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. It’s an eco-friendly option, too, and this isn’t only because it’s a naturally occurring material, but it requires minimal processing compared to man-made tiles.
Another benefit travertine tiles offer is their longevity, and with proper care and maintenance, you’re guaranteed a warm, timeless look that will last for decades to come. They are also highly durable and can be used for kitchen countertops, flooring, and walls.
While beautiful and versatile, there are some drawbacks you need to consider when deciding if travertine tiles are the right choice for your project. First of all, they are quite porous, which makes them more prone to staining, and certain spills like citrus juices and vinegar can leave permanent marks.
The natural pits and voids in the surface of travertine tiles can, over time, become filled with dirt and debris as well, and this means you need to be certain you have the time to dedicate to cleaning and maintaining them regularly.
You also need to consider the cost of travertine tiles. While they don’t cost as much as marble tiles, they are still more expensive than other tile options like ceramic, so you’ll need to be willing to work with a higher budget.
Travertine tiles are best suited to anyone who is looking to create a warm, rustic look with natural materials. They are also great if you want to use natural stone but don’t want to spend as much as you would on marble tiles, and their durability makes them a really good choice for high-traffic areas.
One of the biggest benefits marble tiles have to offer is their elegant, luxurious appearance, which brings a level of sophistication to any space and is something that many other materials would struggle to achieve.
Of course, you need more than just aesthetics, and marble tiles with their extreme durability bring strength to the mix, as well. This offers you long-term use, and when properly cared for, you can place them in high-traffic areas without worrying about scratching or chipping.
Marble tiles are also super versatile, and they can be used for kitchen countertops, flooring, wall tiles, and more. This means that you’re able to create a fully-marbled finish from your floors to the top of your walls with a seamless finish.
The biggest disadvantage of marble tiles is that they are very expensive compared to travertine, or compared to any other type of tile for that matter. This makes them a no-go for some budgets, and when you factor in their need for specialised cutting and installation, the costs rise even higher.
Marble tiles also need special care and maintenance to keep them in good condition, including regular sealing and specialist cleaning solutions. With this in mind, they may not be the best choice if you aren’t able to dedicate the required time to maintenance.
Marble tiles are ideal if you’re aiming to create a sophisticated interior, and their timeless elegance and natural beauty really do elevate any space to a whole new level of luxury. Their durability also makes them suitable for use in high-traffic areas, and if you have the budget for them and are willing to put time into maintenance, they’ll continue looking good for decades to come.
As with any interior design project, it’s best to consider the needs of the space and the desired feel when choosing between travertine and marble tiles. Travertine tiles offer a natural, rustic charm, while marble tiles exude luxury and sophistication. Travertine and marble both come with significantly different price tags, too, so you’ll need to consider your budget when making your decision. One thing is for certain, though – no matter which you choose, you’re guaranteed to create a beautiful, natural space that, with proper care, will last for years.
