In Dilemma: Difference Between Marble vs Travertine

Posted by Eric Barthelemy on March 19th, 2018

A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that marble and travertine are the same, but they are not. Yes, travertine & marble are both natural stones, but they have they own unique characteristics that make them distinctive.

To begin with, travertine is a sedimentary stone that is extracted from limestone caves and hot springs, and this stone is used around the world for both indoor and outdoor applications. Meanwhile, marble is the result when a sedimentary stone is exposed to pressure or heat over a long period.

Aside from the differences between how travertine & marble are formed, these two stones also have distinctions when it comes to other aspects, like usage. Marble tiles look clean and crisp. Because of this, they are often used on countertops, floors, and bathroom walls. Marble can withstand rough daily use because it is a very hard material compared to other flooring types. Meanwhile, travertine is usually used for bathroom flooring, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. Travertine has a high friction surface, and this makes it ideal for outside use to avoid slipping. Many pools have travertine tiles and pavers installed.

When it comes to cost, you can expect natural travertine to be more costly than cultured marble. However, natural marble will often be pricier. The costs highly depend on the quality of the stone as well as the geographical region that it came from.

When it comes to strength and processing, it can be said that marble is harder, and yet it is more fragile as well. This means that marble blocks have a more costly processing, and production losses are more likely. Travertine is softer, but it is easier to process and hence it has more available finishes. Travertine & marble are both durable, but marble might be the better option if you are looking for something to use in a commercial property.

In conclusion, marble often costs more than travertine. Travertine comes in more colors and finishes than marble because it is easier to process. If you think you cannot afford marble tiles, you might want to choose travertine instead. Travertine will last long if it is installed and maintained well. But if you have more money to spend, and your priority is to have a hardy and an absolutely long-lasting material, marble is the better option.

About the Company:

Stone-Mart is a direct importer of Premium Quality Travertine and Marble with locations throughout Florida, including Tampa, ST. Petersburg, and Fort Myers with Naples and Sarasota opening soon. Stone-Mart has the largest on hand inventory of premium quality Travertine Tile, Travertine Pavers, Marble Patios and Marble Tiles, Pool Copings, and Mosaics in the United States with factory direct pricing. Their highly trained Natural Stone Specialists are ready to assist you in choosing the ideal marble or Travertine for your project, and have strong logistic partners to ensure the most cost effective options for delivery to your Business, Jobsite or Home.