Coat Evaluation: Marble vs Travertine

Posted by Travertine Warehouse on March 31st, 2018

If you are thinking about replacing or installing new tiles in your home, you are most likely wondering about the difference between natural stone tile choices such as marble and travertine. These two are both types of limestone and are great additions to almost any property. However, they also have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. 

Appearance 

When it comes to appearance, you can distinguish marble from other types of stone tiles by its veining color patterns and hardness. Marble sometimes appears with a solid, single color, but most of the time, it is a one-color stone that has streaks of another color, such as black or white with gray veins. Marble has a really smooth texture, and it is manufactured to have either a polished high gloss finish or a honed finish. Meanwhile, travertine usually looks porous, and this gives it a more textured and natural look. When travertine is sanded and sealed, however, it becomes smooth and fitting for flooring. Travertine is relatively absorbent and soft; hence, it needs a couple of coats of sealant to keep debris away. The colors of travertine are usually warm—such as cream or white, beige, brown, gold, and red. Expect subtle pattern and color variations between tiles, so no two are alike. Travertine can be found in various finishes including honed, polished, saw cut, brushed, and tumbled. 

Uses 

Marble tiles are commonly used on bathroom floors, walls, and countertops because of their clean and crisp look. Marble is a practical and elegant stone. It’s also very hard compared to other flooring materials, and this allows it to withstand high foot traffic. On the other hand, travertine tiles are often used indoors for flooring in bathrooms, but they can also be found in kitchens, countertops, and even walls. Travertine is also suitable for outdoor applications since its high-friction surface prevents slipping, provided that its finish is not polished or honed. 

Cost 

Natural travertine will generally be more expensive than cultured marble. However, natural marble is the one that has the higher price tag. Ultimately, the cost depends on the quality of the stone. The key to getting access to high quality marble or travertine at good prices is to work with a reliable supplier. 

About the Author 

Travertine Warehouse came into inception in 2003 with the goal of catering the US market with premium quality travertine tiles and stone products at factory direct prices. They are pioneer in providing marble tiles, pavers, copings & other Marble tile products. Travertine Warehouse is presently one of the largest Natural Stone Importers and Distributors in the U.S., with an on hand inventory of over 4 million sqft of Premium Quality Travertine and Marble available.