Are Travertine Pavers Worth the Investment? Our Experts Weigh In

Need natural pavers for an upcoming home improvement project? As a type of limestone, travertine is a durable and beautiful natural stone variety that is very popular in Australian homes, especially for indoor and outdoor flooring. 

Whether you want to redesign your pool exterior or switch up your stepping stones, this article will help you decide whether travertine natural pavers are right for your property. Explore the advantages and disadvantages below!

What Are Travertine Pavers?

Travertine is a type of subterranean limestone that is brought to the surface by hot springs. Travertine can be imported from Italy, Turkey, Iran, Mexico, Peru, or even Iceland or the Grand Canyon. Formed from the rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate around mineral springs, this spring water forms holes and craters, resulting in a dense fibrous texture and natural appearance. 

As it is made from compressed shells and debris from aquatic organisms, travertine is actually considered an early stage of limestone. In most cases, it is designed for outdoor use. This is because travertine pavers are thicker–often 30 mm in thickness–and stronger than tiles. 

Based on its natural strength and hard-wearing exterior, travertine is often applied as pavers to pool decks, patios, steppers, or driveways. With this in mind, why is it worth purchasing? 

Why Invest in Travertine Pavers? 

Why are travertine pavers worth the investment for your home or commercial outdoor spaces? Let’s dive in.

1. Natural Colours and Finishes

With natural beauty, countless colour variations, and stunning surface patterns, travertine pavers offer a look that is both classic and sophisticated. It is primarily made from calcium carbonate, a main component of shells, and comes in many sizes, cuts, thicknesses, and patterns.

Create unique layouts with a variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes available, such as the Silver Premium Tumbled paver, Milano Travertine Cross Cut, Milano Travertine Vein Cut, Milano Travertine Raw Cut, Cobble Noce Travertine Tumbled, and more for traditional and contemporary looks.

Fancy a neutral colour palette? Light silver, clean and crisp ivory white, natural reds, Travertine Giallo with a warm yellow hue, and a rich walnut brown are available for outdoor flooring, pool paving, wall cladding, or an indoor centrepiece.

Common finishes of natural stone pavers include a high-gloss, polished travertine, which is sanded and buffed, honed travertine, a matte finish with natural holes and crevices, a tumbled finish, which is tumbled in a machine with small pebbles for a rustic look, and brushed travertine, where the stone is brushed with a wire brush for texture.

2. Durable and Safe To Walk On

Travertine pavers, especially honed and tumbled travertine designs, are known for their non-slip surfaces and can handle heavy loads. This means there's generally no need to worry about slipping or falling after heavy rainfall! 

With a dense, compact structure, travertine is formed from the slow deposition of materials so it can handle heavy foot traffic and extreme weather. As it is also freeze and thaw compatible, it is unlikely to be damaged during winter or spring.

The natural indentations and grooves made from the tumbling process increase grip and traction, which is excellent for slippery outdoor areas such as patios, pool decks, and walkways. 

2. Always Heat-Resistant

Do you want to use travertine for outdoor pathways or around your pool deck? Luckily, travertine paving is heat-resistant. Able to store, absorb, and radiate heat, these pavers do not get hot when exposed to sunlight and are comfortable to walk on in the middle of summer.

As travertine can absorb water quickly due to its porous structure, it is 20% to 30% cooler than its paver counterparts. If you're considering placing a fire pit, travertine passes heat down to the earth beneath it

4. Environmentally-Friendly

Recently, the construction industry has shifted to more eco-friendly building practices. Travertine, formed by mineral deposits in hot springs, is environmentally friendly for your interior or outdoor areas.

Compared to materials like concrete or steel, travertine reduces its carbon footprint and involves a low-energy production process from quarry to construction site.

Do you want less material waste when reworking your home? Travertine is also recyclable, easily repurposed or reused for different construction projects, cutting back its environmental impact.

5. Fool-Proof Installation Process

Are you an experienced landscaper, DIY enthusiast, or a homeowner wanting professional travertine installation? If you've decided on travertine pavers, it's critical to consider the installation process, as this impacts how long they will last.

Proper planning and preparation are essential before any landscaping project. The area is carefully measured, noting slopes or drainage. Structures, vegetation, and debris are removed for a successful foundation.

Excavation should be done to the desired depth, accounting for paver thickness, base, and sand layer. The solid base is created with evenly distributed crushed stone or gravel in the excavated area. A tamper or plate compactor compacts the base for a stable paver foundation.

For bedding sand and edge restraints, a layer of sand will be spread over the compacted base. Sand is levelled with a screed board or straight edge for uniformity. Edge restraints can be installed along the perimeter of the project area, preventing pavers from shifting over time.

Once the base and sand are prepared, the travertine pavers are ready to place. A contractor will begin from one corner or edge, following a predetermined design or pattern, leaving spacing between each paver using plastic spacers. Pavers will be kept level with a leveller tool and gently tapped with a rubber mallet. Pavers are checked for alignment and adjustment.

What about cutting and adjusting? According to your space measurements, a wet or masonry saw is used for precise cuts. For safety, double-check the level and alignment of these tools before cutting.

Do you want to increase the curb appeal of your home or commercial property? Paver Shops offers paving options such as limestone pavers, sandstone pavers, cobblestone pavers, bluestone pavers, and other fantastic options that create an attractive surface.

What Are The Cons of Travertine?

Let's take a look at the disadvantages of travertine pavers for your paving project.

Travertine is a porous material that absorbs liquids and stains. Proper sealing and paver care are important to protect travertine from damage.

It can be high maintenance. Like all natural stones, routine cleaning using pH-neutral cleaners and yearly resealing will stop discolouration. Air pockets in the 

Travertine is vulnerable to acids. Spills of acidic substances such as vinegar, citrus juices, and cleaning products can scratch the stone's surface, leaving dull spots or permanent damage. Spills must be handled quickly.

How To Care For Travertine?

Sturdy and easy to care for, what must you remember when keeping travertine's textured surface looking its best?

1. Sweep travertine weekly with a soft broom or dust mop, removing dirt and debris before it can build up.

2. Always use trivets, coasters, or hot pads when setting down items to prevent staining or scratching. Squeegees are reliable for wiping away water post-mopping or spillage.

3. Wipe up spills immediately, as they can stain the travertine if left to sit. If in doubt, contact a professional contractor at The Paver Shop!

Want to transform your garden with beautiful travertine pavers designed to last? We offer pavers to Taylors Hill, Thornbury, Northcote, Bundoora, and Mill Park properties across Melbourne.

Paver Shop – Paving Contractors in Melbourne

On the hunt for travertine pavers in Melbourne? Whether you're in the market for Cashmere Travertine Pavers, Mocha Travertine Pavers, Silver Premium Travertine Pavers, or Tuscan Premium, The Paver Shop has a wide range for your outdoor living space.

For proper installation, regular maintenance, and installation costs for travertine tiles, our experienced contractors offer textured finishes, timeless elegance, and support for your personal style.

Contact us today or visit us in Thomastown for a free quote on travertine pavers, supply and installation, decking or yard features, or drain and pool accessories.