If you are looking to update your interiors with new tiles, you might be considering options like travertine and marble. You might also be asking questions. What are their differences and similarities? Which one is the best choice for your space? Both travertine and marble are limestones that would make elegant additions to your home, but they each have their own characteristics.
In terms of appearance, marble generally appears as a solid, single color with streaks of darker hues (veins) running through it. Marble is very smooth and tends to have a sparkle. It’s manufactured with either a high gloss polished finish or a satiny honed finish. Travertine, meanwhile, is likely to be visibly porous. This characteristic gives it a more textured and natural look. But when travertine is sanded down and sealed, it can become very smooth, too. Travertine tiles are relatively softer and more absorbent, requiring a few coats of sealant. You will find travertine tiles in a range of warm colors such as cream, beige, brown, gold, and even red. Pattern and color variations keep these tiles from appearing to be too uniform. There are a variety of travertine finishes, including polished, tumbled, honed, and brushed.
Marble tiles are popularly used on floors, bathroom walls, as well as kitchen countertops. This extremely hard stone can take a beating from heavy foot traffic as long as it is properly sealed. Travertine tiles are also used indoors for general flooring, bathroom, and kitchen applications, but they are also quite popular for outdoor spaces. Before undergoing the process of polishing and honing, travertine tiles provide high friction surfaces suitable for preventing slipping, thereby making them great for pool areas.
In terms of cost, natural travertine is more expensive than cultured marble—but natural marble is more expensive. Costs also vary depending on the quality of the stone. A wholesaler can give you the best prices while offering expert advice on which material is most suitable for your project.
Travertine Warehouse 