Picking out the right materials for your outdoor pavers can be a tough task if you are not sure what your options are. Knowing more about how to pick and choose the right pavers can help you to end up with the patio, walkway, or pool surround that you have always wanted. Knowing the difference between these materials can help you to invest in the right products for your build.
Travertine paver vs concrete can be a common selection that needs to be made when paving outdoor areas. You will find that these two materials are ideal for this kind of need, but you will want to know the differences between the two options before you start a project. Travertine is a classic choice and concrete is always a solid option for many reasons. You will find out more about both of these material choices in this guide.
The Difference Between Travertine Pavers and Concrete Pavers
There are various materials that you can use for your outdoor spaces that need to be paved, smooth, and ready for use throughout the seasons. This guide will help you determine which option best suits your needs.
1. Travertine is Naturally Occurring
Travertine is formed by fresh water and calcium carbonate. This means that the sedimentary limestone product exhibits a wide range of color variations and is not uniform in appearance, unlike concrete. It also cannot be altered in terms of color, unlike other materials you might want to use for a patio or walkway.
Manmade products like concrete can be altered in many ways and are consistent throughout. Still, most natural stone products or materials will not be as regular, smooth, or tonally consistent as these artificial products. This is part of what makes travertine so popular because the variations in color and surface make it very unique in this kind of application. However, if this is not something that you want or need in your patio or walkway, you need to consider if travertine is right for your project.
2. Travertine is More Expensive Than Concrete
In most cases, travertine will be more expensive than concrete. This is due to a variety of factors. Still, you will need to plan on paying to have your travertine shipped to you from a more remote location, and you will need some extra travertine since this is a material that can be damaged in transportation or when being cut down into pavers.
Concrete is not as sensitive to transport or handling, and it is often mixed locally before it is poured, which makes it much cheaper than other materials. The exception to this is stamped concrete, which can be pretty expensive, just like natural stone products.
On the scale of expensive, concrete pads and walkways that are intricate or designed with added flourishes can become quite spendy as well. However, they are often still easier to source components and materials for.
3. Concrete is Highly Durable
Concrete is often more durable than travertine. This is because it is not a natural material. Travertine, like other naturally formed stone products, can be prone to small areas that will become pitted or muted in color over time. This is because natural stone products are not perfectly consistent throughout their full thickness. You need to have this in mind if you are worried about lots of foot traffic or wheeled traffic rolling over a patio or pathway.
Concrete is always going to be far more durable if you are going to expose your patios or walkways to a lot of stress and activity.
4. Travertine is Naturally Cool
One of the best features of travertine is that it doesn’t tend to heat up during the summer months like concrete or other materials. Travertine tends to stay cool, even in extremely hot conditions, making it an ideal choice for areas with intense heat. This is an excellent option for your pool surround or any location where you’d really like to walk barefoot during the summer.
Concrete and other materials can get quite hot even when they are not in the direct sun if the heat index is sufficient. You should be prepared for this compromise if you don’t opt for a natural material like travertine for your patio or walkways.
5. Concrete Requires Sealing
Concrete will need to be sealed and protected from moisture if you are using it as your pool surround or if it will be exposed to a lot of rain in the winter. You might also want to seal it to prevent cracking and discoloring, depending on the challenges it will face daily in your yard, near your barbecue, or by your pool.
This is not necessary for travertine in most cases, which can be a nice place to save a little money for your overall project. Concrete can also be prone to drying out and cracking, which is not an issue for travertine.
Concrete and Travertine Are Both Good Options for Patios and Walkways
Both concrete and travertine are ideal for patios and walkways in your yard or around your home. You should consider both as excellent choices for your needs, and use this guide to help you decide which one is the right choice for your needs. Travertine is very beautiful and can remain cool to the touch, even in the heat of the summer.
Concrete and travertine are both common choices for this need because they are both such beautiful and pragmatic choices for those who are looking at having walkways and paths that are hardy, visually appealing, and safe to use throughout each season. If you are upgrading your yard to a new and beautiful condition, it’s essential to understand your options for paths and other outdoor spaces that must be waterproof and usable year-round.
