Breaking the Myth: Travertine vs. Pavers
So you have decided to make some upgrades and implement a pool in your outdoor living space. This means it’s time to make a decision regarding the aesthetics and overall care for your backyard— including the pool deck. Some of the most important factors when making pool decking decisions include function, durability, safety, maintenance requirements, and cost. Two of the most common pool deck materials include travertine and pavers. Travertine is considered a natural stone material which is known to stay cool during hot weather, but it does have its downsides. Pavers can be broken down into two categories: brick and concrete. All three have their own lists of pros and cons and that’s what we’re here to discuss.
Travertine Pros vs. Cons
Pros:
Long-term durability,
Porosity, allowing for good drainage and quick drying,
Resistance to damage from temperature variations,
Eco-friendly qualities,
Smooth and cool to walk on, even in high temperatures,
No efflorescence,
Travertine will not harbor pests or attract insects,
Resistant to freeze-thaw cycles,
Cons:
A travertine deck must be sealed initially, and periodically thereafter,
Some liquids may etch or stain the surface,
Weight may be a problem unless the deck area is thoroughly stabilized,
Available in limited colors other than neutral tones.
Travertine can crack and chip with hard use.
Brick Pavers Pros vs. Cons
Pros
Stain resistance and ease of maintenance,
Ready availability,
Permanent color in a wide variety of hues,
Quality consistency,
Textured slip resistance,
Design flexibility.
Cons:
Settling and uneven surfaces can be a problem,
If installed on the sand, weeds can grow between the brick,
Moss, mold, fungus and efflorescence can be problematic in wet, humid areas,
Brick gets hot, and brick surfaces can be rough.
Concrete Pavers Pros vs. Cons
Pros:
Add value to your home
Affordable and easy to install
The most resistant material out of the three
Long durability- can last for decades
Most color options available
Cons:
Settling and uneven surfaces can be a problem,
need to be sealed and regularly cleaned to protect the installation as a whole.
While travertine poses some great advantages, it also has a number of disadvantages that pavers do not have. Travertine looks great when it’s first installed, but the durability may not measure up to that of pavers. With that being said, travertine is harder to install and can also be cracked or chipped easier with heavy usage. Pavers may be a little bit hotter with temperature, but last longer and will provide a sleeker look over the course of time.
