OUTERclé lapidary Collection

Pros & Cons of Travertine Tiles

Like all natural materials, travertine comes with both advantages and key considerations. Understanding these can help ensure it’s the best choice for the design, function, and climate of your outdoor project.

Key Characteristics of Travertine Tile

• Durability: Travertine resists scratching and cracking with proper cleaning and upkeep. This makes it ideal for high-traffic areas and households with small children or pets.
• Timeless beauty: Travertine’s marble-like texture evokes classical grandeur and remains one of the most elegant design trends in modern interiors and landscapes.
• Added property value: Installing travertine flooring or pavers can increase a home’s resale value, particularly in regions where natural stone is considered a luxury finish.
• Weather resistance: Although not as hard as granite, travertine withstands regular foot traffic and temperature fluctuations effectively. (In varied climates, just be sure to check that you’re working with a freeze-thaw rated tile.)
• Unique texture: The natural pores and veining in travertine tiles give each installation one-of-a-kind visual depth and tactile dimension.

Cons

• Maintenance requirements: Travertine must be sealed during installation and resealed every three to five years to protect it against moisture, discoloration, and surface damage.
• Porosity: Because travertine is naturally porous, it can absorb liquids, oils, and grease quickly, leading to stains if not sealed or cleaned properly. Make sure you and your client understand travertine stain removal techniques, as well as what ongoing maintenance looks like.
• Temperature sensitivity: Travertine tiles tend to stay cool underfoot — a benefit in warm weather but potentially uncomfortable in cold climates.
• Cost: Travertine is typically more expensive than ceramic or porcelain tile due to its natural origin, quarrying, and processing.

What Can You Use Travertine Tiles for in Outdoor Spaces?

Travertine’s adaptability makes it a perfect choice for a wide variety of outdoor applications. Its natural texture helps prevent slipping, while its subtle tonal range complements both modern and traditional architecture. Here are several ways designers use travertine in exterior environments.

• Patio flooring: Travertine pavers are among the best flooring for outdoor patio projects due to their balance of beauty and function.
• Outdoor kitchens: The stone’s earthy texture pairs beautifully with wood, concrete, and metal surfaces.
• Pool decks: Travertine’s cool surface and slip resistance (in tumbled finishes, that is) make it an excellent choice for travertine pool deck installations.
• Garden pathways: Tumbled travertine pavers lend a weathered, organic quality to garden paths and courtyards.
• Open-air showers: The stone’s natural texture and tone create a spa-like atmosphere outdoors.
• Steps and risers: Travertine’s strength and cut precision make it ideal for stairs and transitions between levels.
• Accent walls or fire pits: Travertine adds dimension and warmth to vertical surfaces and outdoor gathering areas alike.

For more inspiration, explore travertine patio ideas that showcase creative applications of this enduring material.

Cost of Installing Travertine Tile Outdoors

As with all natural stone, travertine typically comes at a more premium price point than manmade materials like ceramic or porcelain. Each tile is a product of nature — formed over millions of years — then expertly cut and finished to reveal its organic veining and texture. That craftsmanship and rarity are reflected in its price.

While travertine may require a greater upfront investment, it’s one that pays off in both beauty and longevity. Its durability, resistance to wear, and timeless aesthetic make it a solid choice for outdoor spaces designed to last. Unlike many synthetic options, travertine weathers gracefully, developing a patina that only enhances its appeal over time.

Pricing varies depending on the stone’s color, finish, and format. For the most accurate information, it’s always best to view a tile’s product page. (We love beige travertine baguettes, warm black baguettes, and jade green baguettes, for example — all from our lapidary collection.) From there, you can calculate the estimated cost of your project based on your desired square footage. Be sure to include about 15% overage in your tile order to account for cuts, pattern alignment, and any future replacements.

Though it may be more of an investment upfront, travertine’s enduring quality, versatility, and natural beauty make it an excellent choice for outdoor spaces that are meant to be lived in and loved for decades.

Conclusion

Travertine tile has earned its reputation as a best-in-class natural stone for both indoor and outdoor environments. Its story, which spans millions of years, embodies permanence and natural artistry. From Roman amphitheaters to contemporary patios, it remains an excellent choice for designers who seek to balance strength, texture, and timeless beauty.

Whether used for a pool deck, open-air kitchen, or courtyard, travertine transforms any functional outdoor area into an enduring work of design. Its versatility, combined with the variety of finishes and tones available, allows it to integrate seamlessly with other types of tile and architectural materials.

While travertine requires some maintenance to preserve its beauty, the rewards are lasting. Few materials offer the same blend of luxury, practicality, and history that travertine does. Explore our collection of travertine pavers to find the perfect choice for your next project — and discover firsthand how this ancient stone continues to elevate modern outdoor design.