2018 Guide for Travertine Pavers

This detailed and informative guide is prepared to clarify all questions about travertine pavers and give you some refreshing ideas about the usage of travertine pavers. If you are not willing to read the whole guide you can simply use the index below.

What are the travertine types?
Travertine Pavers Ideas
Commercial Uses of Travertine Pavers
Disadvantages of using travertine pavers and their solutions
Travertine pavers’ colors and patterns
Travertine pavers cost
What to look for when purchasing travertine pavers?
Travertine pavers installation ideas
How travertine pavers are installed?
How to clean travertine pavers
Common travertine pavers problems and how to deal with them
Conclusion and our products

Beauty

Natural stones add a majestic touch when placed indoor or in outdoor areas. Travertine has been in the construction market since the ancient times. It is adored for its pattern versatility and ageless look thanks to the veins history that tells the travertine stone’s age. It comes in a spectacular variety of different colors like gold, ivory, walnut and shades of browns. Each color and pattern can be used in a combination giving birth to amazingly chic outlook which is far innovative than the traditional designs but timeless nonetheless.

Durability

The biggest problem that many homeowners face is how very soon the gorgeous tiles or precious stones that cost a fortune start wearing out after a while. If the fountain of youth had a paved area, then travertine would have been used due to its eternal beauty. The Roman architecture and construction made frequent use of this perfect stone because they acknowledged its benefits like sturdiness. The Colosseum is an example of how long travertine can resist wear and tear.  Breakage, deterioration or cracking are phenomena which are not anywhere near the word travertine pavers. You will be amazed as the paved travertine flooring can withstand the weight and other issues like decay without any extra effort.

Easy to Clean

Nothing is more annoying than the rigorous task of scrubbing off annoying stains from the patio deck or getting rid of the debris that decides to accumulate between pavers. If you want to free yourself from this cleaning hassle, then Travertine pavers are the right choice as they take a couple of minutes for cleaning. Cement or concrete pavers require a lot of maintenance and care when being cleaned but still end up losing their color. Travertine pavers, on the other hand, do not fade or take hours for cleaning.

Shape

Travertine Pavers come in standard as well as custom sizes. They can be cut into any shape and size according to the user’s requirement. This gives them the advantage of being used in small and peculiar shaped spaces.

Non-Slip Surface

A slippery paver around the pool area is a recipe for disaster. It can lead to horrific even fatal accidents. Other pavers usually become slippery if they get wet, travertine does the opposite. Due to its porous structure, Travertine pavers provide a non-slip surface even when they are wet which makes them the best option for pool decks. The easy to walk on pavers help in avoiding accidents.

Heat Resistant

Nothing is sadder than stepping barefoot on a scorching patio or pool deck after a refreshing dip. It is the worst experience. But Travertine pavers are heat resistant which means no matter how hot it is outside the pavers will stay at the perfect temperature. They can withstand all extreme weather types due to their naturally resilient structure.

Cost

Even though travertine pavers are expensive as compared to concrete and cement, they are better than other natural stones due to their durable nature. In the long term installing travertine pavers is a sensible and cost-effective investment. These pavers have the ability to retain their finish and color even after years of use.

Easy to Install

Nothing feels better than doing something with your hands. Some people live for DIY (Do-It-Yourself) stuff. Travertine pavers are extremely simple to install and quite easy to handle. There is no need to hire professional contractors to give your home a makeover. You can save money by installing the pavers yourself using wet-set or dry-set techniques.

Disadvantages of using travertine pavers and their solutions

Travertine pavers are a magnificent addition to the places where they are installed. It is quite easy to fall for their beauty, but all that glitters always comes with some drawbacks. Travertine pavers have the attractive looks that cannot be handled by every household, so it is necessary that before installing them some consideration is given to the drawbacks as well. Following are a few problematic situations which can arise while using these beautiful pavers:

Problems with the material

1. Porous structure

Travertine pavers are porous structurally and this permeable material is extremely absorbent which means all the harmless spills and dirt is stored inside its holes. By having travertine pavers professionally sealed this tenacious storage of spills can be avoided.

2. Sensitivity towards acids

Travertine pavers are made of calcium carbonate which is metal carbonate which reacts with an acidic solution and produces carbon dioxide gas. This makes the pavers highly sensitive towards acidic foods and drinks. Vinegar, ketchup or orange juice spill can wreck the hell out of travertine pavers.

3. Smooth surface

Travertine pavers with honed finish are smooth like marble and become extremely slippery, so it is recommended that such pavers are avoided for pool areas. Instead, pavers with tumbled finish should be used to avoid slipping.

Weight

Travertine pavers are notorious for their heavyweight. They require strong support for their installation. Whether the pavers are used for flooring or beautifying the pool decks, they need a sturdy structure below them which might lead to the installation of a heavy-duty subfloor or something to make sure travertine is secure.

Maintenance

Due to their porous material and negative reaction towards weak acidic foods and drinks, Travertine pavers require professional sealing. But vigilant care is necessary as the resealing should be done after every 6 or 12 months. This leads to additional maintenance cost twice a year which is not feasible for many households. For commercial flooring, travertine pavers should be swept first to avoid piling of dirt and then mopped with a neutral cleaning product. If it is not cleaned regular intervals, then chances of scratches appearing on its surface are very high due to the build-up of harmful dirt.

Travertine pavers’ colours and patterns

Travertine pavers are sold in the market in many different colors and patterns. Their size and shape can also be customized, and the result is a unique décor for the outdoor areas like the patios, pool areas, and driveways.

Travertine pavers colors

Travertine pavers usually come in lighter shades and tones. There are many colors available in the market with each vendor changing the name according to their will but they can be loosely identified as:

1. Gold
2. Silver
3. Ivory
4. Beige
5. Shades of brown (light, golden and dark)
6.  Walnut
7. Peach

Gold

Gold travertine раvеrѕ give a royal touch and standout brilliantly. It comes in a variety of warm shades ranging from rusty orange to golden tone. Each tone can be used for a different place depending on which element in the surrounding is to be complemented. For example, adding these pavers in their warm shades around the pool area would make the water’s color standout in a stunning manner. Gold pavers in orange shades complement the greenery of a paved patio. Even a walkway or stepping stones in gold would add extra oomph to the lush green lawns, gardens, and backyards.

Silver

If the aim is to get a modern patio paved with Travertine paver then silver is the sleekest choice especially if the furniture is in the hues of silver and gray. It is the choice which adds class to a modish environment.

Ivory

Ivory is the lightest color in the travertine paver collection. It is the neutral shade that complements all colors and can be used for any home’s outdoor area. The awe-worthy natural pattern of this paver and the subtle hints shades make this color mesmerizing when used in driveways.

Walnut

This paver color is best suited for traditional or rustic themes. It has a pleasing effect on the eyes in the summer due to its light hues and tones. It can be used for flooring gazebos and driveways.

Travertine pavers patterns

Colours are not the only thing that has a large variety in the world of travertine pavers. Next step is choosing the pattern in which you want your patterns to be laid. There is no limitation of a specific set of market defined pattern. The sky is the limit to how much diversity you want to add and how unique you want you pavers to be. Following are the most popular pattern choices in the current market:

• Brick
• French
• Herringbone
• Mosaic
• Star pattern
• Basketweave
• Diamond
• Corner set
• Wood and travertine combo pattern

Travertine pavers cost

Travertine Pavers are a onetime investment from long-term point of view. They are comparatively expensive, and their installation along with maintenance requires professional services of contractors or companies. Travertine pavers have a thickness of 1.25 inches with $2-$3 average prices per square foot in the US. This average cost’s figure can vary due to some factors which are listed below:

Location

Geographical location and the distance from the service provider play a critical role in the cost. The greater the distance, higher will be costs for the material, equipment and services. If the pavers are being imported, then sales tax on the material will be added accordingly.

Constractor cost

If a general contractor is supervising the project then 15-23% charge is added to the total cost of organizing and managing the installation process.

Project cost and related expenses

This includes preparation of the job site for installation, cleanup at project completion and testing of hazardous materials and their precautionary measures that are taken.

Permit fee

This depends on the local building departments.

What to look for when purchasing travertine pavers?

Travertine pavers are an expensive one-time investment; it is absolutely necessary that before buying it a few things are taken note of. Some of these important things are mentioned below:

Quality

When buying Travertine pavers always go for the premium grade as it is the highest quality. The premium material is inspected, approved and graded according to the quality and durability.

Supplier

It is both logical and economical to buy travertine pavers from the supplier who is directly getting the stone from Turkey, Europe or Asia instead of buying it from a third party. Find a good reputable local supplier, and you will see how much the price will be slashed down by getting rid of the middleman. Furthermore, local suppliers offer free samples if requested which gives a fair idea of what you are buying. To catch the best value for your travertine paver purchase, make sure the suppliers are located in Miami which is the core center for natural stone pavers imported into the United States of America. If you order from anywhere else the middleman scenario will increase the cost.

Service provider

Always make sure the fact that your Travertine paver installing party is certified. Proper installation yields best results and saves both time and money.

Do paver research

Travertine pavers are available in many colors, styles, and patterns. The customize option for shape and size provide endless possible outcomes for any shade or hue selected.  You can choose the material that is according to your requirements without any hassle.

Paver finish

Travertine pavers have variety in finishes too. They can either be tumbled or chiseled finished. Each finish has a different application, for example, pool decks require grip on a wet surface to avoid slipping accidents, so it is best to use tumbled travertine pavers for it.

Estimation

The most important part is determining the amount of paver that is required. Measure the place that needs the travertine makeover and then estimates the order size. Always order a bit more so that you have a spare just in case some incident happens.

Sealant

You should decide before installation whether you will require the sealing of your travertine pavers. It protects the stone from stains, abrasions, and scratches and adds longevity to their appearance.

Filling type for honed and filled travertine

Ask your supplier about what kind of fill is being used for filled honed travertine pavers. Epoxy fill which is a mix of stone dust and resin should be preferred as it is durable and of nicer quality as compared to concrete fill which is cheaper and prone to chipping.

Travertine pavers installation ideas

There are many great ideas that you can use for installation of Travertine pavers. Some of which are mentioned in the list below:

Pavers in Pool Deck

Travertine pavers are more suitable to be used as pool decks, unlike bricks and bluestone they have a tendency to remain cool to touch even in hot days.
Travertine does not become chalky or discolors after installation, and it is also environment-friendly. The texture of the stone is such that it remains slip resistant for wet feet while the cool touch feel prevents burns.
French pattern pavers give a mesmerizing look to pool decks especially areas with semi-cold climate. These pavers are also able to withstand extreme cold weathers as well if they are installed properly and are of good quality.

Stair Treads

By refacing the fronts of stair treads with travertine, we can give a new look to patios and pool decks. They can present a decorative element to the steps leading to the home or garden. To give a better grip on the foot when stair is wet consider a more rustic finish on the steps. Travertine is freeze/ thaw resistant as well making it ideal for use in outdoor stone steps or stairs.

Travertine Pavers for Patio

Travertine stones of various colors can be used to design outdoor walkways and driveways in a myriad of beautiful themes. Travertine pavers can be used for decorating patio of the house or property as in gardens and backyards.

Re-clad retaining walls

Travertine stone do have some natural variation in color from tile to tile, but they are considered to be within a single-color palate. This is quite appealing to some people who want natural colored retaining walls without the grays and blues which is often found in field stones and slates. Depending upon the travertine rustic, sleek and weathered walls can be created.

How travertine pavers are installed?

As a homeowner, it is important to understand the installation process of travertine pavers even if you are going to hire a trained professional for all the work. It a can bring a piece of mind to know what is going on.
There are two ways travertine pavers are installed; each method requires unique tools and a series of steps that need to be followed precisely.

Dry Set

This is a highly recommended option, and many professionals have a predilection towards this process, as it is far easier than the other method. It involves the following steps.

1. The first step is to compact the soil and to check the moisture content making sure that it is neither too dry nor wet as it can create complications in the installation.
2. This will act as a soil sub-base; the next step is to add approx. 8” of crushed limestone. One of the pros of crushed limestone is that the edges fit snugly together making it a string base.
3. Create a border around the area and seal it before setting down the pavers.
4. The last step after everything is set to sweep polymeric sand of the travertine pavers

Mud Set

This option isn’t usually recommended as much as the preceding one. However, those who work with pool deck pavers and travertine are aware that this method works as well. This method requires a concrete surface and mud placed on top of it.

1. Begin by preparing the surface on which the pavers are to be placed; the surface should be clear, and any existing old residue material should be completely removed.
2. Apply Flexbond or similar on the subfloor. Spread Flexbond or mortar mix underneath (the tile) with a notched trowel. For better results use sanded grout and add another set of thin set flex bond.
3. Place the travertine pavers gently on the grout and tap them with a hammer so that they are fixed in place.
4. If necessary grout can be placed, in-between joints and excess grout removed using a sponge.
5. Allow travertine pavers appropriate time to dry.

How to clean travertine pavers?

For Spills

As Travertine is a porous stone, it is highly absorbent this can make stains more likely to penetrate the stone. The best bet is to wipe the stain as soon as possible before it gets absorbed, however in the case of the latter situation there are ways to remove the stain.

• Use of water and stone soap

The travertine stone can be easily damaged by acidic substances, so it’s important to use cleaners that are PH neutral. However, before trying heavy cleaners start out by using water to wash the stain away if that doesn’t works use a soap made for natural stone, use a brush if necessary to scrub the stain away.

• Using Poultice Powder

Remove any sealer or coating wax from the travertine tiles using sealing stripper before applying poultice powder this will enable the poultice to penetrate into the stone and remove the stain. Mix the poultice powder with distilled water and make a paste solution with it. Apply this paste onto the stain and make a thick coating of it. Apply a plastic wrap over the paste, make it air tight and leave it for one to two days so that it completely dries up.

After the paste has dries up, use a spatula to remove it and rinse the tile with distilled water. Repeat the process if necessary until the stain is completely removed.

Weed Cleaning

Sometimes unwanted plants start to grow in-between travertine pavers, and they can compromise the beauty as well as the structure of the stone, so it is important to take them out before they go out of control.

• Pulling them by hand

Large weeds can be removed by pulling them manually but make sure to pull them from the roots so that they do not grow back.

• Using boiling water

Boiling water is also a cheap and effective way to remove weeds. Just pour enough to cover the weeds and in a few days a weeds will die out. After that make sure to add polymeric sand in-between the pavers to fill in the gaps so that the weeds do not grow again.

Common travertine pavers problems and how to deal with them

Vacuolar structure

The structure of travertine is vacuolar i.e. there are cavities in its structure, consider travertine pavers as Swiss cheese where the hole will accumulate dirt irrespective of the location (indoor or outdoor). This also makes them prone to liquid spills as they can seep into the pores and cause permanent stains if not properly treated.

Solution

To avoid this problem is to make an extra effort and seal the pavers. Sealers penetrate into the pores and retain the natural texture of the stone; they will ensure that minimal damage caused due to spills and they can also protect against erosion.

Highly reactive to acidic substances

Travertine is made of almost all calcium based mineral, and it is highly reactive to acidic substances so spilling wine or something as innocuous as fruit juice can cause a permanent stain on travertine tiles.

Solution

The solution to this problem is also to use sealers, granite sealers are widely used for this purpose. The granules fill the pores of the travertine tile. However, it will not make travertine tiles impervious to stain nor does it make an impenetrable shell over the pavers it will only slowdown the absorption giving you enough time to wipe of the stain.
Even when cleaning travertine pavers precaution should be taken to use only neutral or alkaline based detergents depending on the type of residue that needs to be removed. Also, avoid cleaning with vinegar because of its acidic nature it might get absorbed and cause a permanent stain.

There are however certain situations where acid descaling agents might be used. For example, these agents are used to remove installation residue i.e. cement as this is the only way it can be thoroughly removed.

Travertine tiles are heavier

If you want quick installation, travertine is not the best option for you. These tiles are heavy and it is quite a time consuming to install them as a lot of effort is required in moving them. They also require strong support below too, so that adds an extra task to the list as well.

Solution

Hire professionals to take care of the task installation task. It is recommended that well-known companies are approached so that quality is not compromised.

Conclusion

We understand that investing in flooring plans whether indoor or outdoor is a big step and everyone is looking for a long run practical investment. Travertine floor is now becoming a trend in home décor. While the calcium carbonate composition of travertine stone does make it to susceptible to damage by acidic substances but the pros of travertine far outweigh these minor drawbacks.
These stones are environment-friendly and have easy maintenance. By simply mopping the travertine will keep it looking great for years to come. Travertine pavers have a quick fix solution in case of damage which is quite easy. The striking resemblance to marble, the practical installation cost and a myriad of other benefits has made these pavers quite popular.
In short, unless you are really into the aesthetic of bricks, travertine pavers are much more practical. It is a natural material which is ageless and long lasting. With a little bit of effort, it can easily retain its hold in extreme hot and cold weathers. These stunning natural stones are tougher and more durable than their competitors. They are a good investment for anyone who is looking to decorate or renovate their homes.