Pool Deck Pavers vs Travertine

Not knowing the differences between various pool deck materials can lead to compromised safety, maintenance issues, or a less-than-ideal aesthetic for your pool area. In this comparison of pool deck pavers vs travertine, we're going to share how to choose the right material to guarantee long-lasting safety, comfort, and aesthetic appeal for your pool area.

Pool Deck Pavers vs. Travertine Overview

Pavers and travertine are great materials used on pathways, walkways, driveways, pool decks, and patios. They are easy to install and come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, making it easy for homeowners to choose one that suits their preferences.

Gray, brown and nude colored paver stones installed around an outdoor pool

If you're a new homeowner and want to build a pool deck, you must do due diligence before purchasing any paving material. The pool's deck is a delicate area that requires proper attention due to its slippery nature.

Being in the paving industry serving the San Diego area since 2017, my team knows how each material works. We use paving materials designated for specific areas, such as pool decks. We also adhere to ICPI guidelines for proper installation, including patios, entryways, and driveways.

Pool Deck Pavers

These are regular types of pavers specifically used to construct an outdoor poolside area. They come from concrete, bricks, and stones, which provide a solid compact, making them last longer. Likewise, they can withstand the effects of chlorinated or saltwater pools.

When you settle on concrete pavers, make sure they are correctly sealed. This is because concrete pavers are porous. Their pigments are known to look dull with time due to exposure to UV lights and excessive water damage.

Pros

  • Made of strong materials.

  • Slip-resistant, making them ideal for wet surfaces.

  • Easy to maintain.

Cons

Travertine

Travertine is another excellent paving material that comes from mineral deposits in hot springs. It is a popular building material for poolside areas due to its strength. Travertine also has thermal and acoustic insulating properties that protect it from UV lights.

Travertines come in different textures, shapes, and sizes. They also come in different colors, making creating a unique style for any color palate easy. Some popular colors include silver, ivory, tan, white, and cream.

Pros

  • Non-slip, making it suitable for use around the poolside and other wet areas.

  • Durable and can last long when maintained properly.

  • Cooler than pavers and its porosity makes it able to resist most of the heat.

Cons

  • Prone to cracking if mishandled.

  • Expensive compared to others, such as bricks, concrete, and stones.

Comparing Pool Deck Pavers and Travertine

Travertine and pavers can make your poolside and the entire backyard look beautiful. Before settling on one, you need to understand the different aspects of travertine vs pool deck pavers to help you decide which option aligns best with your pool deck vision.

Similarities

Recognizing the similarities between pool deck paving and travertine helps homeowners understand their shared benefits. This enables a more comprehensive comparison when choosing the ideal material.

Availability

Both materials come in different colors, shapes, and sizes. They can complement various architectural styles, from traditional to contemporary. We can have them installed in different patterns to enhance aesthetics. They can be replaced easily if one cracks or breaks because we can source them out easily.

Applications

Both are designed to offer slip-resistant surfaces to guarantee safety around the poolside areas. Since they both require periodic sealing for optimal protection and longevity, they have the ability to withstand heavy foot traffic around pool areas. These applications also allow them to enhance property value.

Differences

Understanding the differences between travertine and pavers can help you make a more informed decision based on the cost-effectiveness for your pool area needs.

1. Durability and Longevity

Pavers provide superior durability and longevity with minimal upkeep. We often recommend this to homeowners who need a highly resistant paving material.

On the other hand, a travertine pool deck also has good durability and longevity. However, they require regular sealing and careful maintenance to prevent damage. Both options can last for many years, although pavers generally maintain their appearance and structural integrity over time.

2. Aesthetics and Design Options

Travertine and pavers offer distinct aesthetics for pool design. A paver stone has extensive color options and design versatility, whereas travertine provides timeless elegance through its natural patterns gained from mineral deposits.

The choice between travertine and pavers ultimately depends on personal preference. Opt for travertine if you prefer a luxurious, natural appearance. Alternatively, if you want to experiment with designs, the diverse options available in pavers offer far better possibilities.

3. Installation Process

The installation process for travertine and pavers differs significantly. One of the best things about using pavers is its simpler installation process. To install paving, our specialists only need to work on compacted base and sand-filled joints, potentially resulting in faster completion and lower labor costs.

In contrast, travertine installation requires meticulous preparation, precise laying, and sealing, often necessitating professional installation. This is why the ease of paver installation makes it an attractive option if you're considering a quicker project timeline.

Young boy about to jump on a pool installed with travertine stones

4. Maintenance and Replacement

A paver stone is known for its low-maintenance nature. It generally needs only occasional cleaning and resealing, making it ideal for hassle-free outdoor applications.

Meanwhile, a travertine tile demands regular cleaning and sealing to preserve its beauty despite outdoor use. The travertine's timeless appeal justifies its higher maintenance needs. Despite that, pavers offer years of beauty with minimal upkeep.

5. Comfort and Safety

Whenever we work on pool areas, we see how pavers can have good traction when sealed properly, making them safe even when wet. However, the travertine's porous nature and naturally rough finish offer better traction on slippery surfaces.

Travertine tends to be cooler than other stones due to its porous nature. It can expel heat faster, making it a more comfortable option than pavers during hot weather. While both of them generally offer comfort and safety, proper installation and care can impact their effectiveness for outdoor spaces

6. Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Pavers can incorporate recyclables like plastic and rubber and energy-efficient production methods to enhance sustainability. On the other hand, the extraction of travertine from mineral deposits has environmental implications, including quarrying impacts and transportation-related carbon emissions.

Both options have environmental considerations, although eco-friendly practices in sourcing, manufacturing, and sealing can help mitigate their impact.

7. Material and Installation Costs

Pavers are cheaper than travertine. Travertine is more expensive because it's a rare natural limestone that must be mined, an activity that increases its price.

Despite the difference in installation costs, their durability can offset initial costs over time, making them potential investments in your outdoor space.

Brown paver stones installed around a backyard pool

Major Distinguishing Factor

Travertine and pool deck pavers differ primarily in their durability and maintenance requirements, with travertine needing more care and sealing while pavers offer greater resilience to wear and tear.

Both materials come in various color options, although pavers typically offer more diverse choices and may require occasional sand replacement and regular cleaning to maintain their appearance. This table further shows the major distinguishing factors between a paver stone and a travertine.

Table comparing the different features of pool deck paver stones vs travertine stones

When to Use Pool Deck Pavers

The best time to use these pavers is when you want a material that withstands the effects of chlorinated or saltwater pools. Most of these are designed to ensure they resist corrosion brought about by salty waters. Consider pavers for these situations:

  • Budget-conscious landscaping projects, offering a cost-effective solution for pool design.

  • Extensive customization in patterns, colors, and layouts.

  • DIY installation, potentially reducing total project costs.

  • Capacity to do regular maintenance, including periodic sealing and occasional replacement of an individual piece.

When to Use Travertine

The best time to use travertine is when you want a natural paving material that reflects light naturally - without applying a sealant. Travertine has thermal and acoustic insulating properties that protect it from UV lights. While travertine has a more expensive upfront cost, it's a great choice when you prefer something that:

  • Excels in heat resistance, providing a cooler feel for bare feet even in hot weather.

  • Offers a luxurious and natural aesthetic for high-end pool designs.

  • Provides a non-slip surface when properly finished.

  • More expensive upfront yet can bring significant value to your property in the long run.

Which Pool Deck Material Is Better?

The best pool deck material depends on individual priorities, budget, and desired aesthetics. In the debate of travertine vs pool deck pavers, travertine often stands out for its luxury feel and heat resistance, while pavers win for customization and minimal upfront installation costs. Regardless, they require different levels of investment and sealing for long-term upkeep.
Related Questions

What Is the Best Material for a Pool Deck?

The best material for a pool deck depends on factors like climate, aesthetics, and budget, although travertine is often considered superior to brick pavers due to its cooler surface temperature and non-slip properties. Regular cleaning can maintain any deck material, yet travertine tiles typically require less maintenance.

Should I Use Natural Stone, Clay Pavers, or Concrete Pavers for Pool Decks?

For a pool deck, natural stone pavers like travertine pavers or limestone often provide the best combination of aesthetic appeal, durability, and comfort, outperforming both clay and concrete pavers in many aspects. Concrete and brick pavers are still viable options that may require less maintenance than some natural stone varieties.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinctions between travertine vs pavers can help you choose the best material for your pool deck. Whether you’re opting for the versatility of pavers or the elegance of travertine tile, both materials can be a great choice for creating a stunning pool area that outshines other stones in durability and appeal.

Technical Team