Stone Comparison
TravertinevsMarble
Compare travertine's warm, rustic charm with marble's elegant sophistication. Both limestone-based stones serve different design visions.
Travertine Wins
3
Marble Wins
1
Ties
2
Detailed Comparison
Appearance
TieTravertine
Warm, earthy, pitted surface
Marble
Smooth, elegant veining
Each has distinct beauty. Travertine offers rustic charm while marble provides refined elegance.
Appearance
Each has distinct beauty. Travertine offers rustic charm while marble provides refined elegance.
Durability
TieTravertine
4 Mohs, moderate
Marble
3-4 Mohs, similar
Both have similar hardness ratings and require comparable care and maintenance.
Durability
Both have similar hardness ratings and require comparable care and maintenance.
Outdoor Use
TravertineTravertine
Excellent for exteriors
Marble
Limited outdoor suitability
Travertine's texture provides natural slip resistance and it handles outdoor conditions better than polished marble.
Outdoor Use
Travertine's texture provides natural slip resistance and it handles outdoor conditions better than polished marble.
Pool Decks
TravertineTravertine
Ideal, stays cool
Marble
Not recommended
Travertine is a top choice for pool decks due to its slip resistance and ability to stay cool in sun.
Pool Decks
Travertine is a top choice for pool decks due to its slip resistance and ability to stay cool in sun.
Maintenance
MarbleTravertine
Fill holes, seal regularly
Marble
Seal regularly
Marble requires less maintenance as it doesn't have the natural holes that travertine may need filling.
Maintenance
Marble requires less maintenance as it doesn't have the natural holes that travertine may need filling.
Price
TravertineTravertine
$5-30 per sq ft
Marble
$50-200+ per sq ft
Travertine is generally more affordable than marble, especially for larger areas.
Price
Travertine is generally more affordable than marble, especially for larger areas.
When to Choose Each Stone
Choose Travertine For
- Pool decks and patios
- Outdoor flooring
- Mediterranean designs
- Bathroom floors
- Entryways
Choose Marble For
- Kitchen countertops
- Bathroom vanities
- Fireplace surrounds
- Feature walls
- Formal spaces
Our Verdict
Choose travertine for Mediterranean, rustic, or outdoor designs with its distinctive pitted texture. Choose marble for formal, contemporary, or traditional luxury spaces.
Need Help Choosing?
Noria Strata helps stone suppliers and buyers manage inventory with spectral color matching for accurate stone identification and matching.