Travertine vs Pavers: Which Is Better for Your Pool Deck?

When tackling a landscaping project involving remodeling a pool, the pool design quickly becomes the project's focal point. Serving as a place for friends and family to gather, as well as enjoy a range of activities, the design of your pool is essential, but what material will you choose for the pool deck?

When deciding pool deck materials, many are found debating pavers vs travertine, but which is better? To help understand the difference between travertine and pavers for pool decks, we are breaking down all the must-know information about each material to ensure the best-upgraded pool design.

There are a number of different pool deck paver options, and a lot of considerations go into making the right choice for your pool.

From function and durability to a material that will last, safety, maintenance needs, and costs are all essential elements to consider when choosing your pool deck material. Additionally, the site, landscaping plans, and overall aesthetic will further impact the decisions. Whether you have a family pool or a private pool for an entire apartment complex, the choice of pool decking will impact both the construction plans and the total budget, as well as set the tone for the environment itself while enhancing a property’s appeal.

It’s important to note that not all materials are ideal for pool decking. For instance, there are key pros and cons to two of the most popular materials - travertine and brick. Travertine, on the one hand, is a natural stone that is readily available, cost-effective, versatile, and adaptable. Brick, on the other side, is used for distinctive pool designs and is readily available, and comes at a decent cost.

There’s much more to consider about each of the materials available, whether you choose travertine vs pavers to finish. To learn more, keep reading!

One of the longest-used materials used for home projects, brick is a manufactured material made from clay that is used in a vast range of projects, one of which includes flooring in the form of pavers. 

Some of the perks of using brick pavers include:

• They are a very resistant material.
• Brick is easy to maintain and comes in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. 
• Can easily blend into any environment or design. 
• When textured, they are slip resistant - perfect for pool areas. 

That being said, there are some considerations to note before selecting brick for your pool deck. Some of the downsides to this material include:

• Settling and uneven surfaces can pose a problem. 
• If placed on sand, weeds may grow between the bricks. 
• Subject to moss, mold, fungus, and efflorescence in wet, humid areas. 
• When brick gets hot, it can be rough. 

Thankfully, brick is readily available, so if you’re in a time crunch and looking for a material that can be ready quickly and at an affordable price, brick may be the perfect material to use for your pool deck. That being said, if you live in a particularly hot climate, this material may not be the best to withstand the temperatures.

Another option for pool deck materials is concrete pavers.

Concrete pavers are considered a staple in the industry and can do a lot to boost the value of your home. And while it can increase your home’s appeal, it is, thankfully, an affordable and easy-to-install material - perfect for improving your home on a budget.

Of the various pool deck options, concrete pavers are likely the most resistant. When this material is properly installed and maintained, it can last for decades in your pool area.

Additionally, concrete pavers come in a range of options with different designs and colors to match any aesthetics. You can find it in both standard and thin thicknesses and can be installed on sand and concrete for versatile use.

Typically, concrete pavers are less prone to being individually damaged. That being said, their installation must include a sealing process and be regularly cleaned after to ensure the longevity of this material.

Similar to marble and granite, travertine is considered a luxury material that will add style and a unique, beautiful element to your landscaping design. Thankfully, when comparing travertine vs concrete pavers pool deck perks, this material is pretty easy to handle and install and is available in a range of sizes and cuts for custom installation. And while it can have a grain or pattern for a unique natural touch, travertine tends to be uniform enough to cover a large area without clear mismatching.

Some of the advantages of travertine include:

• It is quite durable long-term. 
• It has good porosity which allows for ideal drainage and quick drying around a pool area. 
• It is resistant to damage from temperature variations.
• It has eco-friendly qualities. 
• It is smooth and cool to walk on, even when hot. 
• Has no efflorescence. 
• Travertine will not host pests or attract insects. 
• It is resistant to free-thaw cycles. 

While there are many perks to travertine, there are a few cons to consider, including:

• Travertine must be sealed initially and re-sealed over time. 
• Some liquids can cause etching or staining. 
• Weight can post an issue unless the deck is properly stabilized.
• It is available in limited colors beyond natural tones. 
• Can chip or crack with hard use. 

One of the key differentiations between travertine vs concrete pavers is the cost.

When it comes to travertine vs pavers cost, one of the main advantages of brick and concrete pavers is the installation costs. This can be done with little assistance, allowing many homeowners to save a great deal of money in the long run, especially when opting for brick pavers. Since bricks are a standard size, you don’t have to deal with custom cutting as you would with travertine.

While there are pros and cons to each material, the final costs depend on some factors, including the color and design you choose, the installation process you opt for, and the durability of each material which can incur additional costs in the future, and the cost of each material per square foot. It’s more than just the initial price of the material, but the effort that goes into it, too.

To better understand the cost of travertine vs concrete pavers and brick, here is the breakdown for each element.

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When it comes to travertine vs pavers pool deck choices, there are a lot of differences between the two.

First, travertine is a natural stone, while brick is manufactured. However, both are well-suited for outdoor use. Since neither material is a concern when it comes to the sun and water, they are both easy to maintain in these outdoor spaces.

With an array of colors and sizes, as well as the ability to create unique patterned designs, both can be installed perfectly over sand or concrete, creating a beautiful outdoor patio space. However, keep in mind that travertine tends to be more UV resistant, avoiding that hot surface on those super warm days, although it may be more subject to cracking and chipping than concrete and brick pavers.

To further break down the differences, let's compare travertine to both concrete and brick individually.

Travertine vs Brick Pavers

Specifically with travertine vs brick, there are a lot of differences between the two. 

Brick tends to be the more affordable material of the two, and is readily available in a standard size. This means it can easily be installed by the owner themselves, creating a pool deck with minimal labor costs. That being said, dark-colored brick may become quite hot in the summer sun, and won’t be as suitable in humid climates.

Travertine, on the other hand, is more expensive than brick, yet is perfect for those hot summer days when your pool gets the most use. It does take quite a bit of expertise to install and requires maintenance over the years, but it naturally slips resistant and resistant to UV rays, too, for a cool surface on the hottest of days.

Travertine vs Concrete Pavers for Pool Decks

When weighing travertine vs concrete pavers pool deck choices, it often comes down to the look you prefer.

While some builders may try to replicate the beautiful natural appearance of travertine pavers, concrete will never truly look the same. They require more finishing to achieve that textured travertine look, which can additionally increase the prices.

On top of that, the surface temperature is a key differentiation between the two. Travertine is actually 20-30% cooler than concrete decks, due in part to its porous design. This is perfect for those super hot summer days, especially as travertine is also naturally non-slip and can be sealed to prevent deterioration and mold.

Concrete pavers are not as strong against extreme weather conditions and may crack when the weather hits freezing. Plus, rain, sleet, and snow can fade the color of this material, requiring maintenance and staining now and then. So while it’s cheaper, there are long-term costs to consider.

There’s so much to know about the difference between travertine and pavers, but which is right for you? That depends on your preferences on pavers vs travertine.

For assistance finding the best pool deck material for you, whether you opt for travertine tile vs pavers, the team at Stone Center is ready to assist. With a premium Ohio natural stone products catalog, we have just the material for your home design. To find your best stone, contact us today.