Comparing Travertine vs Porcelain Tile
Deciding between travertine and porcelain tile for your flooring needs? Both of these materials can make for beautiful flooring solutions and can be easily maintained. Here are some pros and cons of each to help you make the right decision for your space.
Travertine is a natural stone, available in a variety of colors, providing a beautiful finish for your floor. It needs less maintenance than porcelain tile and is a good solution for interior and exterior areas. On the downside, it needs to be sealed and resealed periodically, can be easily scratched and is porous, meaning it can be stained easily. Since it is a natural stone, the tiles can vary in size and thickness.
Porcelain tile, on the other hand, is a man-made product, so it’s extremely durable and resistant to stains, scratches and temperatures. The color, texture and design options are endless and maintenance is easy. Porcelain tile tends to be more expensive than travertine, and it’s extremely heavy, so installation can be difficult. It’s not a good solution in exterior locations, as it’s more prone to cracking in the cold and can be slippery when wet.
When deciding which type of tile is best for your needs, consider the look you want, where it will be placed, how much maintenance you’re willing to do and your budget. Both travertine and porcelain tile can be beautiful flooring solutions but only one will be suited to your particular needs.