Travertine is beautiful, but it does come with some limitations. The natural pits and pores in the stone mean it absorbs more water than denser paving materials, so without sealing it can stain or suffer from frost damage in cold weather. Its softer composition also makes it prone to scratching, chipping, or wearing more quickly under heavy use
. For this reason, travertine is best kept to patios, terraces, or decorative features in sheltered spaces, rather than driveways or very busy paths.
Avoid using acidic cleaners, bleach, or harsh chemicals on travertine, as these can etch the surface and cause permanent dulling. Abrasive brushes or scouring pads should also be avoided, as they can scratch the stone. In winter, do not use de-icing salts, as they can break down the stone and cause pitting.
Instead, clean travertine with a pH-neutral product such as Rob Parker’s Best Patio Cleaner and seal it with Rob Parker’s Best Patio Sealer to help protect against water penetration and staining.
With proper care, travertine paving can last for decades. A solid, free-draining base, good installation, and sealing make a huge difference to its lifespan. In a sheltered patio, travertine may retain its appearance for many years, but in exposed conditions it will weather faster than limestone or porcelain.
Resealing every few years will help to keep it looking good and protect it from frost damage.
Compared with limestone and especially porcelain, travertine is higher maintenance. It needs sealing during installation and resealing over time, regular cleaning with stone-safe products, and quick attention to spills to avoid stains.
That doesn’t mean it’s unmanageable, but it does require more care than most paving materials. For those who want the same look without the same level of upkeep, porcelain is often a better choice.
Travertine is less common in UK projects today, but it still has a place in design. It’s not the first choice for modern, minimal schemes, but for rustic gardens or projects aiming for a Mediterranean character, travertine remains a stylish option. It has shifted from being a “default” paving choice to a more specialised material, used where its warmth and texture are central to the design.
No — travertine is not marble. While both are natural stones formed from limestone, they develop differently. Travertine forms in mineral springs, creating its porous, pitted surface.
Marble, on the other hand, is limestone that has undergone heat and pressure over millions of years, giving it a dense, smooth, and crystalline structure. Travertine is sometimes marketed as “travertine marble,” but geologically it is a separate stone type.
Generally, no. Travertine is usually more affordable than marble, both in material and installation costs. Marble’s higher price reflects its density, polish, and luxury status in design. That said, premium travertine can still be a significant investment, especially when imported or used in large areas.
Travertine is a natural stone, but it is often cut and sold as tiles or paving slabs. The word “tile” refers to the finished format, not the material itself. Travertine tiles are popular indoors for floors and bathrooms, while larger travertine paving slabs are used outdoors for patios and garden designs.
Travertine absorbs some moisture through its natural pores. In normal use this isn’t a problem: the stone darkens slightly, then dries out. Issues arise when water lingers (standing puddles, saturated bedding) because repeated wetting can encourage staining, algae growth, and—outside—freeze–thaw stress in winter. Good drainage and sealing prevent most of this.
Water alone doesn’t “damage” travertine. The risk is when moisture penetrates deeply and then freezes (outdoors), or carries dissolved contaminants that leave marks (indoors or outdoors). In the UK, poor drainage and unsealed stone are the usual culprits behind spalling, edge breakdown, and stubborn stains.
Unsealed travertine absorbs water and spills more readily, so stains set faster, algae takes hold outdoors, and freeze–thaw stress is more likely. Sealing doesn’t make it waterproof, but it buys you time to clean up and helps the surface shed moisture.
If you’re drawn to the natural appeal of travertine but want lower upkeep, alternatives such as porcelain, sandstone, or limestone itself may be worth considering. And whichever material you choose, correct installation, drainage, and sealing will always be key to making your paving last.
At Stoneworld, we supply a wide range of premium paving options for both homeowners and professionals. Our team can guide you through selecting the right stone, ordering samples, and planning your project so that your paving not only looks great but also stands the test of time.
