If you are planning to choose the perfect flooring material, there are many options available in the market. Two of the most popular choices are Travertine and Porcelain. These materials bring both beauty and functionality. But which one is better? Read this blog to know the answer to this confusion. We have broken down the differences and key features of Travertine and Porcelain to help you make the right decision.
Travertine Vs Porcelain
Travertine and Porcelain both offer distinctive advantages and share a few similarities as well. Comparing the difference between the two will perhaps help you make the right choice.
Before starting the comparison, let us highlight the origin of the stones which itself makes for a point of differentiation. Travertine is a natural stone composed mainly of calcite, whereas Porcelain is a kind of ceramic stone kilned at high temperatures. Here are the factors of comparison to help you choose between the two classy-looking stones:
Appearance
Travertine tiles and pavers are available in soft creamy shades with patterns through its surface. Their splendor cannot be denied. The holes in Travertine give the stone a natural and rustic look. The stone is available in a lot of finishes that cater to the look you want to achieve. For example, Honed Finish Travertine with a matte appearance gives a modern look while Unfilled Travertine with holes on its surface, gives a classic look.
Porcelain is available in a little more variety of colours. It is designed to mimic other materials including hardwood and stone. The stone comes in almost every colour which allows you to experiment with your design.
There is no right or wrong when choosing between these stones. This depends on your choice. Obviously, you would pick what looks the best for your property and what you want the floors to look like.
Durability
The longevity of floors is one of the most important considerations when purchasing a stone. Remember, Travertine is a sedimentary rock formed under extreme pressure and temperature over millions of years? This naturally makes Travertine stones durable. However, with proper sealing, Travertine can maintain its beauty and strength for years.
Porcelain is a manufactured stone and is extremely dense. Being completely sealed, it is impervious to water and would never get damaged or weak due to moisture. Although Porcelain is highly resistant to water, it is more prone to chipping, cracking, or scratching over time. Dropping a heavy object on the Porcelain floor might result in cracking or chipping.
Areas of Usage
Though Travertine is not as hard as Granite, it is durable enough to withstand daily wear & tear. Therefore, Travertine Pavers is a popular choice in residential projects for outdoor spaces but only after it has been sealed and waterproofed. Additionally, Travertine floors feel soft underfoot, making them a good choice for pool surrounds and indoor floors.
Porcelain is completely water-resistant and are popularly used in residential as well as commercial projects. However, they feel hard underfoot, especially if you spend a long time standing.
Lifespan
A lot of hard work and expenses are associated with changing flooring, especially for homeowners who invest in flooring for a long time. This makes us ponder if all floors last forever. Sadly, none. Yet this doesn't mean Travertine or Porcelain is bad. The durable stones can last a century. The average life span of Porcelain pavers would be 80 to 100 years with maintenance. Travertine pavers can retain their beauty for more than a century if properly cared for. Typically, Travertine has a longer lifespan and scores a point over Porcelain pavers.
Maintenance
Travertine being a natural stone is porous and needs sealing. It is advisable to seal the stone annually to maintain its shine and keep the surface protected. Cleaning Travertine is not an arduous task either. Just keep in mind to use mild or pH-neutral cleaners for cleaning your Travertine Pavers. Deep cleaning might pose a problem due to its porosity and quick staining.
Porcelain is an engineered stone made from ceramic clay. Hence it is hardly porous and rarely stains or absorbs water. Though it does not require sealing, it is still advised to seal it for long life. Only occasional sweeping or cleaning helps with the upkeep of Porcelain Pavers.
Porcelain earns a brownie point in terms of maintenance as you'd not have to worry about moisture staining it.
Damage Repair
Though both the stones are durable, they may eventually crack or chip. The ability to repair the damage will help you save money, time, and the look of your floor.
You can use epoxy to repair a damaged or cracked Travertine stone. However, Porcelain cannot be repaired which means you have to replace the damaged stone. Travertine is a clear winner in this case.
Differences at Glance
| Feature | Travertine Pavers | Porcelain Pavers |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Natural, sophisticated look with soft earthy and creamy shades and patterns | Wide variety of colours, mimicking materials like wood and stone |
| Durability | Durable, but may crack or stain if not sealed properly | Durable and water-resistant but can chip, crack, or scratch with heavy impacts |
| Areas of Usage | Suitable for outdoor areas, fireplaces, pool surrounds, and indoor floors after sealing | Ideal for residential and commercial areas; harder underfoot |
| Lifespan | Long-lasting, can retain beauty for over a century with proper care | Typically lasts 80-100 years with maintenance |
| Maintenance | Requires regular sweeping and annual sealing; mild or pH-neutral cleansers recommended | Occasional sweeping or cleaning is enough |
| Damage Repair | Can be repaired with epoxy if chipped or cracked | Damaged pavers need replacement as repairs are not possible |
Conclusion
Travertine and Porcelain both are popular stones used in almost every construction or renovation project. While Travertine is a natural and classy looking stone, Porcelain is a manufactured stone that can be made to look like other materials.
We hope this article helps you evaluate both the stones and pick the best one for your project as per your need.
FAQs
- What is Travertine?
- What is Porcelain?
- Which one is more eco-friendly?
- Are Travertine pavers suitable for outdoor use?
- Can damaged Travertine or Porcelain pavers be repaired?
Travertine is a natural stone primarily composed of calcite, formed over millions of years through mineral deposits in hot springs and limestone caves. It is a popular choice for classic and modern designs in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Porcelain is a type of ceramic made from refined clay and minerals, which are kiln-fired at extremely high temperatures to create a dense, durable material. Porcelain pavers are often designed to mimic the appearance of natural stone, wood or other materials.
Travertine is typically considered more eco-friendly since it is a natural stone. Porcelain, although manufactured with human engineered materials. Both have eco-friendly aspects, but Travertine, being a natural stone, generally has a lower carbon footprint when sourced responsibly.
Yes, Travertine pavers are great for outdoor spaces like patios, gardens, courtyards, backyards, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and pool surrounds, but they should be sealed to prevent water damage and staining.
Travertine pavers can often be repaired with epoxy if they crack or chip. Porcelain, however, usually requires replacement if damaged, as it cannot be easily repaired.
*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.
