Concrete or Travertine? Choosing the Types of Pavers for Your Patio

Brick pavers are exactly what they sound like - they're made of thin bricks!

They are very popular in all climates due to their price and ease of installation, but they can look a little ordinary and not add a lot of pizazz to your walkways or patio.

One way to spruce up a brick paver is by applying a paver sealer , which will help keep it looking newer longer.

But if you're completely opposed to brick pavers altogether, then you've narrowed your decision down to two other
types - congrats, again!

All concrete pavers stones are manufactured by mixing gravel, sand, cement, dye, and water and pouring them into molds.

Where they differ is from their texture and durability and that all depends on how they're designed.

The two categories of concrete pavers are interlocking and architectural slab.

Interlocking concrete pavers were invented after World War II by the Dutch when their brick supply was low.

Interlocking concrete pavers are:

Thick
Made from a strong concrete mixture
Can be used for driveways
Have edge spacers for uniformed joints
Wide array of colors

Architectural slab concrete pavers look more organic and resemble natural stone patio pavers.

Architectural slab concrete pavers are:

Thin
Made from a wetter concrete mixture
Cannot be used for driveways
Do not have edge spacers, giving it a more natural look
Colors tend to be more neutral

While architectural slab concrete pavers are designed to look more like natural stone, there are several differences...

Natural stone patio pavers consist of several different materials and are considered incredibly durable.

Some of the most common natural stone paver materials are flagstone, slate, granite, and travertine.

Travertine is becoming increasingly more popular with homeowners and contractors for a number of reasons:

Gives your outdoor space a unique, high-end look which adds value to your home
Was used in Ancient Rome and complements the aesthetic of European design and architecture
Is resistant to discoloration
Easy to maintain
Stays cool on hot days
Extremely durable and can last centuries

When we say that travertine is durable and can last centuries, that's not hyperbole. The Colloseum in Rome was built with travertine and it's still standing...at least partially!

Travertine is also becoming a popular choice for pool patios and is replacing river rock. While tumbled travertine is very slip-resistant, polished travertine or travertine tiles can be slippery when it gets wet, and a non-slip treatment should be applied to these types.

Now that you know the differences between the different types of pavers, let's take a look at the pros and cons of each, shall we?

Choosing between concrete pavers and travertine pavers ultimately comes down to personal taste and the desired
aesthetic you wish to achieve. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to both.
To make this simpler, let's first look at the pros of concrete pavers stones:

Adds instant value to your home
Wide array of colors to choose from
Comes in various textures and shapes
Can be used in many different applications (depending on whether you use interlocking or architectural slab)
Smaller installations like walkways, pathways, and small patios can be a DIY project
Affordable

Now, let's look at the pros of natural stone pavers, specifically travertine:

Environmentally friendly
Slip-resistant (when tumbled travertine is installed)
Extremely durable
Unique and offers a high-end look which increases home value
While the colors are more neutral, there are various tones and colors to choose from
Can be used in many different applications
Resistant to debris such as moss or grime
Low-maintenance/upkeep

Both options have many pros, but there are some cons, as well...

Now let's run through the cons of installing concrete pavers:

Because dyes are added in the manufacturing process, the color will fade due to UV exposure from the sun
Will erode over time, leading to shorter longevity
Moderate upkeep due to sealant applications and scrubbing off of mildew and stains
Has a more "common look"

When it comes to natural stone patio pavers like travertine, it may seem like there isn't a downside and your mind is already made up, but before you make your final decision, there are some cons that should be considered:

Because travertine is a form of limestone, it needs to be quarried which leads to a higher cost
Travertine is stone which means it's heavy! While doable, it does make DIY projects a little more difficult to pull off. A professional is often needed for transport and installation.
The paver shapes are usually simple like rectangles or squares
Limited in color - if you want a bright blue patio, you're not going to find it with travertine pavers
Travertine is porous which makes it susceptible to staining from acid spills like juices, wine, vinegar, and acidic cleaners

Now that you have the pros and cons of both concrete pavers and travertine...

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