You’re thinking of flooring for your home. Travertine vs. porcelain paver is the two sorts that stick out to you. They’re both stunning, and they share a few traits. Yet, there are significant variations between the two that you should know before making a flooring purchase.
It would be best to consider factors other than outward aesthetics when deciding your new bare flooring choice. A lot of consumers are ignorant of the type of flooring they are purchasing. And don’t expect to discover a list of advantages and disadvantages at your home enhancement store.
We’ll look at the benefits and drawbacks of travertine and porcelain paver flooring in this piece. We’ll examine aspects such as durability, lifetime, and other factors. We’ll compare and contrast six critical characteristics of these flooring kinds to help you decide which is ideal for your house.
Durability
The durability of the new flooring is one of the most crucial factors for most owners when buying a product. Who wants to go to the trouble and expense of installing new flooring only to have it destroyed within a short period? Most homeowners want to be sure they’re buying flooring that will handle everyday wear and tear.
Porcelain paver might turn off specific customers. Isn’t it simply another form of ceramic paver that is prone to cracking and breaking? Although there are some similarities between porcelain and ceramic pavers, there are a couple of major differences to be aware of. Porcelain paver, for starters, is denser and more resistant to damage due to the manufacturing process.
Because the porcelain paver is water-resistant, customers don’t have to think about the floor staining or becoming weak or damaged when it comes into touch with water. Porcelain paver also has a higher scratch resistance than other varieties of bare flooring. It is not, unfortunately, totally scratch-proof. Scratches may occur if furniture or appliances are slid across the floor without being covered.
Most porcelain paver, on the other hand, can tolerate regular use without being damaged. Scratches or other physical damage will not be caused by just walking over the floor. Claws on pets aren’t usually a concern, but they should be maintained clipped to prevent injury.
Porcelain paver flooring is also resistant to chips and cracks, although it isn’t fully waterproof. Cracks, chips, and other sorts of damage might come from dropping anything heavy on the floor or dragging furniture across it. Porcelain paver, on the other hand, is mainly unaffected by everyday wear and tear.
Although some types resemble porcelain paver, travertine is a form of limestone akin to marble and granite flooring. Travertine is incredibly durable and gorgeous, so it’s no surprise that more homes are opting for this flooring option.
Travertine, on the other hand, has the disadvantage of being porous. The pores in the travertine structure may be subjected to extra structural damage when exposed to air and moisture. Travertine soaks up because it is porous. The flooring may discolor as a result of this. If you want to put your travertine in an area with a lot of moisture, like a bathroom, you’ll need to seal it beforehand to keep the water out. Travertine is also quite robust, although it can break if anything significant is dropped on it or subjected to a lot of wear and tear regularly.
Even though both types of flooring are incredibly long-lasting, porcelain paver wins out. It’s totally waterproof, incredibly durable, and scratch-resistant. As a result, it’s ideal for any space in even the busiest of homes.
Longevity
The majority of homeowners replace their flooring over the long haul. It’s logical. Installing new flooring requires a lot of effort and money, so it’s not unreasonable to expect it to endure a long time. However, the unfortunate fact is that most flooring does not endure endlessly. This isn’t to say that it won’t endure a long time. How do porcelain paver and travertine compare to some of the most durable flooring options, which may last decades or longer?
Porcelain paver is without a doubt one of the most durable flooring solutions. A high-quality porcelain paver may last 75 to 100 years if properly maintained. Travertine, however, is a natural stone and unquestionably among the most enduring flooring materials available. This sort of flooring may last well over a century if adequately cared for and maintained.
Porcelain paver and travertine are both excellent choices. Travertine, on the other hand, has the most extended life when compared side by side.
Cost
Most homeowners believe pricing to be one of the essential criteria when looking for flooring. While having a budget is entirely acceptable, keep in mind that you shouldn’t buy your flooring exclusively based on pricing. And besides, saving a few dollars now might result in difficulties and money down the drain when you need to replace that flooring.
It’s also worth remembering that you won’t be able to get your flooring at a set price. Because the grade and manufacturer of the flooring, as well as your location, installation costs, and other supplies, the prices you see here, may not reflect what you of a porcelain paver vary greatly. On the low end, you should expect to pay between $1.5 and $2.5 per square foot. Anticipate spending between $7 and $10 per square foot on the high end, or possibly more. Remember that this is just the paver price; it doesn’t include mortar, sealants, installation fees, or other supplies.
Travertine, like other natural stone flooring options, is likely to be pricey. The average cost of a travertine paver is $15 per square foot. Travertine may be obtained for as low as $5 per square foot, while other options might cost as much as $30.
If cost is a significant factor in your flooring selection, porcelain paver is a less expensive alternative to explore. However, before making a purchase simply based on pricing, consider all of the pros and negatives.
Setup
We’ve previously discussed the price of buying the flooring, but there’s one more expense to consider. That is how much it costs to hire a professional installation. When you hire someone to install your flooring, you’re likely paying for labor as well as any additional supplies needed to finish the job, such as cement and grout. Specific installers may provide materials. This, however, comes at a larger price. The majority of households opt to get their flooring from other places.
The installation cost, like the cost of flooring, varies depending on your location, the size and complexity of the task, and other considerations.
In general, porcelain paver installation in your house will cost between $4 and $10 per square foot. The typical cost of flooring is $15 to $20 per square foot. Skilled travertine paver setup will cost between $10 and $30 per square foot. The average price per square foot is about $15. When you include in the cost of the flooring, these rates can easily exceed $30 or more per square foot fitted.
While you can install travertine or porcelain paver yourself, it’s usually a task best left to the experts. It may be time-consuming and untidy to space and cut pavers, spread the grout, and even complete the prep work beforehand, especially if you’re unskilled. It’s better to leave the installation of these types of flooring to experts who have the necessary knowledge and equipment.
If you prefer a less expensive installation, a choose porcelain paver, often half the travertine price.
Cleaning and Upkeep
While not everyone despises cleaning, the majority of us would rather spend our time doing something other than cleaning and maintaining the beauty of our floors. Which sort of flooring is ideal for you if you’re a low-maintenance person?
Porcelain paver is one of the most easy-to-clean forms of flooring. Everyday cleaning can be as simple as sweeping with a broom, mopping with a dust mop, or even vacuuming with a paver vacuum.
You can maintain your porcelain looking its best by using a vinegar and water solution when you need to clean your flooring indeed. Use a paver mop or a soft-bristled brush to apply the cleanser, massage it into the messes, rinse, and go about your day. You may also utilize porcelain paver cleaners, although most people find vinegar and water are more effective and less expensive.
It’s not difficult to keep your travertine clean daily. To clean dirt, dust, pet hair, and debris from hard floors, use a broom, dust mop, or vacuum cleaner made for hard floors.
Travertine might be problematic when you require a more thorough cleaning. You should avoid wetting your floor since it is permeable. Staining is a possibility as a result of this. Any abrasive chemical cleaners should also be avoided.
Your travertine may be cleaned with a gentle soap and water solution. Natural stone flooring cleaning chemicals are also available. To make cleaning simpler, never saturate the floor completely, dry it with a soft towel after washing, and have your flooring sealed throughout the installation process.
It’s not challenging to clean porcelain paver and travertine. Porcelain pavers, however, win this category since moisture doesn’t discolor them.
Related Questions
- Is travertine or porcelain paver more expensive?
Porcelain paver is substantially less costly than travertine. Travertine costs between $5 and $30 per square foot, and it’s best to hire a contractor to install it; doing it yourself isn’t suggested. Installing travertine flooring might cost anything from $10 to $30 per square foot. Porcelain pavers range in price from $2 to $10 per square foot, with installation costs ranging from $4 to $20 per square foot.
- Is travertine a more durable option than porcelain paver?
Porcelain is more durable than travertine. It’s porous, which means gaps in the structure might be subjected to increased wear and tear if exposed to moisture and air. The water that is absorbed through it has the potential to discolor the floor. The floor may break if heavy furniture is placed on it or if something is dropped on it. Porcelain paver is the most durable alternative for these reasons. Porcelain is tough, water-resistant, and scratch-resistant.
- Is it possible to put vinegar on travertine pavers?
No, don’t try to clean your floors with vinegar or any other acidic cleanser. The acidity of these materials will begin to eat away at the stone’s surface, dulling the sheen. Use a moist cloth bathed in warm water and mild soap to clean the flooring.
- Is travertine paver readily scratched?
Travertine is readily scratched. However, scratches aren’t visible on honed or tumbled pavers. Travertine, unlike granite and marble, has a naturally worn appearance. Travertine is a long-lasting polished stone, but it must be cleaned with care to avoid damage.
Sweep away dust regularly to avoid scratching your floors. It’s also a good idea not to drag heavy furniture across your travertine flooring.
- What is the best way to clean travertine pavers?
To remove any dirt or debris, use a dust mop or a soft broom. When it comes to thorough cleaning, it’s important to avoid using too much water. Because travertine is porous, you must avoid saturating it with water, as this may cause stains. Use abrasive chemical cleaners sparingly since the floor may absorb them as well. A simple solution of hot water, mild soap, and a moist towel can do the trick.
You should avoid using a vacuum cleaner since it might damage or chip the travertine. You may have the floor sealed during installation if you’re worried about it being discolored.
Finally
Both porcelain paver and travertine are robust and attractive flooring options for any house.
If you’re having difficulty making a decision, consider what you want from a floor.
Porcelain pavers are an excellent choice for customers looking for a visually stunning bare flooring solution that is also easy to clean and maintain, cost-effective, and long-lasting.
If you have a higher budget and want a unique natural stone flooring that can endure a century or more, go for travertine.