What is the difference between travertine and porcelain tile

However, remember to fully evaluate all of the benefits and drawbacks before purchasing solely based on price. That is the costs associated with hiring a professional installer. When you pay someone to install your flooring, this usually includes the cost of labor plus additional materials needed to complete the install, such as mortar and grout. Some installers will also provide the materials. However, this is available at a higher cost. Most homeowners choose to purchase the flooring themselves from other sources.

Like the cost of flooring, the cost of installation varies based on your geographic region, the size and complexity of the job, and other factors. While you can install travertine or porcelain tile yourself, this is often a job best left for the professionals.

If you want a more affordable installation, look to porcelain tile, which can easily be half the cost of travertine installation. Between porcelain tile and travertine, which has the better selection? Choose from matte or unglazed tiles, glazed tiles that are stronger and resistant to water, polished porcelain tile that has a beautiful shine, double charged porcelain that has unique designs, full body tiles that display porcelains beautiful texture and colors, or textured tiles that mimic the look of natural stone.

There are even porcelain tiles that mimic the look of natural hardwood. Porcelain tile is available in a variety of colors from bright white to dark ebony. This flooring is available in a variety of sizes, from large square tiles to long rectangular tiles that are similar to planks. Travertine flooring is available in many different styles, cuts, and colors. You can choose from different finishes such as polished that is shiny and reflective, the more-matte honed finished, or the natural tumbled finish.

Travertine is available in a variety of different shades from walnut to chocolate to silver, gold, red, and gray. Travertine comes in many different sizes, including 4 inches by 4 inches up to 24 inches by 24 inches. Of course, these are just common sizes, so smaller and larger custom sizes are available.

However, when it comes to selection, porcelain tile has the slight edge. This is because it comes in styles that mimic natural stones like travertine, as well as other materials such as hardwoods.

Not everyone hates to clean, but most of us would rather spend time doing other things rather than wasting hours on cleaning and maintaining the beauty of our floors. Porcelain tile is one of the easiest types of flooring to keep clean. Daily sweeping with a broom, using a dust mop, or even running a tile vacuum is enough for everyday cleaning.

When you need to really clean your floors, you can use a vinegar and water solution to keep your porcelain looking its best. Simply apply with a tile mop or soft-bristled brush, work it into your messes, rinse, and go about your day.

You can also use cleaners designed for use on porcelain tile, but most people find that vinegar and water is more effective and less expensive. Like porcelain, you can use a broom, dust mop, or vacuum cleaner designed for hard floors to pick up dirt, dust, pet hair , and debris. Because it is porous, you want to avoid saturating your floor. That can lead to staining. You also want to avoid any abrasive chemical cleaners. People can clean your travertine with a mixture of mild soap and water.

You can also purchase products designed to clean natural stone flooring. Remember, though, to never fully saturate the floor, dry it after cleaning with a soft cloth, and consider having your flooring sealed during the installation process to make cleaning a breeze.

Travertine is significantly more expensive than porcelain tile. The water that is absorbed through it may also cause the floor to stain. Placing heavy furniture or dropping anything on it may cause the floor to crack.

For these reasons, porcelain tile is the most durable option. Unlike granite and marble, travertine has a naturally weathered look. Travertine is a polished stone that is durable, but to avoid damage you should take special care when you clean it.

Sweep up dust regularly to prevent the debris from scratching your floors. You should also avoid dragging heavy furniture across your travertine tiles. Simply use a dust mop or soft broom to get rid of any dirt or debris. We advise choosing between them based on whether your looking to fit them in an area of high traffic or looking for an external solution. Porcelain tiles are much more hardwearing and are available in many different finishes which provide additional slip resistance and wear ratings for high traffic areas.

If you're looking for a realistic interpretation of natural stone, then porcelain is a winner, as ink-jet printing allows for life-like printing with little or no maintenance requirements. Travertine tiles are of a more classical and vintage ilk, with beautiful warmer shades the order of the day. These work incredibly well in period homes and have a classic feel to them.

Travertine tiles are bespoke, as each cut piece is unique, with its own markings, pattern and textures so offering an individual and timeless look. Travertine tiles will require sealing and need on-going care; however, this lends to the beauty of these individual stones.

Travertine will stand the test of time if cared for properly. Stone Tile Company is delighted to be able to offer our customers a beautiful range of both porcelain tiles and travertine tiles. These can be used in a range of ways and a variety of locations in the modern home; indoor or outdoor. Just browse through our range. We are also delighted to be able to offer are selection of stunning travertine tiles too as part of our natural stone tile range. It includes instructions on framing the shower stall, pouring the pre-slope and shower base mortar, and installing the shower pan membrane liner.

See HomeAdditionPlus. Fill out our minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote on a bathroom remodeling project from one of our pre-screened and licensed bathroom remodeling contractors.

This process is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your bathroom addition price estimate. Donovan Porcelain tile and Travertine tile both offer their special brand of beauty to a kitchen, bathroom or entranceway. There are a number of key differences, however, between porcelain tile and Travertine tile that a homeowner should carefully consider. Travertine Tile Advantages and Disadvantages Travertine tile has been used for thousands of years in many parts of the world.

Travertine tile is a limestone based product and thus has a more rustic and natural look, compared to porcelain tile. Travertine is also quite porous and as a result it is susceptible to staining and needs a bit more maintenance than porcelain tile.

Travertine tile is also very reactive to acid products such as vinegar and orange juice. A spilled acid drink or solution, for example, can easily cause permanent stains on the Travertine tiled surface.