Best Natural Stone: Limestone Vs Travertine Pool Deck

Updated : May 2024

Limestone & Travertine are the two most popular natural stones that have been used for pool decking for ages.

Both of them have their unique charm, but one may appeal to you more than the other.

In this article Limestone Vs Travertine pool deck, I will cover both the natural stones in detail.

I will compare these two different types of deck materials for aesthetics (looks) , durability, cost and maintenance.

Once you are done reading this article, you should be able to decide which one would be the best choice for your home.

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This post is about Limestone Vs Travertine Pool Deck

Limestone is a great choice for your pool decking and coping due to its superior strength, durability, easy maintenance, and attractive light color compared to Travertine.

It offers long-lasting performance and is relatively hassle-free to clean. However, if you have budget constraints and desire a pool deck with warmer and richer tones, then travertine can be a more affordable alternative to consider.

Let’s Get started…..

What is Limestone ?

Here is a little technical description…..

Limestone is a type of sedimentary stone, which means it’s formed over time from the accumulation and compaction of sediments.

Limestone mostly has a light color, typically white, tan, or gray.

Limestone pavers and tiles are cut from blocks of limestone and are used in construction and landscaping.

Limestone pavers are commonly used for outdoor projects like pathways, patios, and driveways. They provide a natural, earthy look and a durable surface.
The pavers can withstand various weather conditions. (Extreme hot or cold weather)

Limestone tiles, on the other hand, are usually used indoors. They’re often found in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.

Below are some of the popular types of limestone :

Indiana Limestone : It is known for its consistent color, which ranges from light gray to buff.

Jerusalem Limestone : Jerusalem Gold or Jerusalem Cream, is a type of limestone sourced from quarries in Israel. It is known for warm golden hues and subtle variations in color.

Coral stone pavers are a type of limestone that are known for earthy colors, including shades of beige, tan, pink, and coral.

What is Travertine ?

Travertine is a form of sedimentary rock. It’s a type of limestone and is formed around mineral spring deposits.

Over time, the accumulation of calcium carbonate results in the formation of travertine stone.

Travertine stone features pitted holes and troughs.

These features give travertine its natural, rustic appeal. It is available in wide range of colors in earthy hues.

It’s a fascinating process of limestone caves that limestone transforms into travertine through different natural processes.

Travertine pavers are a popular choice for landscaping, pool decks, patios, and other outdoor surfaces due to their durability, natural beauty, and the different colors and patterns available.

Travertine Pavers & Travertine Tile :

Travertine tiles are simply travertine stone that’s been cut into tile shapes and are thiner in width.

Travertine tiles are commonly used in interior applications.

The tiles are used for indoor flooring, backsplashes or even indoor walls.

Travertine pavers are thicker than tiles, as they are used for outdoor patios, pool decks or walkways.

Below are some of the popular types of Travertine:

Ivory Travertine

Silver Travertine

Noche Travertine

Walnut Travertine

Travertine sealed vs unsealed: What is better ?

Sealing travertine is essential to preserve its natural beauty and durability.

A protective sealer acts as a shield, preventing stains and spills from penetrating its porous surface, ensuring it remains pristine for years.

Moreover, sealing enhances the stone’s color, simplifies cleaning, and offers a defense against potential etching from acidic substances.

To maintain travertine’s allure and integrity, sealing is a step that should not be overlooked.

silver travertine paver — Burlington Design Gallery – Silver Travertine

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Pros and Cons of Limestone Pool Decks

Limestone is one of the best material for pool decks. Lets see all the limestone pool deck pros and cons:

Aesthetics: Limestone has a classic and sophisticated appearance. It is available in light colors. It comes in a variety of lighter colors and textures, allowing for creative design possibilities. Limestone’s natural veining and patterns add unique character to the pool deck.

Durability: Limestone is a durable natural stone that can withstand heavy foot traffic and weather exposure in outdoor areas. It is generally strong and resistant to scratching.

That makes it suitable for outdoor use. It’s not slippery when wet.

Heat Resistance: Limestone tends to remain relatively cool under direct sunlight, providing a comfortable surface to walk on with bare feet. This makes it the perfect choice for outdoor space even on hot summer days.

Porosity: Limestone is porous, This means it can absorb liquids and is susceptible to staining if spills are not promptly cleaned up. Regular sealing is necessary to protect the limestone and prevent permanent stains. With regular maintenance, these natural stone pavers can last for a long time.

Maintenance :Limestone requires less maintenance than Travertine to preserve its appearance and durability. Limestone is resistant to mold & bacterial.

Cost : Limestone is more expensive than Travertine. Limestone pavers will cost around $10 – $15 per square foot.

Sensitivity to Acidic Substances: limestone is sensitive to acidic substances and can be etched or discolored if they come into contact with the surface.

Pros and Cons of Travertine Pool Decks

Aesthetics: Travertine has a timeless and elegant look. It’s available in warmer, darker earthy colors. It’s a good choice for outdoor applications.

Durability: Travertine is also a durable natural stone. It is suitable for high-traffic areas.

Heat Resistance: Travertine has small holes and is heat resistant. It is a good choice for residential applications even where the weather generates extreme heat.

Porosity: Travertine is also porous. It’s more porous than Limestone. It is also sensitive to harsh chemicals.

Maintenance :Travertine requires more maintenance than limestone. It has holes in the stone and that could make it harder to clean.

Cost : Travertine is cheaper in cost than limestone. Travertine can cost from $5 to $10 per square foot. This cary vary depending on different levels of quality.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ SIMILAR POSTS – HERE IS MY POST ON MARBLE VS TRAVERTINE POOL DECK : WHICH STONE IS BETTER

Outdoor applications

Pool coping and residential use:

Travertine:

Travertine is a popular choice for pool coping due to its natural beauty and slip-resistant properties. It provides a comfortable and safe surface for walking around the pool area.
Travertine pool coping is available in various finishes, including tumbled, honed, brushed, or filled. These finishes can affect the overall appearance and texture of the stone.
The color variations and unique veining of travertine can create an aesthetically pleasing and inviting poolside environment.

Limestone:

Limestone can also be used for pool coping in residential areas. It offers a classic and elegant look to complement the pool design.
Limestone pool coping is typically available in different finishes, such as honed, polished, or sandblasted. These finishes can provide different levels of sheen and texture.
Limestone’s color options and subtle patterns can add a touch of sophistication to the pool area.

Indoor Applications

Both Limestone and Travertine tiles are used for interior flooring including living rooms, kitchens, hallways, or entryways.

Factors to consider when choosing between Limestone & Travertine:

Personal preference and desired look :

When making a decision for your new pool, think about your personal design style and the overall look you want to achieve.

Do you prefer the natural and rustic appearance of travertine, or are you leaning towards a more sophisticated and modern look.

Consider the color options, patterns, and textures available.

Both natural products are available in different variations of colors. Limestone is more lighter while Travertine is more warmer.

Consider the budget. Limestone does cost more than Travertine pool decking.

Other Paver options :

There are a few more types of materials available for pool decks:

Granite Pavers

Concrete Pavers

Marble Pavers

Porcelain Pavers

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Tips for selecting the best material for your project

It’s always a good idea to consult with professionals and experienced pool owners.

By having conversation with pool owners who have used different types of pavers, you will be able to get their feed back on maintenance and durability of different paver materials.

Visit showrooms and request samples.

Bring them back to your backyard. It helps to see the colors and textures in your own home at different times of the day in different lighting.

Compare warranties :

Here are some factors to consider when evaluating warranties and guarantees:

Coverage: Review what is covered under the warranty or guarantee.

This may include defects in materials or workmanship, structural integrity, or specific performance characteristics of the product.

Duration: Consider the length of the warranty or guarantee period.

Some manufacturers offer limited warranties for a specific number of years, while others may provide lifetime warranties or guarantees.

Transferability: Determine if the warranty or guarantee is transferable to subsequent owners.

This can be important if you plan to sell your property in the future, as it adds value and peace of mind to potential buyers.

Exclusions and Limitations: Carefully read the fine print to understand any exclusions or limitations outlined in the warranty or guarantee.

This may include conditions related to improper installation, inadequate maintenance, or specific use requirements.

Remedies and Claims Process: Familiarize yourself with the steps to take in the event of a claim or issue.

Understand the manufacturer’s process for resolving warranty or guarantee claims, including any requirements for providing documentation or contacting customer support.

Manufacturer Reputation: Research the manufacturer’s reputation in the industry.

Look for customer reviews, testimonials, and feedback regarding their warranty or guarantee service.

A manufacturer with a solid track record of honoring their warranties and providing excellent customer support can instill confidence in their products.

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Limestone Vs Travertine pool deck : Which is better ?

Limestone is a great choice for your pool decking and coping due to its superior strength, durability, easy maintenance, and attractive light color compared to Travertine.

Limestone vs travertine cost ?

The cost of limestone and travertine can vary widely based on the factors mentioned earlier, as well as the region, supplier, and current market conditions.

Travertine typically ranges from $10 to $30 per square foot, but it can go higher for premium grades.
Limestone generally falls between $15 to $40 per square foot, with some specialty types and finishes being more expensive.

Please note that these are general estimates and can vary. Installation, finishing, and other associated costs are not included in these figures. It’s crucial to check with local suppliers or retailers for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing in your area.

This post was about Limestone Vs Travertine Pool Deck

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