Paver vs. Travertine Deck Comparison

Professional Pool Company — Choosing the Right Decking for Your New Pool

Your pool deck is one of the most visible and frequently used parts of your backyard. Two of the most popular decking options are concrete pavers and travertine pavers. Both offer excellent durability and aesthetics, but they perform differently in terms of look, comfort, maintenance, and cost.

This article compares paver and travertine decks to help you choose the best fit for your pool design and lifestyle.

⭐ 1. Overview of Each Material

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are manufactured paver stones available in many shapes, sizes, and colors.

Key Benefits:

✔ Wide variety of colors & patterns

✔ Very durable

✔ Budget-friendly

✔ Easy to replace or repair

✔ Slip-resistant texture

Travertine Pavers

Travertine is a natural stone known for its high-end look and cool surface temperature.

Key Benefits:

✔ Luxury appearance

✔ Naturally cool underfoot

✔ Highly slip-resistant when wet

✔ Distinctive natural veining

✔ Excellent for Florida heat

⭐ 2. Aesthetic Differences

Pavers

• More consistent and uniform in appearance
• Available in modern, rustic, or traditional patterns
• Color options range from tans to grays to multi-blend finishes
• Works well with any design style
• Great for contemporary looks

Travertine

• Natural stone veining creates unique, high-end character
• Each piece has its own pattern
• Offers a luxury aesthetic common in resort-style pools
• Mostly available in ivory, silver, walnut, and noche tones

⭐ 3. Surface Temperature (Heat Retention)

Pavers

• Get warmer under direct sunlight
• Darker blends can become hot on summer days
• Sealers can sometimes increase temperature slightly

Travertine

• Stays significantly cooler than concrete pavers
• Ideal for barefoot walking in Florida summers
• Natural stone absorbs and dissipates heat efficiently

👉 Winner: Travertine for heat comfort.

⭐ 4. Slip Resistance

Pavers

• Textured surface provides good slip resistance
• Works well around water

Travertine

• Excellent slip resistance when wet
• Naturally porous and non-polished
• Often safer for children running around the pool

👉 Winner: Travertine for natural grip.

⭐ 5. Durability

Pavers

• Extremely strong
• Resistant to cracking
• Individual pieces can be replaced easily
• Handles soil movement well

Travertine

• Strong but slightly softer than concrete
• Still highly durable when sealed and properly installed
• Can chip more easily on corners if heavy objects strike it

👉 Winner: Pavers for toughness;

👉 Travertine is still durable but should be handled with care.

⭐ 6. Maintenance Requirements

Pavers

• May require resealing (optional but recommended)
• Can accumulate algae in shaded or damp areas
• Joint sand may wash out over time (easily refillable)

Travertine

• Should be sealed to protect against staining
• Can collect debris in natural pits
• Overall low maintenance once sealed

👉 Draw: Both require basic maintenance but nothing excessive.

⭐ 7. Cost Comparison

Pavers

• More affordable
• Widely available
• Lower material cost
• Slightly faster installation

Travertine

• Higher material cost
• Premium luxury look
• Additional cost for sealing

👉 Winner: Pavers for cost.

👉 Travertine is the premium upgrade option.

⭐ 8. Heat, Comfort & Feel Underfoot

Pavers

• Slightly rough texture
• Can heat up during summer

Travertine

• Cool, smooth, and comfortable
• Highly preferred for lounging areas

👉 Winner: Travertine for comfort.

⭐ 9. Color Fading & Aging

Pavers

• Colors can fade slightly over years from UV exposure
• High-quality pavers minimize this

Travertine

• Natural stone won’t fade
• Patinas gracefully over time
• Can darken slightly if sealed with certain products

👉 Winner: Travertine for long-term color stability.

⭐ 10. Summary: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Pavers If You Want:

✔ Best price

✔ Durability & easy replacement

✔ Lots of color options

✔ Modern or patterned designs

✔ Strong resistance to cracking

Choose Travertine If You Want:

✔ A luxury, resort-style look

✔ Cool surface temperature

✔ High slip resistance

✔ Natural stone beauty

✔ Timeless elegance

Both are excellent choices — it comes down to budget, design preference, and comfort goals.

⭐ Professional Pool Company Recommendation

We recommend:

• Travertine for homeowners prioritizing luxury, cool touch, and aesthetics
• Concrete pavers for homeowners looking for value, durability, and low cost

Either option integrates seamlessly with your coping, deck drains, and equipment layout.

⭐ Need Help Choosing Your Decking?

We’re happy to show samples, photos, and design ideas based on your pool style.

👉 Ask us anytime for guidance.

Updated on: 29/11/2025