Travertine vs Marble

Choose Travertine when…

You want an earthy, textured look. Choose unfilled for open pores, or filled for a smoother face. See Filled vs Unfilled Travertine.

Marble or travertine: how do I decide?

Start with the look. Travertine is earthy and often banded, in ivory, gold, brown and silver tones. Marble is veined or swirled, from pure white to black, plus greens and browns. Then think about where it goes: both suit indoor floors, walls and backsplashes. Order a sample of each from shop sample tiles (any 5 samples are $25 and ship free) and compare them in your own light.

What is the difference between travertine and marble?

Travertine forms quickly where mineral-rich water deposits calcium carbonate, often at hot springs or in caves, so it is naturally porous. Marble forms when limestone or dolomite is recrystallized by heat and pressure into interlocking crystals. In the shop, that means travertine has an earthy, pitted or banded face unless filled, and marble has smoother, veined color. Learn more on the travertine page and the marble page.

Which is better for a pool deck, marble or travertine?

Travertine is the more common pool-deck stone: tumbled and unfilled surfaces give more texture underfoot, while polished marble gets slippery when wet. A honed, tumbled or split-faced finish gives marble more grip, but check with us about your project before ordering. Browse travertine pavers and pool coping, pool and spa and outdoor tile.

Is travertine a limestone?

Yes. Travertine is a type of limestone, formed quickly from mineral-rich water, and limestone in general is also calcareous, so it needs the same acid-free care. To see limestone for yourself, browse limestone tile and all travertine.

Choose Marble when…

You want classic veining and a wider color range, from white to black. See the Marble family page.

Marble vs travertine: which is easier to care for?

They need similar care. Both are calcareous, so acids can etch them, and sealing helps with stains but not etching. Travertine's open pores can collect dirt unless filled, while marble's main worry is etch marks, especially on polished surfaces. Read the travertine care guide, how to seal marble tile, etching vs staining and the natural stone care guide.

Marble vs travertine for floors and bathrooms

Both work indoors. Browse travertine floor tile, marble floor tile and marble bathroom floor tile. For choosing between finishes, see honed vs polished stone.

Which costs more, marble or travertine?

Neither is always cheaper. Price depends on the line, size, finish and format, such as mosaic or field tile, so compare the actual product pages. The buying guide lists what to check before you order.

Can I use marble and travertine together?

Yes. A warm travertine such as Noce or Ivory Light often pairs well with white marble such as Thassos or Carrara. Order samples together to check the match.

Is all marble really marble?

Not always. Some stones sold as marble are limestone, such as Emperador and Nero Marquina. The stone trade uses the name loosely, so check the stone page if the type matters to you.