When looking at adding or changing your current flooring in your home or office there are many options available today. The final choice you make on the type of materials and style of flooring will be dependent on a number of factors that can alter your decision. The amount of traffic that your floor will sustain and the location and even exposure to natural elements will have a direct impact on what floor materials are used. When comparing marble to travertine materials for your next flooring options, there are many similarities and some significant differences. Depending on the place where you want the flooring installed and the type of foot traffic and regular maintenance needed, you should be well informed before making the final decision on any flooring materials. Many owners will want the look of marble or travertine but do not want to deal with the hassle of regular upkeep or yearly preservation.

Marble floor options are not for everyone, but many more homeowners are adopting marble as the flooring material of choice. Marble is no longer just for mansions or large estates. You can find marble floors in many homes with pets and children or in both warm and cool climates. Adding value to your home, marble can give you the personalized touch you are looking for in a durable flooring option. Different vein patterns and colors are available for marble floors so that you are sure to find a flooring material suitable for your home or office. Keep in mind that marble floors must be professionally installed and maintained regularly due to its porous nature and can stain easily if not sealed properly.

Travertine has been used as a building material for centuries. It is apparent in many Roman structures including the famous Coliseum in Rome. It is one of the more popular natural stone choices when constructing patios and garden paths. Travertine is known for its pitted holes and troughs in the surface and can be purchased either as its natural form or filled by a professional. Travertine floors can be polished in varying degrees from non-reflective to add warmth and softness to your home or highly polished to add that gleam and hard finish to any business office. Sealer should be added to travertine floors in order to keep it from absorbing too much moisture through the natural holes and crevices in the material.

When installing both marble and travertine floors there are some things to consider. Both natural stones are quite heavy and require a stiffer mortar mix since it needs to support the weight of the stones as opposed to what you may require for a lighter material such as ceramic tiles. Both marble and travertine should be sealed if you want to avoid moisture or debris from entering any holes or staining the stone itself. One thing is for sure, when making the choice for marble or travertine, you are sure to find a close match later on down the road if you need to repair any part of your flooring since natural stone patterns and colors remain consistent as opposed to those of ceramic or porcelain tiles.