When it comes to choosing the best natural stone for use in your home or commercial projects, both Travertine and Limestone are great options.
Both types of stone are sedimentary rocks with unique characteristics and are suitable for a range of applications. So, what is the difference? Which one is best for which application?
In this blog, we’ll dive into both types of stone, exploring their differences, advantages, and disadvantages, and help you decide which one is best suited for different uses.
Introduction to Travertine and Limestone
What is Limestone?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate, and is most commonly formed in marine environments.
Compared to Travertine, it is denser and features a more uniform appearance which makes it popular for use in high-traffic areas.
What is Travertine?
Travertine is actually a type of limestone that is formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate from mineral springs or pools of hot water. It is known for its rather porous texture, earthy tones and shading, and elegant aesthetic appearance.
Travertine has been used in construction for many centuries and is iconic for its use in ancient Roman structures like the Colosseum.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Limestone
Advantages
- Durability: Limestone is denser and thus more resistant to wear; this makes it ideal for high-traffic areas, compared to some other types of stone.
- Versatility: Limestone is available in various colors and patterns, so it is easy to find the right style and look to suit your preference and needs.
- Fire Resistance: This natural stone is highly fire resistant so it makes for a great choice when it comes to fireplaces.
Disadvantages
- Absorbency: Limestone is more absorbent than some other types of stone making it prone to staining if not sealed properly.
- Cost: This type of stone can be more expensive than other options though this is dependent on the quarry and quality of stone.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Travertine
Advantages
- Aesthetic Appeal: Travertine offers a unique and elegant appearance with earthy and natural-looking tones.
- Thermal Insulation: This natural stone has the unique ability to remain cool to the touch even under direct sunlight, which is ideal for outdoor use.
- Affordability: Travertine is less expensive than other natural stones.
- Hypoallergenic: It is also suitable for use indoors or for wide application, such as flooring, as it does not accumulate allergens.
Disadvantages
- Porous: Travertine does require sealing and resealing to best protect it against stains and moisture.
- Brittle: Travertine can be more prone to cracking and breaking, especially when subject to high traffic or a lot of activity..
- Maintenance: This stone looks and functions best with regular cleaning and ongoing maintenance.
Key Differences between Travertine Stone and Limestone
Feature | Travertine | Limestone |
|---|---|---|
Formation | It is formed from mineral springs or hot water springs | It is formed in marine environments in general |
Texture | Porous with visible and tangible holes | Dense with minimal holes |
Appearance | Comes in earthy tones, and can be darker, and more varied than other stone | Comes in more uniform and lighter colours (white, grey, beige) |
Durability | Is more brittle and requires sealing | Is denser and more resistant to wear |
Cost | Generally less expensive than other natural stones | Can be more expensive than other stones |
Transform Your Space with the Perfect Stone
Choosing the Ideal Choice of Stone for the Right Applications
Natural stone, including both Travertine and Limestone, is a wonderful material for us in your home and interior design. However, which stone is preferred for which application? While there is no hard and fast rule for all contexts, here is our brief recommendation for different applications.
Kitchen Benchtops
Looking for a stone for your kitchen benchtop?
We recommend limestone due to its durability and resistance to scratches, though you may want to ensure you keep it regularly maintained and sealed to protect it from acidic substances.
Bathroom Vanity
When it comes to your bathroom vanity top, we recommend travertine.
This elegant stone offers high levels of water resistance, especially when properly sealed, and looks utterly luxurious in a bathroom.
Flooring
Stone is a wonderful choice of flooring material.
For flooring applications, limestone and travertine are both good options. Limestone should be used for high traffic areas thanks to its density and durability, whilst travertine offers more aesthetic uniqueness for low traffic areas.
Wall Cladding
If you want to add natural stone wall cladding to your home, travertine is a great option for adding a natural or rustic aesthetic, thanks to its earthy tones, whilst still looking sophisticated and visually appealing.
Staircases
Stone can make for an utterly gorgeous choice for internal staircases. We recommend limestone as its strength and resistance to wear will withstand the high traffic expected on a staircase.
Kitchen Splashbacks
Splashbacks are an easy and low-key way of infusing natural stone into a kitchen. We recommend using travertine for its elegance in aesthetic and ease of cleaning. Remember to keep it sealed and resealed as it will be exposed to a lot of moisture and stains.
Fireplaces
As mentioned above, limestone is the better choice for use in fireplaces thanks to its fire-resistant qualities and high durability.
Euro Marble - the Home of Travertine and Limestone
Ultimately, both limestone and travertine stone are excellent choices for a range of applications in and around the home. Whether or not one is right for you or your application will depend on a variety of factors, not least your own priorities and preferences.
At the end of the day, both travertine and limestone offer unique benefits. So you can consider factors like durability, aesthetic appeal, and maintenance requirements to make the best decision for your needs.
