porcelain tile vs travertine: how to choose

comparing porcelain vs travertine tile

porcelain tile and travertine tile have a lot in common. both offer exceptional durability and can be installed in a wide variety of locations, for example. but it can be difficult to decide which to go for.

we’re covering their key differences between them below, including how they compare in appearance and where you might install one over the other.

aesthetics

porcelain tile can take on a vast range of aesthetics due to how it’s made. it may be shaped into small penny rounds and finished with a glossy glaze, for example. or, in the case of our watermark collection, it may be left unglazed and then dipped into one of a whole spectrum of dyes, creating a beautifully colored and textured tile.

travertine forms over the course of, quite literally, millions of years. the result is a natural stone tile that tells the story of its origins, replete with unique pits, voids, and veining. this type of tile comes in a host of colors, too, from soft ivory and beige to bold red and gold.

durability and strength

porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile known for its durability and strength. this is because it’s produced from finer, denser clay than most ceramic tile, then fired for longer at higher temperatures. in addition to having exceptional chip and crack resistance, it can withstand a wide range of temperatures, giving it indoor-outdoor versatility. it also tends to be less porous, making it highly resistant to water and stains. (needless to say, there are many benefits of porcelain tile.)

travertine tile offers many of the same benefits when it comes to durability and strength. it’s resistant to scratches, so it, too, is suitable for busy areas. it also can withstand temperature fluctuations. unlike most porcelain, travertine is porous — so it needs regular sealing in order to prevent water absorption and staining.

maintenance and cleaning

with porcelain tile, how much maintenance you can expect depends on how the tile is finished. if you’re working with a glossy glazed tile, for example, you can expect little in the way of maintenance (read: no sealing besides grout). plus, you’ll enjoy easy cleaning thanks to the smooth surface. if the tile is left unglazed, the tile may need to be finished with a top coat or sealant, and you can expect cleaning to be a little more involved.

travertine is natural stone tile, so it should be sealed during installation, then resealed regularly to maintain its protective barrier. (unless you’re one to embrace the patina that comes with water exposure and staining.) generally, how often you reseal depends on where the tile is installed and how much water exposure it sees. as for cleaning, a mild cleaner and soft sponge are usually sufficient.

cost and value

comparing the cost of porcelain and travertine tile is difficult, as a tile’s cost depends on many factors. is the tile handmade, or quarried from a rare source? is it produced in only small batches? how many steps are involved in the manufacturing process? some porcelain tiles are less expensive than travertine tiles, and vice versa. there really is no apples to apples comparison here.

the two tile types are similar, however, when it comes to value. both offer remarkable exceptional durability and may even be used in busy areas, meaning they will last for many years with proper care. if value is top priority as you compare porcelain and travertine, know that you can find it with both materials.

ideal location of installation

porcelain and travertine are both versatile, but where you choose to install them can differ. porcelain penny rounds, for example, are suitable for both walls and floors, indoors and out. the porcelain tiles in our watermark collection, on the other hand, are best for walls only. and porcelain is not always freeze/thaw rated. ultimately, a tile’s material guidelines are the source of truth here.

now for travertine. our pantry pavers have graced walls and floors, both indoors and outdoors. the same goes for the rough cut mosaics of our lapidary collection. the fluted mosaics from the same collection, on the other hand, are not suitable for floors due to their curved shape. like porcelain tile, travertine is not always freeze/thaw rated. again, it’s best to consult a tile’s material guidelines as you select tile for your own project.

getting to know porcelain tile

we’ve covered many of the pros and cons of porcelain and travertine tile already, but let’s dive deeper into porcelain tile specifically.

pros

porcelain tile is remarkably durable, since it can resist chips and cracks, withstand temperature extremes, and resist water and stains (thanks to a nonporous surface). and if it’s glazed, you can expect relatively little in the way of cleaning and maintenance.

cons

some types of porcelain tile require more care than others. unglazed tiles, for example, may call for a top coat or sealant upon installation — and be a little harder to clean on an everyday basis due to their textured surface. but this is something to weigh with where you’re installing it. (kitchen backsplashes need more frequent cleaning than living room walls.)

best applications

depending on the tile, you may install porcelain indoors or out, on walls or floors. we love penny rounds for shower floors, since the mosaic tile’s small size equals more grouting, and that means more traction.

understanding travertine

now let’s look more closely at natural travertine tile.

pros

travertine tile is durable too — it resists (and even disguises) scratches while withstanding a range of temperatures. with proper sealing, it can resist water and stains as well. and we haven’t even touched on its timeless, one of a kind look.

cons

like porcelain tile, travertine tile may come with limitations, depending on the tile. it generally needs regular sealing, unless you’re willing to embrace patina in all its forms. always check the tile’s specifications in order to understand any special considerations from the get-go.

best applications

entryway wall, mudroom floor, outdoor patio — travertine tile has appeared in all these places. where you can install it ultimately depends on the tile. we love seeing travertine add a luxe, natural touch to living room floors and walls.

is porcelain tile better than natural stone?

there is no best tile for your project — it really comes down to how you plan to use the tile. ask yourself questions like how much water exposure the tile will see, whether foot traffic is a factor, and what you’re willing to commit to in terms of maintenance. then let your heart (and the tile’s specifications) guide the way.

making the right choice for your space

in addition to where you’re installing the tile, consider your aesthetic preferences. do you want a glazed tile that will look the same ten years from now? or do you want a tile that develops a lovely patina with time? do you crave a glossy surface, or is the unique veining of natural stone your love language?

after all is said and done, this is your home. explore porcelain and travertine tile in all their forms, then narrow your choices down according to what speaks to you.