Travertine is a natural stone with soft, warm color and variation from piece to piece; it suits a classic or Mediterranean look and stays comfortable underfoot. Concrete pavers are manufactured, so color and size are consistent, the range of styles is far wider, and they’re the more forgiving choice for most patios. RK installs both.
Look
No two travertine pieces match. Tumbled travertine has rounded edges and a worn, old-world finish, and it’s usually laid in a French pattern of mixed rectangles and squares. Pavers range from smooth, modern slabs like Unilock Beacon Hill Smooth to weathered street pavers like Unilock Copthorne, and every piece in a color matches the sample.
Underfoot
Light-colored travertine doesn’t hold heat the way darker surfaces do, which is why it’s a common choice around seating areas in hot climates. Light-colored pavers stay cooler too; dark charcoal pavers get hot in full sun.
Upkeep
Travertine is porous, with small natural holes in the stone. It’s often sealed to resist stains, and spills like wine or grease near a grill can mark it. Concrete pavers are dense and handle stains and wear with less attention.
What goes underneath
Both need the same foundation: a compacted crushed-stone base sized for the soil, a slope that carries water away from the house, and an edge restraint. On red clay, the base is what keeps either surface level.
Travertine and pavers side by side
| Travertine | Concrete pavers | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Natural stone | Manufactured |
| Look | Warm, varied, old-world | Wide range, consistent |
| Underfoot | Stays comfortable in sun | Depends on color |
| Upkeep | Porous; often sealed | Dense; less upkeep |
| Matching later | Varies batch to batch | Easy to match a color |
Questions homeowners ask
Can I mix travertine and pavers?
Yes. A paver field with a travertine border, or travertine on the main terrace with paver walkways, can work well. Your design shows how they sit together.
Which is better around a fire pit?
Both work. Pavers are easier to keep clean if you expect ash and soot near the fire.
Which pavers does RK install?
Mostly Unilock, plus Techo-Bloc and Belgard. See patios and walkways for the lines and sizes.
