Limestone or Travertine Pavers?
This is one of the most asked questions we receive in our stores and the most controversial. It shouldn’t be controversial if you have studied the facts, and this is where we come in as reputable sellers of natural stone building materials.
One of the most important parts of your swimming pool’s landscapes is it’s surrounds. Apart from it needing to be aesthetically pleasing, it needs to be functional and equally as important, it needs to be practical. Not all stones are suitable to be used around salt water for example and yes this is also the case if you intend on sealing the stone with anti-salt sealers.
Is limestone better than travertine or vice versa? Is limestone better around salt? Is limestone less prone to staining? When properly sealed, they are both more than adequate and suitable materials to use around the pool.
White limestone is highly prized because of its homogeny in its light tones. Derby is our light limestone and is still one of our popular choices for around the pool. Subtle off-white tones and soft underfoot are just some traits which make this an appealing choice amongst our customers. It is compact and dense, and this is mainly due to the high number of fossils in its composition. There is the occasional furrowing on its surface which give this stone character also and at the same time, reminds you that it is a natural stone. Derby also comes in crazy paving format and cobblestones, which are also beautiful for pool surroundings.
Grey limestones like our Mia Paver and Byron Limestones are great because they can offset a bluish tint which compliments and pairs attractively to the water in the pool. They can also resemble the concrete look with the addition of subtle textures, again to remind one of it being a natural stone.
In summary, Limestone is a naturally occurring material and being a sedimentary rock that is made from a calcium bicarbonate composition. It is durable and impressively strong.
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Travertine has similar traits to Limestone.
They are both considered mainstay building materials and they are both ecologically friendly. On a more specific note, travertine is technically considered a type of limestone. They both have crushed shells and other similar fossilized marine exoskeleton in their composition. A major differentiator is that limestone is a much denser material compared to travertine. This is because limestone was formed under far more heat and pressure before it was developed. This is why, at times, it is called a pre-stage limestone. Travertine has a lot of holes on the surface which were caused by having air bubbles trapped inside the material during its formation process. Limestone is generally stronger however they are both more than adequate to be used as building products. If you intend on using under floor heating, then we strongly advise to not use travertine due to the resins used to block the holes. Limestone is by far a more sensible and practical choice. Travertine used in pool surrounds in sub zero areas is not recommended also due to the holes getting filled with water. As we know, when water freezes it expands therefore will apply pressure to the tile causing it to crack as the ice freezes in the holes.
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Both Travertine and Limestone conduct and transmit heat equally and the governing factory is the colour. A dark grey limestone tile will transmit more heat than a light-coloured limestone tile. The same-coloured limestone and travertine tiles will transmit the same amount of heat. Just as a black cotton sweater will make you feel warmer than the same white cotton sweater.
As always, and as discussed in previous blogs, we recommend pre and post sealing and periodic cleaning and maintenance ensuring the longevity of the stone.
We would love to see you visit our stores.
Unit 26 / 85-115 Alfred Rd Chipping Norton NSW 2170
1/5-7 Byres street, Newstead QLD 4006
T4 145 North St, Harlaxton QLD 4350
Choices Made Easy – Aussietecture®