Watch this short video to hear Gasper Landscape Architect, Christina Reeves, discuss why travertine is the perfect paving to use around pools and for other types of patios.
Travertine is a natural stone paver that is perfect for use on patios especially paving surrounding pools. Despite being fairly porous, travertine is an extremely strong and durable limestone and there are many varieties available that can survive the freeze and thaw of our zone 7 winters here in the Delaware Valley. Travertine works well when dry-laid in exterior applications. When wet-laid, travertine needs a concrete base and all its pores and joints to be grouted. If using travertine in an interior setting, it should be wet-laid and sealed for easier cleaning.
The surface of travertine is very smooth to the touch, but speckled with small holes and pits which gives it a very varied and interesting visual appearance. Despite being so smooth, travertine is not slippery, because it has a very fine tooth when it is wet.
Travertine is available in a variety of light, neutral colors such as silver, tan and golden beiges. Its light color reflects the heat of the sun, and as a result travertine is one of the coolest paving materials when used in full sun. This makes it ideal for walking on with bare feet. Sample boards are available for viewing at Gasper’s Bucks County Hardscape & Building Supply.
