For decades, concrete and tile were the go-to options when it came to pool deck materials. But in recent years, natural stone has become increasingly popular for creating luxury backyard oases. Specifically, travertine has emerged as a top choice for modern pool decks due to its unparalleled beauty, durability and functionality.
Travertine is a natural limestone formed over centuries in mineral hot springs and limestone caves, resulting in captivating swirls of color and texture. When used for pool decks, this natural stone creates a stunning look that instantly enhances the landscape. Travertine brings the elegance and warmth of high-end spas and resorts right to your backyard.
Unmatched Natural Beauty
One of the biggest draws of travertine is its one-of-a-kind natural beauty. Made by nature, not man, travertine exhibits mesmerizing variations in colors, patterns and textures. Shades of tan, gold, gray and rustic brown blend together in striking combinations. The stone features naturally occurring holes, veins and pits that provide visual depth and character.
No two pieces of travertine are ever exactly the same, ensuring your pool deck will be completely unique. The variations are wider ranging than with man-made pavers or concrete, creating far more visual interest. Sunlight dancing across the travertine’s undulating surface brings out different colors and dimension.
| Travertine’s variations create a lively, vibrant look that manufactured materials simply can’t replicate. Concrete and porcelain pavers deliver a flat, uniform appearance that lacks depth. But with travertine, you get the best that nature has to offer – an unpredictable, organic beauty. |
Whether you prefer a polished or rough-hewn look, travertine offers numerous finish options to complement your pool, hardscaping and landscape. Tumbled travertine gives a timeworn, Old World look, while Chiselled finishes beautifully catch the sunlight. Travertine’s natural color palette allows it to effortlessly blend with plants, trees and exterior finishes.
Luxurious, Durable Material
Not only gorgeous to look at, travertine is also an extremely durable choice for pool decks. Created by nature over hundreds of thousands of years, travertine is impervious to wear-and-tear from weather, sun, and foot traffic.
Travertine is often considered a lifetime material, warrantied for as long as you own your home. It will never crack, split or fade like man-made stone. The material’s density makes it resistant to damage from dropped glasses, shifting furniture, and other backyard accidents.
And while concrete and artificial stone grow hot under the sun’s rays, travertine stays cool underfoot – an important feature for bare feet around the pool. The textured surface also provides excellent traction, even when wet, preventing slips and falls.
A Natural Choice
For those seeking an eco-friendly pool deck option, travertine is an ideal choice. As a 100% natural stone, it is inherently earth-friendly. Travertine also stays cooler, reducing the need for pool heating and the associated energy consumption and emissions.
Long-Lasting Elegance
Over decades of use, travertine develops a graceful patina that only adds to its beauty. The natural material doesn’t degrade or show signs of aging like concrete or artificial stone. Travertine’s timeless look and longevity make it a sound investment that enhances the value and enjoyment of your backyard.
Low-Maintenance & Easy to Clean
One of the distinct advantages of travertine pool decks is that they don’t require intensive maintenance like some other surfaces. The porous nature of travertine prevents the growth of bacteria and algae, cutting down on chemical cleaning needs.
Travertine is also cooler to the touch, which further deters algae growth. The occasional sweep with a broom keeps the surface looking great. While sealing is recommended every few years, travertine’s cleanup is straightforward compared to concrete, rock and wood alternatives.
| With just occasional sweeping and re-sealing every 3-5 years, travertine offers easy care compared to high-maintenance options like exposed aggregate that require frequent re-coating and staining. |
Spills and debris are easily rinsed away, without soaking into the stone. Travertine resists permanent staining when properly sealed. This prevents that unsightly black algae film that can grow on concrete. For stubborn spots, a bit of soap and water is all you need.
Customizable Designs & Finishes
A major benefit of travertine is that it can be customized to suit your exact pool deck vision. Travertine is available in a wide spectrum of sizes, from large ledger tiles to smaller mosaic pieces. This allows for eye-catching geometric designs.
Mix travertine finishes like Tumbled, Chiselled and Chiseled Edge for contrast and interest. The shape of the travertine pieces can also be tailored, with rectangles, squares, hexagons and interlocking patterns to choose from. Inlays using glass, tile and stone let you embellish with color and flair.
Complementary Elements
For added functionality, travertine pool decks can incorporate built-in benches, planters, fire elements and other complementary features. This creates an extension of your living space. Travertine can also be used to build retaining walls, fountains, pool copings and more.
Integrated Technology
Your designer can seamlessly embed lighting, heating systems and electrical conduits within the travertine itself to enhance ambiance and usability while maintaining a streamlined look. Automated pool covers, fountains, and other technology integrations are possible.
Perfect for Entertaining & Relaxation
Travertine creates the ultimate backdrop for elegant backyard entertaining. Its natural beauty and effortless style provide an atmosphere of luxury and refinement. The smooth, spacious surface and neutral warmth make it an ideal canvas for decorating.
Gathering around the pool becomes a much more pleasant experience when your feet are cooled by travertine rather than burned by hot concrete or artificial stone. Travertine’s slip-resistance also provides confidence for kids playing and seniors stepping cautiously.
The textural beauty and harmonious ambiance turn your pool area into a relaxing escape. As a high-end choice favored by hotels and resorts, travertine brings that blissful spa feeling right to your own backyard.
Showcase Your Pool
Rather than drawing attention from your pool, a travertine deck beautifully reflects and enhances it. The natural patterns blend effortlessly rather than competing with the pool’s shape and finishes.
By providing an elegant canvas that complements both the pool and landscaping, travertine allows your pool to take center stage so you can enjoy it to the fullest.
Investing in a modern travertine pool deck also adds value to your home. The high-end material and ability to customize make travertine especially desirable for potential buyers. Not only gorgeous, but durable and low maintenance, travertine boosts your home’s worth.
Adding this luxurious amenity pays dividends for decades, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality for your family and future owners.
