Travertine Tile Price Guide

The Costs 

• The minimum reported cost for travertine tile installation is $3 per square foot.
• The maximum reported cost for travertine tile installation is $30 per square foot.
• The average reported cost for travertine tile installation is about $15 per square foot.

The type of travertine being purchased can greatly influence cost. For example, when buying tile by the piece, the cost tends to be a bit higher whereas buying the travertine in slabs can reduce costs by up to 50%.

Furthermore, if homeowners would like to have the travertine sealed, they should expect to spend a few hundred dollars extra on the entire project. Most companies charge for sealant by the square foot, so the total cost will vary depending on how large of an area of travertine tile is being installed.

Another factor that can influence the cost of the project is the travertine's finish. These days, there are a number of finishes available, including:

• Polished
• Honed
• Brushed
• Tumbled
• Natural

Generally, natural travertine (with no dyes or special finishes) is the least expensive, typically costing closer to just a few dollars per square foot. However, travertine that's polished, brushed for an aged appearance, honed or tumbled for a rough appearance can cost significantly more. These types of travertine generally cost between $15 and $30 per square foot, depending on the overall quality of the stone itself.

Natural travertine with no finish can be a great option for those looking to save money, but homeowners should take into consideration that natural travertine is more prone to staining and damage over time and thus should be sealed.

Materials

Because travertine is such a unique stone, especially when it comes to the mining techniques used to obtain travertine, no two pieces of this stone are exactly the same. This is a big part of why travertine tiling can vary so greatly in cost. All cuts of travertine tend to look quite different, so it can be challenging for homeowners to find tiling that matches in terms of texture and color. However, many companies these days can add dyes and fill in grooves within the travertine itself in order to give it a more uniform look. On the other hand, some homeowners prefer the more raw, unmatched and natural look, especially for outdoor projects. Therefore, the type of travertine that's right for one homeowner may vary greatly depending on his or her budget and tastes.

It should be noted that travertine can be purchased in one of two ways: by the slab or in pre-cut tiles. Generally, buying travertine by the slab is a great way to save money on the overall cost of the project. However, cutting the slab to fit a space will require special tools and labor. Buying travertine that's pre-cut into tiles is the most common option among homeowners looking to install the flooring indoors, but slab travertine tile can be a great choice for outdoor projects.

Advantages of Travertine Tile

It's important for homeowners to weigh both the pros and cons for travertine tile installation while also keeping their specific needs and budget in mind. By doing so, homeowners can ultimately make the flooring choice that's right for their needs. 

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages to choosing travertine as a tile material is the fact that it's extremely durable. This makes it a great surface for use both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, because of its high durability, it's also very easy to care for and is relatively low maintenance. In fact, simply mopping the travertine as needed will keep it looking great for years to come; there's no need to seal it or otherwise protect it, but homeowners do have the option of adding a sealant if desired.

Another advantage of having travertine flooring installed is there's simply no other flooring material that can even compare to it in appearance. Travertine offers such a distinct and unique style that cannot be mimicked by other types of tile. This makes travertine flooring great for adding resale value and appeal to a home.

Disadvantages of Travertine Tile

There are some drawbacks that can come along with installing travertine tile. Specifically, cost is a big concern for many homeowners. When compared to other types of flooring, travertine tile is certainly not cheap. In fact, some types can cost as much as $30 per square foot. That's about double what homeowners would typically expect to pay for any other type of stone flooring.

Furthermore, travertine by its very nature can be quite slick, which makes it dangerous to walk on. Fortunately, homeowners can apply a slip-resistant finish to the tile in order to prevent accidental falls. This is especially recommended in homes with children.

Last updated on Feb 25, 2015