Alternatives to Travertine Flooring

Marble

• Like travertine, marble flooring is a calcite-based stone so it performs and wears in a similar manner. Marble flooring is available with either a honed or polished finish and comes in several colors, including black, white, gray and tan. It is an extremely durable material, but it scratches easily if heavy objects fall on it. It also requires careful maintenance to preserve its appearance, so you may have to put in more work than with other flooring options. However, it is less porous than travertine so it is usually easier to maintain. Marble flooring is known for its elegant, luxurious appearance, but it may be slightly more expensive than travertine.

Limestone

• Limestone is another calcite-based stone flooring option. However, it has a highly unique appearance because shells and other organic materials are often embedded in the layers of sedimentary rock. Because of its natural look, limestone flooring works well with rustic style decor and is available in a variety of earth tones, including taupe, gray, cream and amber. However, it is softer than marble or travertine so it is not as durable, and it stains and scratches easily if not properly maintained. Limestone flooring can last for years, though, if you care for it properly.

Granite

• If you like the smooth look of travertine but prefer a more durable option, consider granite flooring. Granite is one of the hardest, strongest types of stone, and it holds up well to heavy traffic. It isn't soft like travertine, marble or limestone, so you don't have to worry about scratches or stains. However, you can further reduce the risk of damage by sealing a granite floor. Granite flooring comes in a variety of colors such as black, gray, blue and brown and works with a variety of decor styles. It is an ideal option for a kitchen, hallway or any area that sees heavy foot traffic.

Ceramic Tile

• If you're not set on stone tile, consider ceramic tile as an alternative to travertine. Ceramic tile is made from baked clay and is available in both glazed and unglazed varieties. It is usually less expensive than travertine and other stone flooring options, but it is very durable. It is also ideal for bathroom or kitchen installation because it is moisture resistant. However, it can crack or chip if heavy objects fall on it. Ceramic tile is also available in range of colors, patterns, shapes and sizes, so you can customize the look of your flooring even more so than you can with stone floor tile.