Travertine is definitely one of the best materials to use. The reputation of this material for being beautiful yet sturdy has been recognized since ancient days. It can be used for constructing the floors of a building, as well as walls and pillars. In addition to this, it is also used for constructing decks and patios. This article will take a closer look at travertine and provide you with its main benefits.
Travertine pool decks are much stronger than traditional brick or slate-made pool decks. They can also withstand scorching and cold weather conditions. This natural stone is very resistant to fire and is non-combustible. However, compared to slabs of similar construction material such as flagstone, it is not as durable and strong.
Compared to the other two types of materials mentioned above, travertine does not have as many unique features. It basically consists of a series of repetitive patterns that resemble those found on stalagmites. These recurring patterns make this natural stone a very durable and resistant material. Furthermore, this unique feature helps to prevent cracking. For instance, if a heavy piece of debris falls on a slate or flagstone pool deck surface, the repeated cracks should not be too deep.
A unique property of travertine is how it is formed. It is composed of numerous different colored mineral fragments of silver, gold, and copper. This allows the stone to reflect sunlight and thereby increases the color range of the pool coping. As a result, this type of coping is quite warm in color. Thus, it is suitable for pools that face direct sunlight all year long. However, it is advisable to purchase this coping only if you do not need the additional feature of a protective coating.
Travertine comes in a variety of natural colors. The most popular ones are brown and white. They may also be found in light shades of blue, green, and tan. Another great thing about this type of natural stone is that they appear opaque when viewed from certain angles. For example, if you look at the edge of a patio that faces a pool, the decking can appear opaque until it reaches the pool’s edge. These traits make travertine ideal for poolscape elements that need to block out sunlight or natural wildlife.
Travertine is a hardwood that does require periodic sealing and protection from harsh pool chemicals. This is because it is highly porous and can absorb excessive amounts of chemicals before they have a chance to do any damage. It is therefore recommended that you seal the floors of your decks using either marine-grade sealant or cement. This will protect your decks from fading due to exposure to harsh pool chemicals.
Wood is a more traditional choice when it comes to constructing a pool deck. However, it is susceptible to mildew, scratches, and mildew that can damage its natural grains. If you would like to minimize the amount of maintenance you must do on your pool deck, you should consider purchasing a slip-resistant surface. Slip-resistant surfaces made of wood often do not require sealing because they are already sealed by nature.
Slate is an ideal choice for you if you are looking for a beautiful, natural-looking material to line your pool’s floors. It is highly durable and exceptionally water-resistant. In addition to that, it is relatively low-maintenance. There are many variations of the slate that are available for sale. You can opt for stamped concrete for decks or one of the many other available options.