One of the most crucial aspects of any patio redesign is the type of paver you choose. Once you’ve finalized your pool design, landscaping and stairways, you’ll need to think about what kind of deck tiles will not only look best with your home but also which pavers will offer the greatest functionality for your needs.

There are hundreds of paver options for every landscape design, climate and price point, but which one you choose will depend on a range of factors. If you’re unsure how to decide between marble, travertine, and porcelain deck tiles, consider these pros and cons of each.

Marble Deck Tiles

Many property owners seeking an elegant and luxurious touch turn to marble deck tiles for their outdoor space. After all, marble has been a popular building material for millennia, so it represents a timelessness that many designers love.

While it has beautiful veining and sleek, smooth surfaces, marble is one of the most expensive paver materials on the market. Since it’s so desirable yet requires hard work to quarry and refine the pavers, marble pavers can often exceed most homeowners’ budgets. They also need to be re-sealed regularly, further driving up the cost in the long term.

Travertine Pavers

Travertine is another popular material for exterior flooring applications. Almost as timeless and classic as marble, it’s a more budget-friendly choice that still exudes the luxury of natural stone. 

However, while travertine is less costly than marble, it’s also far less durable. Travertine pavers can crack or break over time, and their porous nature makes them susceptible to water damage and staining. Travertine, like marble, also needs to be sealed each year to maintain its beauty. Because of its somewhat delicate nature, travertine pavers are typically not recommended for commercial applications, and any property owners who choose to install real travertine should anticipate repair and replacement costs over time.

Porcelain Outdoor Tiles

For property owners seeking the appearance of marble or travertine with enhanced functionality and an affordable cost, porcelain outdoor tiles are the ideal landscaping solution. Porcelain deck pavers are engineered to perfectly replicate the appearance of natural stone or hardwood, but since they’re synthetically engineered, they’re far more durable and cost-effective. At Tile Tech, we even have a Travertine Series of porcelain pavers consisting of five unique styles that allow you to achieve the timeless beauty of real travertine without the fuss.

Porcelain pavers, in contrast to travertine pavers, have a water absorption rate of less than 0.01 percent, so they’re incredibly resistant to wear, water damage and freeze-thaw cracking. They also don’t need to be re-sealed, so you can reduce maintenance costs long-term. Best of all, they can be paired with our adjustable deck supports for quick and easy installation — even on unleveled terrain.

Marble, travertine, and porcelain pavers each have their own benefits, but porcelain deck tiles have reigned supreme in recent years thanks to their elegant appearance, superior durability, quick installation time, affordable cost, and low maintenance levels. Not to mention, there are hundreds of different styles and colors to choose from — some of which replicate the appearance of natural stone like travertine. If you’d like to learn more about Tile Tech’s full range of products and services, including porcelain outdoor tiles, give us a call at (888) 380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’re always happy to provide you with a free product sample, catalog or quote for your next project.