How much does travertine tile cost?
How much does travertine tile cost?
$7 – $15 material price per square foot (standard grade)
$17 – $35 installed cost per square foot (standard grade)
$1,700 – $3,500 average total cost (100 square feet)
Travertine tile cost by grade
Travertine tile costs $7 to $15 per square foot for standard-grade materials. Including installation, travertine tile flooring costs $17 to $35 per square foot, or $1,700 to $3,500 for a 100 square foot space. The total cost of travertine tile depends on the location, tile grade, finish, and installation complexity.
| Tile grade | Average tile price per square foot* |
Average installed cost per square foot |
Average total cost per 100 square feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium (First Grade) |
$10 – $30 | $20 – $50 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Standard (Second Grade) |
$7 – $15 | $17 – $35 | $1,700 – $3,500 |
| Commercial (Third Grade) |
$4 – $7 | $14 – $27 | $1,400 – $2,700 |
*Material price only.
Premium
Premium (First Grade) travertine costs $10 to $30 per square foot for the tile alone or $20 to $50 per square foot with installation. This high-quality travertine has minimal holes, consistent color, uniform thickness, and smooth edges.
This grade is best suited for high-end indoor applications like formal entryways, luxury bathrooms, and kitchen backsplashes where visual consistency is paramount.
Standard
Standard (Second Grade) travertine is more commonly used, costing $7 to $15 per square foot before installation or $17 to $35 per square foot total installed. It offers a good balance of quality and cost, featuring some pores and color variation, and a uniform cut.
This grade works best for general indoor flooring, standard bathrooms, and residential patios where natural character is desired without premium costs.
Commercial
Commercial (Third Grade) travertine is lower quality tile with visible flaws, color inconsistency, and potential cutting irregularities. At $14 to $27 per square foot installed, it's the most affordable grade. However, inconsistent tile thickness can create challenges and increase the installation time.
This grade performs best in outdoor walkways, rustic outdoor kitchens, and utility areas where durability matters more than appearance.
Travertine tile flooring cost by finish
Travertine is a limestone formed from mineral spring deposits with natural holes and pores. Once travertine is quarried and cut, finish work refines the raw limestone into usable tiles. These finish processes range from simple cutting to complex polishing and texturing, dramatically influencing both the stone's appearance and cost.
| Finish | Average tile price (per square foot)* |
Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tumbled | $6 – $16 | Tumbled with rocks for a distressed look with softer edges |
| Honed | $7 – $20 | Filled and buffed to a smooth, matte finish with no shine |
| Polished | $8 – $30 | Filled and polished to a smooth, reflective shine |
| Brushed | $8 – $30 | Smoothed with a rotating wire brush to a matte finish |
| Filled | $10 – $24 | Filled with resin or cement to create a smooth finish |
*Tile price does not include installation.
Cost of travertine tile by color
Most travertine comes in natural beige and cream colors, which are the most affordable options at $6 to $16 per square foot before installation. Vibrant colors like blue, black, and red are much rarer in nature, making them significantly more expensive, with blue being the most expensive at $18 to $30 per square foot due to it's extreme scarcity.
| Color | Material cost (per square foot) |
Rarity level |
|---|---|---|
| Beige | $6 – $16 | Common |
| Cream | $6 – $16 | Common |
| Gray | $7 – $20 | Moderate |
| Gold | $8 – $24 | Moderate |
| Red | $10 – $24 | Rare |
| Black | $15 – $30 | Very Rare |
| Blue | $18 – $30 | Extremely Rare |
Cost to install travertine tile outdoors
Travertine's exceptional durability and heat resistance make it an ideal choice for outdoor applications, with its natural properties perfectly suited to withstand hot weather conditions and direct sunlight while maintaining comfort and safety.
Homes in cold climates should use premium-grade travertine with proper installation techniques to prevent freeze-thaw cracking.
Travertine pavers cost
Travertine pavers cost $5 to $15 per square foot for standard-grade materials for pool decks, patios, and walkways. Premium grade travertine pavers cost $8 to $30 per square foot to better withstand heavy traffic and harsh weather without cracking. Installation costs add $10 to $20 per square foot, depending on the complexity.
While travertine naturally maintains its color without fading like manufactured materials, its porous nature makes it susceptible to absorbing liquids that can cause permanent stains. Paver sealing costs $1.50 to $3.25 per square foot and is recommended in outdoor kitchens and driveways.
Travertine pool coping cost
Travertine pool coping costs $5 to $12 per linear foot for standard 12 x 24-inch coping pieces that are 1.25 inches thick. Higher-end coping can reach $15 to $25 per linear foot for premium grades with better color consistency and reduced natural imperfections. With labor, expect to pay $15 to $40 per linear foot total, depending on the site conditions and chosen material.
Travertine offers superior performance over concrete and synthetic materials for swimming pool edges and surrounding areas. Its heat-reflective properties eliminate hot pavement common with concrete pool edges, and its natural texture provides exceptional slip resistance around wet pool areas.
Travertine tile cost factors
Several factors impact the cost of travertine tile installation:
Material grade: Basic quality may include imperfections while premium grade provides a consistent appearance and superior durability. Standard grade is a good balance of cost and appearance.
Finish type: Natural unpolished surfaces are most economical while polished, brushed, or filled finishes require additional processing that increases costs.
Color rarity: Common beige and earth tones are affordable while rare colors like blues and blacks command premium prices due to scarcity.
Installation complexity: Simple patio applications require basic techniques while pool decks and kitchens demand specialized waterproofing and intricate methods.
Tile size: Larger format tiles require careful handling and potentially increase breakage rates during installation.
Tile thickness: Thicker tiles command higher prices due to the increased amount of raw stone material and the heavier weight that requires additional labor time and specialized equipment for cutting.
Project preparation: Existing flooring removal, subfloor preparation, moisture barriers, and specialized tools all contribute to the installation cost.
Labor
Professional installation of travertine tile requires specialized skills, with labor costs ranging from $10 to $20 per square foot. Installation patterns significantly impact both materials and labor costs, with simple patterns taking less time and more complex patterns increasing cutting requirements and material waste.
| Pattern | Installation labor cost (per square foot)* |
Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Lay | $10 – $15 | Basic |
| Running Bond | $10 – $15 | Basic |
| Diagonal | $12 – $17 | Moderate |
| French Pattern | $15 – $20 | Complex |
| Herringbone | $17 – $20 | Very Complex |
*Labor costs only; not including tile or other materials needed.
Tile installation costs vary by material, as some tiles are more difficult to work with. Travertine is particularly challenging and expensive to install for several reasons:
Travertine's weight demands perfectly level subfloors. Uneven surfaces require additional leveling work, pushing rates higher.
Travertine's tendency to chip during cuts leads to premium labor rates for cutting and fitting, especially for complex patterns or multiple angles.
Travertine's porous nature requires careful sealer application, often with multiple coats for proper protection.
Travertine tile FAQs
What is travertine tile?
Travertine tile is a natural stone made from limestone that forms around hot springs when minerals build up over time. This stone has a porous surface with natural holes that give it a unique, aged look that makes each tile different.
How do you clean travertine tile?
You can clean travertine tile by regular vacuuming since it doesn't trap dust, pet hair, or allergens like carpet does. For deeper cleaning, use gentle cleaners made for natural stone and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the porous surface.
How do I seal travertine tile?
Seal travertine tile before and after installing grout to protect it from stains and water damage. Apply stone sealer with a brush, let it soak in completely, wipe off the excess, and reapply every 1 to 2 years based on use.
Can you paint travertine tile?
While technically you can paint travertine tile, it is not recommended as it hides the natural beauty that makes the stone valuable. The porous surface makes paint hard to stick properly, and painted travertine needs frequent touch-ups.
Where can travertine tile be used?
Travertine tile is an excellent choice for indoor applications such as flooring, bathrooms, and kitchen backsplashes due to its natural beauty and durability. For outdoor use, travertine excels in pool decks, patios, and walkways because it stays cool to the touch and provides natural slip resistance.
Getting estimates from tile installers
Follow these tips when securing estimates from tile installers near you:
Get multiple quotes with similar details from at least three different reputable installers.
Ask about their experience with travertine tile, as this material requires specialized installation techniques.
Schedule in-home consultations to discuss your needs in detail and allow installers to assess the space properly.
Ask for complete breakdowns that include materials, labor, additional fees, and any extra installation costs like subfloor repairs.
Clarify what's included in the estimate, including cleanup, disposal of old materials, and any warranty coverage.
Verify credentials and experience by checking licenses, insurance, and certifications from organizations like NTCA or CTEF.
Request references and portfolios to assess the quality of their previous work, especially with similar tile types.
Be cautious of significantly low quotes as they may indicate poor quality work or hidden fees that will appear later.
Get everything in writing including the full scope of work, timeline, and payment schedule before proceeding.
Questions to ask a tile installer
Ask your tile installer these questions before travertine tile installation:
What is your experience with natural stone installations like travertine?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured for this type of work?
What waterproofing system will you use, especially for wet areas like bathrooms?
How will you handle the natural holes and pores in travertine during installation?
What setting materials and adhesives do you plan to use?
Can you show me examples or photos of your previous travertine work?
What is your plan for sealing the travertine and when will this be done?
Can you provide references from recent travertine installations?
What is included in your estimate and what warranty do you provide?
How long will the travertine installation project take to complete?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.