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Porcelain tile and Travertine tile both offer their special brand of beauty to a kitchen, bathroom or entranceway. There are a number of key differences, however, between porcelain tile and Travertine tile that a homeowner should carefully consider. One of the main differences between porcelain tile versus Travertine tile is that porcelain tile is a manmade product where as Travertine tile is a natural stone product. Consequently, since Travertine tile is a natural stone that is quarried it is typically more expensive than porcelain tile.

Travertine Tile Advantages and Disadvantages

Travertine tile has been used for thousands of years in many parts of the world. Travertine tile comes in two basic types, honed and natural. Honed Travertine tile is polished down to a smooth finish and is ideal for bathroom and kitchen applications. Natural Travertine tile, or tumbled Travertine tile, is left basically in its raw form and thus has an antique texture to it surface. Natural Travertine tiles are ideal for hallways and entranceways. Travertine tile is available in all types of shapes and sizes and typically varies in color from beige, to gold, to reddish colors, depending upon the amount of iron in it.

Also, since porcelain tile is a manmade product it is typically harder than Travertine tile and thus less likely to stain or become as dirtied from ground-in dirt. Porcelain tile is also available in a wide assortment of shapes, sizes and colors since it is a manmade product.

So when making the porcelain tile versus Travertine tile decision consider how the tile surface will be used, as well as the appearance you are looking for. If, for example, you plan to tile a wall surface then there is less likelihood of spills and staining to worry about, so Travertine tile may be your preferred choice. If on the other hand, you are considering a tiled kitchen floor and you have pets and small children then staining is a major threat and thus Porcelain tile may be a better choice.