Slate vs Travertine for Outdoor Patios

Slate and travertine are both beautiful natural stones, but their outdoor performance differs dramatically.

Durability

Slate is dense (water absorption under 0.4%) and shrugs off freeze-thaw cycles. Travertine is porous and requires regular sealing.

Slip Resistance

Natural cleft slate offers R11-R13 out of the box. Travertine needs tumbled or textured finishes for outdoor safety.

Maintenance

Slate needs almost no maintenance. Travertine requires sealing every 2-3 years and is prone to staining.

Cost

Similar material costs, but slate wins on 50-year maintenance savings.