Travertine vs Bluestone: Which Is the Right Choice for Your Pool Patio?
When Long Island homeowners invest in a pool patio, two natural stone options come up again and again: travertine and bluestone. Both are beautiful, both are durable, and both add significant value to your property. But they perform differently around pools, and the right choice depends on your priorities. After installing hundreds of pool patios across Great Neck, Garden City, Syosset, Huntington, and the surrounding areas, we have seen firsthand how each material holds up in our climate. Here is a detailed, honest comparison.
Slip Resistance Around the Pool
Safety is the number one concern around any pool, and this is where travertine has a clear advantage. Travertine has a naturally porous, textured surface that provides excellent grip when wet. Its tumbled and unfilled finishes are especially slip-resistant, making it a top choice for pool coping and decking. Bluestone also performs well when wet, but its surface can become slippery depending on the finish. Thermal-finished (flamed) bluestone offers good traction, while honed or polished bluestone can be slick when wet. If you choose bluestone for a pool deck, always opt for a natural cleft or thermal finish rather than a smooth one.
Heat Absorption: Comfort on Hot Summer Days
Long Island summers bring plenty of barefoot days around the pool, and surface temperature matters. Travertine stays noticeably cooler underfoot than most other stones because of its natural porosity and light color options. Even on a 90-degree July afternoon in Huntington or Great Neck, travertine remains comfortable to walk on barefoot. Bluestone, particularly the darker blue-gray varieties, absorbs more heat and can become uncomfortably hot in direct sunlight. Lighter-colored bluestone (like lilac or green tones) handles heat somewhat better, but travertine still wins this category overall.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
- Travertine requires sealing every 1 to 2 years to protect against staining from pool chemicals, sunscreen, and food spills. Without sealing, its porous surface absorbs liquids and can discolor. The sealing process is straightforward but adds an ongoing maintenance cost.
- Bluestone is denser and less porous, so it does not require sealing as frequently. Many homeowners seal bluestone every 2 to 3 years, though some choose not to seal it at all. Bluestone can develop a natural patina over time that some homeowners love and others prefer to prevent with sealer.
- Both materials can develop algae or moss in shaded, damp areas, which is common on Long Island properties with mature trees. Regular cleaning with a gentle stone cleaner keeps both looking their best.
- Travertine is softer than bluestone and can chip or scratch more easily from dropped objects or heavy furniture. Bluestone is harder and more resistant to surface damage.
Durability in Long Island Weather
Long Island's freeze-thaw cycles are the real test for any pool deck material. Bluestone has a strong track record in our climate. It is dense, hard, and handles freezing temperatures well with minimal risk of cracking or spalling. Travertine is naturally frost-resistant, but lower-quality travertine can develop surface flaking after several winters. The key is selecting premium-grade travertine (typically French pattern or tumbled) that is rated for freeze-thaw conditions. We only install travertine products that are specifically tested and approved for use in climates like Long Island's.
Cost Comparison for Pool Patios
- Travertine pool patio: $30 to $55 per square foot installed, depending on the grade and pattern. French pattern layouts with tumbled edges are the most popular and fall in the mid-range of this spectrum.
- Bluestone pool patio: $35 to $65 per square foot installed. Full-color natural cleft bluestone is the most popular choice and tends to sit in the middle of this price range. Thermal-finished bluestone costs slightly more.
- Both materials are in the premium price category. For a typical 500-square-foot pool patio, expect to invest $15,000 to $27,500 for travertine or $17,500 to $32,500 for bluestone.
- Factor in ongoing maintenance costs as well. Travertine sealing every 1 to 2 years adds roughly $300 to $600 per application for a standard pool deck, while bluestone sealing every 2 to 3 years costs a similar amount per application.
Aesthetic Differences and Design Impact
Travertine delivers a warm, Mediterranean look with creamy tan, ivory, and gold tones. It pairs beautifully with tropical landscaping, light-colored homes, and resort-style pool designs. This look is increasingly popular in communities like Great Neck and Garden City where homeowners want their backyard to feel like a vacation. Bluestone brings a more classic Northeast aesthetic with its blue-gray tones and natural texture. It complements traditional Long Island architecture, colonial and cape-style homes, and natural landscaping. In towns like Northport and Huntington, bluestone pool patios blend seamlessly with the established character of the neighborhoods.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose travertine if you prioritize cool surface temperature, maximum slip resistance, and a warm Mediterranean aesthetic. Choose bluestone if you want lower maintenance, exceptional durability, and a classic Northeast stone look. Both will add lasting value to your Long Island home and create a beautiful pool environment for your family. At Brothers Paving & Masonry, we install both materials and can help you make the right decision during a free on-site consultation. Contact us to see samples at your home and discuss your pool patio project.