Using Travertine for Pool Coping and Deck

Hello Maurizio, We are in the process of remodeling our backyard and pool, and are considering using unhoned Durango Travertine in the Versaille pattern for the deck as well as travertine slabs for the pool coping. We like the fact that travertine will stay cool and not burn ones feet while walking around barefooted. There are a few unanswered questions we have and would like your help. Our questions are: 1) Do we have to worry about the chlorine from the pool impacting the coping or deck with stains or deterioration? 2) Do we have to be concerned with the material being too porous and absorbing stains while entertaining or BBQ-ing? 3) Will this material fracture, chip or flake like slate or is it a better choice for durability? As you can imagine, this is an expensive undertaking and we want to make the best choice for many years of enjoyment. Any help in answering my questions is appreciated.

 

Dear Gary:

 

“ are considering using unhoned Durango Travertine ”

 

Meaning…? Are you perhaps trying to say saw-cut (the rough surface produced be the saw with clear circular patterns) and unfilled (with the natural holes still open)? If that's the case, it's green light big time.

 

“ 1) Do we have to worry about the chlorine from the pool impacting the coping or deck with stains or deterioration? ”

 

I would not lose a second sleep over it.

 

“ 2) Do we have to be concerned with the material being too porous and absorbing stains while entertaining or BBQ-ing? ”

 

It depends on how impatient and particular you are (translation: how slave you are of your stone!... LOL).

 

Will it stain?

 

Of course it will! But that would happen even if you apply a good quality impregnator like MB-4 that's an excellent oil-repellant around the BBQ, unless you blot the greasy stuff that hits the floor within a few minutes.

However, if you don't care much, if the stone is not sealed, a couple of hard rains and the bleaching action of good old sun will take care of those stains.

 

As an alternative, if you invite me over every time you BBQ, I promise that I will take care of them stains personally as they occur!! J

 

“ 3) Will this material fracture, chip or flake like slate or is it a better choice for durability? ”

 

No. Travertine in general is one of the best stones that money can buy for outdoors.

Clean it once a year or so (at the beginning of the season) with a good quality alkaline cleaner rated “for natural stone” like MB-9 (it will take care of any mildew and mold staining that may appear) and just enjoy!

 

May I ask you now to please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm?

Ciao and good luck,

Mauri zio Bertoli

 

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