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Advice for porcelain vs. travertine and our budget?

16 years ago

We finally have scrapped the idea of hardwood (one of our dogs will occasionally have urine accident... rare, but it has happened) for the kitchen and are now trying to decide on porcelain or travertine. We have 240 sq.ft.

Last night husband bought home 2 samples of noche travertine. One from Lowes and one from Daltile ( Antayla Dark ). The Daltile was $10.35 and the Lowes was 1/2 as much....Daltile was visually prettier in color and didn't seemed to have as much fill, but I don't know if it looked twice as good for the price....)

I know prices have increased, and wonder if we might be able to find a porcelain that is under $5 that would look good as well as not be too trendy and hold it's value. I'm horrible at this.

Any recommendations for me? We will have white cabinets with Verde Butterfly granite tops. We live in the midwest.

Thanks.

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Comments (3)

bud_cline
16 years ago
I can make the decision for you pretty quick.

Is your substrate twice as strong as it needs to be for ceramic (porcelain) tile? That's what you need to be able to install travertine.

Does the porcelain have to be sealed twice before installation and again afterwards and again as needed over the years with a sealer that costs $108 per gallon?

Will porcelain scratch like travertine?

Will porcelain stain like travertine even after it has been sealed?

There! How's that?
buzzoo7
16 years ago
You can find some great looking porcelain tile that don't have all the problems or cost of travertine. But it is extremely doubtful that it will be from either of the sources that you have samples from so far. Try a wholesaler's showroom or a decent flooring or decorating store. The price for the porcelain tile will be slightly higher but still cheaper than the travertine and the selection and quality should be better.
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User
16 years ago
Urine will also etch travertine, and if it's not been properly maintained and isn't kept sealed, it will soak into it and you'll never get the stain or the smell out.

Porcelain tile with epoxy grout will never need any maintainance other than dust mopping or occasional damp mopping for spills. You won't even have to deal with ever sealing the grout.

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