Installing a pool, patio or other outdoor feature is a great way to increase the value of your home and make your outside living space more useful. If you're thinking about making a few renovations on your property, there are a number of options available. Travertine tiles and pavers come in endless color and pattern combinations, each featuring the finished stone in all it's natural beauty.

Travertine pool coping is also an option to consider when embarking on a DIY travertine installation. Pool coping can be used to create a border for pools, but it can also be used to add definition to other outdoor features such as patios and flower beds. Before you can incorporate pool coping, however, you'll need to decide between tiles and pavers.

Should I use tiles or pavers for my home improvement project?
In most cases, outdoor home improvement projects will call for travertine pavers. Travertine pavers are thick, durable, porous, and designed to be used outdoors – making them a good choice for poolside patios, walkways and other outdoor spaces.

In some cases, a homeowner may prefer to use travertine tiles – for example, if they prefer the coloring, patterns or surface options. Travertine tiles may be used outdoors, however there are several things to consider before determining whether tiles are ideal for your space. First, travertine tiles have a smoother, less porous finish that may be more slippery than porous travertine pavers. In some instances, tiles with chiseled or grooved edges can help to abate this by providing better traction. Travertine tiles are also much thinner than travertine pavers, making them less ideally equipped to stand cold weather. For those who live in a region that sees cold winter temperatures, travertine pavers are a much better option as they can withstand the annual freeze-and-thaw cycle without fracturing or erosion.

Can I use pool coping with travertine pavers?
Travertine pool coping is an attractive way to create a border around your pool or patio space, and is often used in combination with travertine pavers. Travertine pool coping and travertine pavers are both 1.25 inches thick, making them complementary building materials. Travertine pavers and pool coping also share the same lightly tumbled finish, which ensures they'll blend well in any project where they're used together.

Can I use pool coping with travertine tiles?
Travertine tiles are .5 inches thick, making them much thinner than pool coping. If you're committed to using travertine tile, it is possible to determine the difference in thickness and lay a concrete foundation .75 inches thick, thus ensuring the tile lies flush with the pool coping. A bigger issue, however, may be the different types of finish featured by each building materials. Travertine pool coping has a lightly tumbled finish, allowing it to remain porous and better able to absorb water. This helps create a no-slip surface. Travertine tile, on the other hand, has a brushed and chiseled finish. When used together, the two types of stone won't appear to match. In most cases, homeowners elect to use travertine tiles without a border of pool coping. This creates an attractive patio space using just one medium.

Looking for more advice regarding your DIY travertine installation? Call the representatives at Travertine Mart or visit their website. These professionals can help you find the right materials for your home improvement project.