You may have heard of travertine tile before, but how much do you know about travertine pavers? These natural stone pavers are made of the same material as the tiles, but they’re thicker and meant specifically for outdoor use in patios, backyards and driveways.

With that being said, here are five more things you might not know about travertine pavers that could influence your choice of patio or backyard pavers.

1. They’re super versatile

Travertine pavers come in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you can tailor your pavers to complement your home’s exterior. For example, you can choose from shades like ivory, gold and walnut to find a color that matches the rest of your outdoor decor perfectly.

After you’ve chosen a color, you’ll also be able to put together a dynamic pattern or design based on the pavers you get. Each stone is unlike the last, meaning there are endless ways to put them together to create an attractive finished product.

As far as finishes, the one you choose depends on where you’re going to use the pavers. Patio pavers have tumbled, porous surfaces that make them good for pool areas, while driveway pavers have chiseled edges and honed surfaces for tire traction.

2. They’re easy to maintain

It’s no fun choosing a paver that’ll just create more work in your yard, but with travertine pavers, you don’t have to worry about that. These pavers are strong, durable and resistant to discoloration and debris collection, so all you have to do is give your driveway or patio a good wash with the hose every now and then.

Plus, travertine is freeze and thaw resistant, so if you live in an area where the weather changes quite frequently, you won’t have to worry about the temperatures damaging the stone.

Finally, if a paver ever does get damaged because of an accident, it’s easy to replace the paver in question without having to upset the surrounding stones, making it a simple DIY project.

3. They improve pool area safety

If you’ve been looking for ways to make your pool safer for your family and friends, look no further! Travertine pool pavers increase the safety of your pool area by providing a stable, slip-resistant surface. The stones are naturally rough because they’re so porous, and they get more so when they’re wet, which is a bonus for little feet especially.

4. They’ll keep you cool

If you’ve ever had a patio or walkway made with other types of stone – like brick – you know how hot they can get in the sun, which can make walking on them uncomfortable, especially if you have bare feet in a pool area.

But travertine pavers absorb the coolness of the earth beneath them, not the hot sun overhead, so they’ll stay cool and comfortable even on the hottest days.

5. They’re more affordable than you think

If you’ve been hesitant to buy travertine because you think it’ll cost you an arm and a leg, think again. Natural stone pavers are affordable and make a great investment in the long run, since they’ll maintain their beauty for years to come, even if you end up selling your home.