Natural stone is a timeless choice for homeowners who want elegant flooring that lasts. This guide walks through the strengths and trade-offs of marble, granite and travertine so you can choose the stone that best fits your style, budget and daily needs. We’ll cover how each stone looks and performs, how they compare for durability and upkeep, the best places to use them, how to care for them, current design trends and the cost factors to consider.

Having a basic grasp of the technical and practical properties of natural stone helps you make confident choices about using it indoors.

Technical Aspects of Natural Stone Internal Flooring

This paper outlines the theoretical and technical considerations for using natural stone as an internal flooring material, drawing on recent British and European standards and relevant literature.

The use of natural stone for internal flooring, 2012

Key characteristics of marble, granite and travertine

Marble, granite and travertine each bring different looks and performance to a project. Knowing their core attributes—appearance, porosity, hardness and maintenance needs—will help you match the right stone to the right room.

How marble’s look and porosity influence where it’s used

Marble is prized for its refined appearance: distinctive veins and a polished surface give interiors a luxurious feel. That beauty comes with trade-offs—marble is softer and more porous than many stones, so it can scratch, stain or etch if exposed to acids and heavy wear. Because of this, marble is best suited to lower‑traffic and formal areas, and most owners choose to seal it to help protect the surface.

Why granite is a go-to for busy areas

Granite is one of the toughest natural stones, with a dense structure that resists scratching, chipping and heat. Its wide range of colours and patterns makes it versatile for both homes and commercial spaces. Granite’s porosity is generally low to moderate, so it still benefits from sealing but usually needs less frequent attention than marble—making it a sensible pick for kitchens, hallways and other high‑traffic zones.

Comparing marble, granite and travertine: durability, maintenance and cost

Choosing between these stones means weighing durability, upkeep and price. Each material offers clear advantages depending on how and where you plan to use it.

Which natural stone is most durable — and why?

Granite is typically the most durable option thanks to its dense, hard structure and resistance to wear. Marble delivers standout aesthetics but is softer and more prone to scratches, etching and stains, so it’s less suitable for heavy use. Travertine falls between the two in many respects: it’s durable but more porous and softer than granite, and it can chip or crack if not correctly installed or cared for. Knowing these differences helps you pick the stone best matched to your household’s demands.

Specialist studies also look at travertine’s behaviour under environmental stressors, such as salt crystallisation, to assess long‑term durability.

Travertine Durability: Salt Crystallization Tests

Tests measured strength and ultrasonic velocity after salt crystallisation cycles. Results include uniaxial compressive strength values for Denizli, Emirdağ and Kütahya travertine samples.

Characterization of travertine stones from Turkey and assessment of their durability to salt crystallization, MY Çeli̇k, 2021

Maintenance needs for each stone type

Keeping natural stone looking its best depends on the type of stone and how it’s used. Below are typical care routines to expect:

• Marble: Seal every 6–12 months and clean with pH‑neutral products to minimise etching and staining.
• Granite: Seal every 1–3 years, depending on wear and porosity; routine cleaning with mild soap and water is usually enough.
• Travertine: Seal every 1–2 years and avoid acidic cleaners; regular gentle cleaning will protect the surface.

Following the right maintenance schedule is the best way to preserve the appearance and lifespan of your floors.

Best applications for marble, granite and travertine

Each stone has places where it performs best—matching stone to room ensures you get both the look and the durability you want.

Ideal stones for kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor spaces

• Marble: Suits formal rooms such as dining and living areas where its elegance can shine; use with caution in kitchens and bathrooms because acidic spills and heavy wear can damage the surface.
• Granite: Excellent for kitchens and bathrooms thanks to its resistance to stains, heat and heavy footfall—commonly used for both countertops and floors.
• Travertine: A good option for patios and outdoor areas where its natural texture and slip resistance work well; regular sealing helps protect against moisture and staining.

How stone choice affects high-traffic and commercial areas

For busy homes and commercial spaces, granite is usually the best choice due to its durability and lower maintenance. Marble’s softer nature makes it less suitable for high‑traffic zones, while travertine can work in many commercial settings if it’s correctly specified, installed and maintained to handle heavier loads.

How to maintain and care for natural stone flooring

Good care preserves both the appearance and performance of natural stone. Below are straightforward practices for daily and periodic maintenance.

Step-by-step maintenance for marble, granite and travertine

• Regular cleaning: Sweep or vacuum to remove grit, then mop with a damp mop and a pH‑neutral cleaner.
• Sealing: Use a quality penetrating sealer to guard against stains and moisture—follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and re‑sealing intervals.
• Spot cleaning: Tackle spills straight away with a soft cloth—this is especially important for marble to prevent permanent marks.

How often to seal and clean each stone

• Marble: Seal every 6–12 months; clean weekly.
• Granite: Seal every 1–3 years; clean as needed.
• Travertine: Seal every 1–2 years; clean weekly.

Sticking to these routines will keep stone floors looking great and extend their usable life.

Trends and design ideas for natural stone flooring in 2026

Stone flooring continues to evolve. Current trends emphasise clean, connected spaces and sustainable sourcing without sacrificing texture or personality.

Large-format tiles and seamless indoor–outdoor designs

Large-format stone tiles are popular because they create a seamless flow between rooms and reduce grout lines, which can make spaces feel larger and simplify cleaning. Many homeowners now carry the same stone from interior rooms out to patios for a continuous indoor–outdoor look.

Sustainable and artistic stone options

Sustainability is gaining traction: look for responsibly sourced stone and recycled stone products. At the same time, bespoke finishes and patterned layouts let homeowners use stone as a design statement—mixing texture and tone to create floors with real personality.

How cost affects the choice between marble, granite and travertine

Budget considerations play a big role in choosing stone. Material, installation and ongoing maintenance all contribute to the total cost of ownership.

Detailed cost breakdown including installation and maintenance

This breakdown shows typical upfront and ongoing costs for each stone type so you can plan your budget with confidence.

Impact on property value and long-term investment

Natural stone floors are widely seen as a premium feature and can boost property appeal—granite in particular is often viewed as a durable, high‑value choice. When installed and maintained properly, stone floors are a long‑term investment that can reduce the need for replacement and enhance resale value.