Universal Hardscapes
Does Travertine Get Hot? How Pool Deck Materials Compare in the Florida Sun
Yes, travertine does warm up in direct Florida sun. No stone stays cool in full sun. But light-colored, tumbled travertine generally feels more comfortable underfoot than poured concrete or dark pavers, because it’s porous and reflects more light. Color and finish matter most: pale tones such as Ivory tend to be the most comfortable, while dark blends tend to hold more heat.
Material selection · Universal Hardscapes
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The best way to know for sure is to feel it yourself. Request a sample, or stop by one of our showrooms. Our showroom locations page shows which one is closest. Questions? Call (813) 884-0010.
Why travertine feels cooler than concrete
Is travertine actually noticeably cooler than concrete in real use?
Many Florida homeowners and installers say it is, and there are a few reasons why:
- It’s porous. Travertine has tiny natural holes and channels, which tends to help it let go of heat instead of holding it.
- It usually comes in light colors. Lighter surfaces reflect more sunlight than dark ones.
- It has texture. Tumbled travertine has a softer, matte surface, while smooth, dark surfaces tend to feel hotter.
That said, “cooler” doesn’t mean cool. On a July afternoon, any deck in full sun will be warm. Travertine just tends to stay more comfortable than many alternatives.
What makes any deck hotter or cooler
Does travertine color affect how hot it gets?
Yes, and color is the biggest factor for any material. Lighter colors reflect more sun and generally feel more comfortable. Darker colors absorb more and tend to get hotter. That’s true for travertine, marble, shellstone, and concrete pavers alike.
Finish: tumbled or matte vs polished
Tumbled and matte finishes are the usual pick around pools, both for texture underfoot and for comfort. Polished surfaces are smoother and are generally not recommended for wet pool decks. Universal’s travertine and Shell Stone come in a tumbled finish, and our marble comes in a leathered finish.
Does sealing travertine affect how cool it stays?
Sealer choice affects look and feel. A wet-look sealer deepens color and adds sheen, while a natural or matte finish keeps the surface closer to bare stone. Ask us which sealer fits your deck. Universal’s Ultra Wet Look can be used on suitable travertine; confirm compatibility with your exact material, test an inconspicuous area, and apply thin, even coats to prevent pooling. For more on sealers, read How Often Should You Seal Pavers in Florida?.
Sun exposure, shade, and screen enclosures
Where your deck sits matters as much as what it’s made of. A deck that gets full afternoon sun will run warmer than one with shade from trees, a pergola, or a covered lanai. Screen enclosures can cut down some direct sun too.
Comparing Universal’s deck materials
Which pool deck materials stay cool in Florida?
None stays truly cool in full sun, but some stay more comfortable than others. Here’s how Universal Hardscapes’ pool deck materials compare in general terms:
| Material | Colors Universal carries | General comfort in sun |
|---|---|---|
| Travertine | Ivory, Leonardo, Roman Blend, Country Classic, Silver | Generally among the more comfortable choices; paler colors such as Ivory tend to feel best |
| Marble | Diana Royal, Akoya, Talya Gray | Leathered finish; lighter colors tend to feel more comfortable |
| Shellstone | White blend with shell | Florida pool builders describe it as comfortable underfoot in light tones |
| Concrete pavers | 11 colors, from Ice Gray (white and pewter) to Charcoal | Lighter blends such as Ice Gray and Sand Stone (white and tan) tend to feel more comfortable than darker ones such as Charcoal or Smoke (gray and charcoal) |
Travertine comes in a French Pattern and in 6 × 12, 16 × 16, 16 × 24, and 24 × 24 inch formats (Leonardo: French Pattern, 6 × 12, and 16 × 24), with additional sizes by special order. Ivory is an ivory blend of bone, khaki, and cream tones, and Akoya marble is a cool white with silvery gray veining. Both are among our lighter natural stones. All five travertines are pool deck options.
Do concrete pavers get hot? Which colors are cooler?
Concrete pavers do get hot in direct sun, and darker colors tend to get hotter. If you love the look of concrete pavers around your pool, a lighter blend such as Ice Gray (white and pewter) or Sand Stone (white and tan) is generally more comfortable than a dark color like Charcoal.
Is shellstone cooler than travertine?
Florida installers generally say both tend to feel relatively comfortable in light colors, and neither stays cool in full sun. The bigger difference is look and care. Shellstone has a coastal, shell-and-fossil look but is a softer stone. Read our shellstone pool deck guide for the full comparison.
Other ways to keep a pool deck comfortable
- Pick a lighter color, or use a lighter border or coping around the pool edge where bare feet go most. Matching travertine coping comes in Ivory, Silver, Roman Blend, and Country Classic. See your options in our pool coping guide or on our coping page.
- Add shade with trees, umbrellas, a pergola, or a covered lanai.
- Rinse the deck with water on hot days. It helps for a little while.
- Keep shoes or slides handy for the hottest part of the day.
Best choices by priority
For the most comfortable feel: light-colored, tumbled travertine such as Ivory, or light shellstone. Compare both in Travertine vs Concrete Pavers for Tampa Bay Pool Decks and our shellstone guide.
For budget: concrete pavers in a lighter color typically cost less than natural stone. Learn what drives the price in How Much Do Pavers Cost in Tampa Bay?, then call for a quote.
For a luxury look: marble in a lighter color, such as the options in our marble collection. Read Choosing Marble Pavers for Outdoor Spaces.
For low maintenance: concrete pavers are manufactured for consistency. Read Concrete Pavers vs. Natural Stone: Durability and Care.
Want inspiration first? Browse finished pool decks on our inspiration page.
Frequently asked questions
Does travertine get hot in the sun?
Yes, travertine warms up in direct Florida sun, and no stone stays cool in full sun. Light-colored, tumbled travertine generally feels more comfortable underfoot than poured concrete or dark pavers.
Is travertine actually noticeably cooler than concrete?
Many Florida homeowners and installers say light travertine feels more comfortable than poured concrete, thanks to its porous surface and light color. It still gets warm.
Does sealing travertine affect how cool it stays?
Sealer choice affects look and feel. A wet-look sealer deepens color and adds sheen, while a natural or matte finish keeps the surface closer to bare stone. Ask us which sealer fits your deck.
Does travertine color affect how hot it gets?
Yes. Lighter colors such as Ivory reflect more sun and tend to feel more comfortable. Darker blends tend to hold more heat.
Which pool deck materials stay cool in Florida?
No material stays truly cool in full Florida sun. Light-colored travertine and shellstone are generally among the more comfortable choices, and lighter colors help with any material.
Do concrete pavers get hot? Which colors are cooler?
Yes, concrete pavers get hot in direct sun. Lighter colors tend to feel more comfortable than darker ones. Compare colors at a showroom.
Is shellstone cooler than travertine?
Installers generally say both feel relatively comfortable in light colors, and neither stays cool in full sun. The bigger differences are look, hardness, and care.
Do you install pool decks?
No. Universal Hardscapes supplies pavers and stone. Find an independent installer on our Find a Contractor page. See our Warranty Terms & Conditions for coverage, conditions and claim instructions.
Feel the difference in person
- Compare travertine, marble, shellstone, and paver colors at one of our showrooms. See our showroom locations to find the one nearest you.
- Call (813) 884-0010 for pricing. Contact our team to confirm delivery availability and scheduling.
- Request samples or a quote. Contact our team to confirm sample options for your product.
Have another question? Check our FAQ page.
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