How Much Does a Travertine Countertop Cost?

Average Costs of a Travertine Countertop

Travertine Countertop Prices

Travertine countertops cost $270 to $5,000. The typical homeowner will spend around $1,500 to $4,000, though that's largely dictated by the type of travertine used for the countertop, the project difficulty, and the kitchen or bathroom size. Most professionals offer a free consultation where they'll look at your space and discuss preferred travertine styles.

Materials and labor evenly split the costs. However, certain types of travertine tiles are much easier to install than travertine slabs, making for reduced labor costs and offering the option for a DIY build. All told, travertine countertops are relatively budget-friendly when compared to different countertop materials.

Travertine Countertop Installation Costs

Local countertop installation specialists charge around $35 to $45 per hour, and the number of hours needed is completely dependent on the size and job complexity. An average-size travertine countertop of 30 square feet requires around 10 hours of work, so expect to pay a laborer $350 to $450 to complete the job.

Your contractor might need extra supplies for this type of installation, such as grout and sealants, which total about $100 to $200. Additionally, some jobs require wall excavation. The cost to remove a wall before adding in travertine countertops is $300 to $1,000.

Removing countertops costs $50 to $300, depending on the size, material, and location. Countertop specialists remove the top and properly dispose of it before proceeding with the new installation. Pros may charge extra for small tiles or tight spaces, so you’ll likely pay the same removal fee for a kitchen or bathroom countertop, despite the latter being smaller in size.

Travertine Countertop Costs by Type

Contrary to popular belief, travertine is neither a type of marble nor is it artificially manufactured. Travertine is a naturally occurring limestone that’s been prized for its aesthetic diversity since Roman times. When you build a travertine countertop, you generally choose from one of two types.

Tiles

Travertine tiles are the cheaper option, with materials costing $5 to $25 per square foot. An average kitchen countertop of 30 square feet costs $150 to $750 for the tiles.

They're lighter and easier to install than slabs, with a reduced labor cost to match. Travertine tiles are available in different designs and colors, but choices are relatively limited compared to slabs. Additionally, tiles feature a grout line that attracts bacteria and dust.

Slabs

Travertine slabs are more expensive than tiles, with materials costing $25 to $50 per square foot, with higher costs reserved for rare and specialized designs and colors.

Travertine slabs are much larger than tiles, with fewer gaps and a clean, elegant look. Slabs are heavy and time-consuming to install, which factors in when setting aside a budget for labor. There are many designs available to suit nearly any aesthetic, and the increased durability of travertine slabs makes them a perfect choice for modern kitchens.

Travertine Countertop Costs by Size

You’ll pay for materials by the square footage and laborers by the hour. In other words, the larger the countertop, the higher the cost. Bathroom countertops are slightly cheaper than kitchen countertops, as the average bathroom countertop is around 10 square feet, whereas an average kitchen countertop is 30 square feet. However, working in the cramped quarters of a bathroom raises the labor cost.

Travertine Countertop Installation Cost Factors

Many factors impact the overall cost of these jobs, as travertine stones come in various sizes and types, as do kitchens and bathrooms.

Project Complexity

In addition to countertop size, the complexity of a project impacts its overall cost. If you have a uniquely shaped kitchen, for instance, you'll need specialized cutouts and, as such, more laborers. In rare cases, smaller kitchens or even bathrooms require wall excavation to ensure proper installation.

Home Delivery

Stones are heavy and difficult to ship. You’ll pay $50 to $150 for home delivery, which is something to think about when budgeting out a DIY project. A qualified contractor will likely have a travertine source on speed dial, so they’ll wrap up the material delivery fee into your overall price estimate.

Installation Materials and Sealing

Sealant and installation materials add up to $100 to $200 per job, plus any necessary labor. Refinishing a countertop ranges from $100 to $1,200, so it's a good idea to get your travertine slabs or tiles sealed by a professional. Travertine slabs and some tiles need sealing after being placed. After all, travertine is porous, so a thorough sealant ensures a lengthy and uninterrupted lifespan.

Costs to Install Travertine Tiles Yourself

You can install travertine tiles yourself and save money on labor. Travertine tiles cost $5 to $25 per square foot. An average kitchen countertop of 30 square feet costs $150 to $750 for the tiles. Also, set aside $50 to $100 for grout, sealant, and related installation materials.

DIY vs. Hiring a Travertine Countertop Installation Pro

Travertine tiles are fairly simple to install, so long as you have some contracting experience. This saves you on labor to the tune of $350 to $450.

However, the same is not true for travertine slabs. They're notoriously difficult to install, thanks to their large size and cumbersome form. You must seal travertine slabs and some tiles correctly with all the holes filled, or you'll experience a drastically reduced lifespan. Hire a countertop professional to do the job right and help increase your new countertop's lifespan.

FAQs

Should I buy counter materials before hiring a pro?

It's tempting to purchase your materials before consulting a contractor, but there are some risks in doing so. Your pro may know a more reputable supplier, for instance, and will tell you if the material impacts the job's complexity. Additionally, some travertine may need special post-treatment, such as finishing and sealing.

Should I replace my cabinets and countertops at the same time?

Kitchen remodeling costs $26,000 on average, including all countertops, cabinets, flooring, and appliances. If you want to get a head start on this process, doing the cabinets simultaneously as the countertops is a wise investment, particularly if the room's last major upgrade was more than 10 or 15 years ago. Doing both at once will save some money on labor, thanks to the consolidation.

What are the differences between marble and travertine?

Marble is more durable and long-lasting than travertine, as the latter is much softer. Marble forms from metamorphosis and recrystallization, whereas travertine forms and compresses naturally over time. Marble countertops are also more expensive than travertine ones, at around $40 to $100 per square foot.

Does installing a travertine countertop impact a home’s resale value?

Now, here's some good news. Real estate experts say that countertop upgrades increase the resale value by about 25% over what you paid for the installation. Of course, this depends on the type and design of the countertop, though travertine is sought-after for its refined aesthetics and decent durability.

What's the difference between granite and travertine?

Travertine and granite are both natural stones, but granite is more durable and heat-resistant than travertine, which is more porous. Granite countertops last a long time—a human lifetime in some instances—though granite is much more expensive than travertine.