Travertine Filler
Which Type Should You Use?
Many people wonder what is the best travertine filler for the joints in travertine pavers. The main options are sand or polymeric sand. I do not recommend concrete.
Sand as a Travertine FillerThis is the most common paving joint filler for paving materials that are dry laid, such as travertine pavers, concrete pavers, bluestone, etc. Travertine pavers are laid on a layer of sand. After the pavers are laid on top of the sand, more sand is swept into the joints. Most pavers have narrow joints, although tumbled travertine pavers have wavier edges. Therefore, the joints will be wider in areas and more obvious. Can weeds be a problem? Occasionally, but typically this is not a big issue and I would not worry about it.
Polymeric Sand Polymeric sand is a type of sand that can be used also. As with the sand above, it should be swept into the joints as the travertine filler.  The difference with this material is that you must then wet it down with a hose which causes it to harden.
The advantage of this method is that any weed problem is pretty much eliminated. It is also a solid joint material. The disadvantage is that if it is not done properly or installed in bad weather, slight cracks can appear in the joints.
I do not like polymeric sand, due to an experience I had. I have a brick patio laid in sand. Last winter there were repeated freeze/thaw conditions. The ground would freeze and then thaw out as the weather warmed. My patio heaved over the winter. Came the spring, it settled back down and all was ok. I can just imagine what would have happened to the joints if they were polymeric sand! Therefore, I prefer sand in most installations.
If you are wondering about the correct method to install travetine pavers, see this page. Paver Installation
This is good for a you to know whether you are doing the installation yourself or hiring a landscaping company. The more knowledge is better!
Concrete JointsThere is no advantage for using concrete in the joints. To use this material the pavers must be set in concrete to begin with. One of the great things about travertine pavers is that they can be dry laid and thus easily removed if need be and replaced. Concrete joints can crack, which is a big problem. Removals are difficult and repairs are usually easily detected. Please also visit the following pages:
Travertine Paving Pictures - here are some travertine paving photos
Travertine Pavers - all about this material including photos
Travertine Sealer - Different types of sealers explained
Travertine Stone - Differences between travertine pavers and travertine tile
If you are using travertine tile, this material would be set in concrete and the joints would be the same...concrete.
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