Hardscape — Practical Applications
Form + Function = Elegance by Nina A. Koziol
The demand for natural stone for
projects like patios, paths and walls continues to grow. While there are many types of stone, travertine has become incredibly popular. This natural and extremely durable stone can be precision-cut into dimensional pavers that can be used in many applications. Highly desirable for pool decks, it has a honed finish and is slip-resistant. And, unlike concrete and concrete brick pavers, it remains cool underfoot and has an exquisite look. Travertine can be used for small or large patios, outdoor kitchens, courtyards and walkways, step treads, seat walls and pool copings. Pat Buescher, owner of Premium Travertine in Chebanse Illinois, first saw travertine in 2011 at a trade show. “The materials were durable since they were of premium quality,” Buescher said. “Once I started working with it, I loved it immediately.” Since then, his insistence on acquiring only the highest quality materials and building long-lasting relationships with suppliers have been the key to great results. “The consistency in purchasing travertine derived of very hard dense blocks from specific mines and only reliable factories in Turkey has resulted in materials that have proven themselves many times over in the past 15 years. We believe our materials, selected also for beauty and color, are unmatched in the marketplace— truly the elite of travertine sources.”
“I really love it and I wish people could see the beauty of it,” says Jose Marungo, owner of Brick Magic Paving in Aurora. “The pricing is not that much more than mid-range pavers. The one I get from Pat is a premium travertine and good quality.” One of his challenges is introducing clients to the product. “When I go to visit for an estimate most of the time the homeowners already know what they want.” That is changing as more consumers become familiar with projects they see online. Jeff Werner, of Werner Hardscape & Excavating in Osgood, Indiana, has used travertine for 13 years. “It is mined just like marble and granite and there are different grades of blocks. The key is you have to be careful where you buy it and get the grade suitable for the Midwest.” High quality travertine is used as far north as Canada and into Colorado where multiple freeze-thaw cycles occur throughout the winter. “I came in contact with travertine two years ago when a contractor introduced me to Pat and I’ve been using it ever since,” said Luke Cipich of Green Ribbon Pools in Hobart, Indiana. “I don’t use anything else around my pools. Before, we used concrete pavers, but once I found travertine, that’s all I use. The look is just so elegant it brings a whole new level of luxury to our pool projects. The glimmer it has when wet or the smoothness when it’s dry—the different colors all work together. There’s no other concrete paver or stone that (continued on page 32)
A grand travertine project by Jeff Werner, Werner Hardscape & Excavating. 30
The Landscape Contractor February 2022
