Hardwood Pros

• Good hardwood flooring can be very durable and easy to clean and polish. LuxuryHousingTrends.com states that hardwood flooring typically raises the value of a home as well.
  
  

Hardwood Cons

• Hardwood flooring is fairly easy to scuff and scratch so it will need to be maintained and refinished semi-regularly. Hardwood flooring can also be quite costly. Without good sound insulation, the floor will be loud and with time it may begin to creak.
  
  

Travertine Pros

• Travertine is a type of stone that has natural veins that lead to a one-of-a-kind look considered beautiful to many. Travertine is easier to cut, shape and install than many other stones used for tiling.
  
  

Travertine Cons

• Travertine is a very porous stone, which could lead to staining or other problems if liquid--even water--is spilled on it. Natural travertine also has many holes, which are filled and smoothed in the factory but may come back with time and foot traffic.
  
  

Variety

• Both hardwood flooring and travertine tile offer a depth of variety. With wood, there are different types and finishes available that lead to a large selection of shades and colors. Similarly, travertine tile comes in many different colors with an array of finishing methods producing different looks.