Slate tile flooring provides a sophistication that sets it apart from man-made competitors. Made of quartz, chlorite, mica & calcite, slate is one of the most durable and hard wearing product on the market today which is why slate tile is so popular. Though it demands a bit more maintenance than other typical flooring like porcelain or ceramic tiles, many still opt to use slate tiles because of their uniqueness and aesthetic appeal. What’s more, it is extremely resistant to damage both indoor and outdoor elements as long as it is applied to a solid substrate foundation.
This is an important note and one to remember during installation. Whether you decide to hire someone or install the slate flooring yourself, you must be sure the foundation you are applying the tiles on is made of solid substrate. Slate flooring can be installed on exterior grade plywood but the preference to ward off future complications is to create a solid substrate foundation.
Types of Slate Flooring
There are two main types of slate which are Indian slate and Chinese slate. Because it is not a man-made product each product does have slight variations in depth, width, and height. There can be up to a 1/4 inch variation in height and there is only a few millimeter differences between width and depth of each tile. Slate tiles are typically installed using wide grout joints. It is not recommended to use tile spacers because of the slight variation in each tile. Using a sanded or Saltillo grout is best depending on the dimensions for your tiles.
Preparing the Floor for Installation
Prior to installation, it is important to think about what surface would best fit in the designated area. For example, some slate floor tiles come with a natural cleft surface which is great a great way to prevent slipping, while others can be more smooth. These tiles can be sanded and honed to create a more resistant surface.
It is best to sketch a floor plan to determine how many tiles will be needed to cover the entire surface. It is important to keep in mind the thickness of grout you plan on using so that you incorporate that space as well. Based on your floor plan order the specified amounts of tiles including a bit more as a buffer should you need additional tiles.
Before diving into the installation process, look over each tile and separate according to thickness and then color. Because these tiles are natural they tend to vary slightly in color; this will allow you to create the design and color scheme you want. It is best to begin with the thick tiles and then thinner tiles but before laying any tiles down inspect each one for nicks or broken edges. To ensure accuracy, lay them out as you would want them without the grout. It is best to create sections by drawing a large X making sure the cross section is in the middle of the floor plan. The dry run will most likely show that the edge tiles do not fit properly, so adjust the tiles in the middle to create an even side on each edge and cut those tiles accordingly.
Steps For Installing Slate Tile Flooring
Now you are ready to install your slate tile flooring! A common practice is to first put a thin layer of mortar maxed with acrylic before laying down the slate adhesive. Lift a section of the tiles at a time and use a towel to apply the mortar and acrylic solution followed by the slate adhesive. Firmly press down on each tile to make sure the tile is secure. For thin tiles apply a thicker layer of mortar to lift the tiles to meet the thicker ones for a level floor. As you continue this process be sure to place tiles spacers which will ultimately be replaced with the grout.
Once the entire surface is done allow them to set for at least 24 hours before putting the sand grout in place of the tile spacers. To begin the grouting process apply roughly one pint of grout onto the tile using a float sponge to move the grout into the spaces. Make sure the entire space is evenly filled and then clear off any excess grout with a damp sponge, repeating this with every tile. At the end of the grouting process use a dowel to manually move the grout into place in each space.
Many people like to add a final sealant to the floor to prevent the tiles from getting stained. While this is a great way to protect the slate tiles, make sure to wait at least 30 days before putting any sealant on so that the tiles have a chance to set in place. The sealant is best used on the grout to prevent discoloration.
Re-tiling a floor can seem daunting but with patience and utilizing the correct tools you can easily install your own slate tile flooring. Slate tile offers a natural decor to any room and is a wise investment for any household or room.
{ 0 comments }