Slate tile can be a great way to spice up the décor of your remodeling or upgrade project. With the vast competitive nature of business these days, the consumer benefits from and should take advantage of the price reduction and sales available. By checking online suppliers and your local home improvement stores, you can find a wide range of colors, styles, and varying price ranges to fit almost any type of budget.

The benefit of choosing slate is its natural stone appearance, and varying color patterns that occur naturally in the stone itself before harvesting. This lends a rustic appeal to any slate tile floor. Even though colors can vary significantly, suppliers do try very hard to ship orders in batches that match as close as possible the color pattern that you chose.

Slate tile prices can range from as little as $.67 a square foot up to $5.00 or more per square foot. The best way to ensure you get a quality product at an affordable price is to comparison shop, visiting flooring suppliers and home centers in your area and backing that up with information and prices found online. You should be able to find the right product to fit your project and budget with relative ease.

The variety of colors that naturally occur in slate is a rich blend of blues, reds, blacks, grays, and coppers, lending an extremely unique and warm feel to your new floor, making it a great option for use throughout your home indoors and out as flooring, wall tile, back splashes, and looks great when laid next to hardwood flooring.

When installing slate tiling for projects in high moisture areas, such as bathrooms, check which types and manufacturers are best. Many slate tiles are extremely impervious to sealers making them susceptible to high moisture quantities, however that natural impervious behavior will generally resist a fair amount of moisture as well. Consult a knowledgeable sales person to find the correct tile for your intended uses.

One important factor when planning your slate tile installation is to minimize the available deflection of your new tile. This is done by checking the joist spacing in your home and selecting an underlayment of the proper thickness. If your joist spacing is unknown, then go with a ½” cement type backer board to guarantee you maintain the proper rigidity to support your tile. Be sure to consult installation guides and manufacturers suggestions before installing any products. Adhering to these suggestions can reduce the risks for failure or unwanted results significantly.

The kitchen has become the central part of a home and it is not just about food anymore! Of course many homes revolve around feeding the family but most kitchens today are about so much more that function. Today’s homes demand fashion and style and the kitchen is front and center in getting the attention. A nice kitchen can make or break a home sale.

Less formal living has made the kitchen an acceptable room to gather and entertain in. The kitchen has often been described as the heart of the home and is now the fashion plate of the home. When people are together you can bet the eyes are roaming and the rankings are taking place. The savvy homeowner knows this and is taking the steps necessary to be noticed and respected. The details of the kitchen are being checked out and noted for future use and comparison. The details of the kitchen make it all come together for fashion and style.

When the kitchen is being planned most of us have learned to give proper attention to a nice floor, appropriate cabinets, and exquisite counter tops. We know to match our colors and make certain the light fixtures provide us with appropriate lighting for function and perhaps even a little mood lighting. Sinks, faucets and cabinet knobs are studied to make certain no detail is overlooked. Now, at long last we have come full circle and are aware that the backsplash is a finish detail that cannot be overlooked. It is a good idea when planning a kitchen to give adequate consideration to the backsplash. It is a detail that truly enhances the rest of the kitchen.

A very dramatic backsplash to consider for a wonderful look in the kitchen is slate. The natural beauty is extremely easy to blend with all styles. For example, when creating a sleek contemporary look in a kitchen slate can add the emphasis to the backsplash. It works nicely with both warm and cool color themes and blends nicely with most counter top selections. If the look of a kitchen is more intricate and detailed slate tile can work to calm the look down a bit. For example, when the cabinets are very dressy or ornate and the counter top is busy the slate tile backsplash acts as a nice neutral zone to put between the two. The beauty of slate is simple and elegant at the same time.

Slate is not only beautiful but extremely practical. It is easy to clean, withstands heat and will always be in style. The natural beauty varies in detail and intensity and brings a sense of style to a kitchen. It is also a detail a roving eye will pick up, notice and recognize as well done style.

So, you chose slate tile for your choice of either kitchen or bathroom floor covering. This was a great choice because of the durability of the material. Plus throw in the various forms of beautiful color choices and you have a floor tempered to stand the test of time. As with most flooring there comes the daunting task of properly cleaning and protecting your floor coverings. With the few simple and inexpensive tips you can keep your slate tile floors looking like new for years and years to come.

Maintenance

Slate floor tiles are composed of a silt and clay particles that are put under extremely high amounts of pressure to become formed, and are made to be very durable. Yet at the same time they are not indestructible and need to be checked every so often. Simply examine the tiles surface for cracks and the corners of tiles for nicks and breaks. Replace the tile as soon as possible because those cracks can spread to other tiles. Next thing to remember is that these tiles are almost impenetrable to water so cleaning up spills quickly can avoid a nasty slip or fall. Another thing to keep your floors maintained is to wear socks or some kind of foot wear because the oil from your feet can mar the surface of the tiles and attract dirt. This can and with time will stain the surface of the tile. Last but not least, get on a regular six month to one year schedule of applying a sealant to the floor which will help the floor stay shiny and brilliant for years to come.

Cleaning

Cleaning slate tiles doesn’t have to be a difficult or time consuming job if you follow just a couple simple tips. First, thoroughly sweep and clean the tiles before ever applying water to the floor, or putting a mop down. When you do mop the floor just use clean warm water, soaps and chemicals are not necessary for cleaning the floor. If any of the tiles do develop a stain you can use a simple mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and water to remove the stain. Just let the mixture sit on the tile for a short twenty minute period of time and then clean it up. And last but not least, to keep the grout looking nice and bright simply use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water on the dingy spots, letting it soak, and then cleaning it up again.

When selecting slate tile as the material of choice for one of the rooms in your home, you must decide which room that will be. The properties of slate will help you determine which is the best room for this beautiful material. Since you have done some research on your own, and know, that it is a very durable and decorative material uniquely suited to home decor, its placement carefully evaluated. By that we mean, it must be placed thoughtfully for maximum performance in strength and beauty, while also ensuring that it will be functional, too. Due to its waterproofing ability, slate is a wise decision for the kitchen and bathroom. It is also a wise choice for the foyer of the home and the exits to the pool area or back yard. It is generally not suitable for the bedrooms or play areas, as it can retain cold and may cause injury should kids or someone slip and fall. It this is not a concern, then slate is a viable consideration for any room and the sky is the limit on decorating ideas.

Installation of tile must be of prime consideration, since you will hear sound when it is walked upon and, would like to avoid a hollow sound. It must have firm and tight floorboards, a flat and solid sub-floor as the base and this will eliminate any void spots beneath which avoids cracking when pressure is applied. These considerations make it an optimum choice for coordinating the garage with the kitchen.

One important, and often overlooked aspect of laying slate is that, it must be laid from the center and not installed from the wall. This method is helpful for planning out your pattern. Slate has beautiful colors and grains which, you will want to carefully consider in the placement design of your floor. This property of slate encourages the decision maker to carefully decide which room is most suitable. A bedroom, or the dining/living room area might be covered if there is a design. However, your kitchen will bring out the best view of the tile and its decorative layout to its best advantage, simply because kitchens generally have the center free for traffic.

Also, the pattern of the kitchen tiles can be coordinated to blend and complement your entrances and exits to the rest of the home. They can be used to match the sink backsplash and the stove area. Just an idea you might want to consider. One economical point to keep in mind is that this can be a do-it-yourself project for those who are skilled in this type of work, or you may prefer to work closely with the professional of your choice.

So, what’s the best room for slate tile flooring? Well, that is for you to decide. Many people find it both fucntional and beautiful in the kitchen and bathroom, but it can be a great fit for any room if you use a little design creativity.

Slate tiles are an impressive feature that will bring texture and character to a shower and bathroom. These tiles are relatively inexpensive in comparison to other natural stone finishes, such as Granite and Marble, and the range of color tones and styles that are available will accommodate any interior design scheme. These tiles can be found online, or by visiting tile showrooms, and building material centers.

Slate tiles are manufactured in various sizes, as well as numerous configurations. Square tiles are available in standard 12” x 12”, as well as custom sizes that can be cut to suit any layout pattern. Many shower designs will include a rectangular liner course at mid-wall, to offset the grout lines. In addition, some shower floors and liner courses will be installed on the diagonal, or in a complimentary color, to add further interest to the design.

There are numerous accent concepts that can be implemented when upgrading an existing slate shower, or as accent features in a new shower. Leaded glass panels will provide additional light in a smaller shower. A full, glass shower enclosure, installed on a slate shower base, will add dimension, as well as contrast in a master bedroom or a luxury suite.

Slate tiles are durable and will not chip, as some have suggested. In addition, these tiles are not subject to surface scratches, or breakage under any normal conditions. The finished tiles need only to be sealed, in order to protect the surface from water spots, and to allow easy cleaning of any deposits and soap residue.

Installing a slate tile shower requires expertise, as well as specific tools, and ample manpower to off-load and stock the materials at the job site. Installing slate, or any stone type tiles calls for a keen layout, in order to avoid consuming additional materials, or remaining with unusable pieces. The tools required to size, and fit slate tiles have additional, built-in durability, since the materials are not easy to penetrate. With regard to manpower, standard slate tiles are packaged in boxes of five pieces, which are known to weigh upward of 25 pounds per box.

In order to avoid undue expenditures, a homeowner or property owner should consult with a reliable tile, or masonry contractor, prior to purchasing or attempting any installation of slate tiles. In many instances, the material supplier, or architect, will recommend a preferred contractor that can coordinate the purchase and delivery of materials.

A slate shower is a centerpiece that will add style and value to an existing bathroom, and complete the most dynamic design scheme in a new home or condominium. The reliability of this material, along with the texture and finishes that are available, make a slate tile shower one of the most desirable installation options.

If you are considering tiling your floor and the budget for the project materials is tight, consider using slate tile for your project. Slate tile is a durable and versatile material which is typically less expensive than other types of tile. Though slate in its natural form has a ridged texture, the texture can be manipulated and smoothed down to create an entirely different and polished look. Slate tile also exists in many different shades and colors which opens the door to many different design possibilities using color patterns. Slate is a rock which is created in many different colors by nature. Slate tile is created in deep blacks and charcoals, earthy sienna browns and oranges, and various shades grey that are tinted with purples, blues and greens.

When slate is first cut into tile from the rock it has delicate natural ridges and layers that can be preserved when the rock is cut down to tile. Slate tile which has preserved the natural ridges is called clefted slate tile and is the type of slate tile with the most rugged and textured surface. Brushed slate lightly smoothes the surface of the ridges but does not file them down completely. The dimensional quality of clefted and brushed slate tile looks rustic and appropriate in country homes.

Slate tile can also be honed down to create a completely flat and matte surface. Honed slate looks very different from the naturally ridged and clefted slate. Honed slate has a smooth and even texture which looks sleek and modern when the floor is laid with tiles that are of the same size and color. Honed slate can also be polished to transform a matte tile into a tile with a high gloss shine. Honed and polished slate tile can look very similar to polished marble tile and is a much less expensive alternative to marble. Highly honed and polished slate has a very formal and beautiful aesthetic which looks similar to marble can be created at a fraction of the price. Every type of slate has a different natural pattern and when the slate tile is honed and polished the natural swirls and patterns are brought out of the tile.

Slate is a popular flooring material for bathroom and shower floors. Slate is very durable and when it is sealed it holds up well to water. Other materials used in bathroom are marble tiles and porcelain tiles, but marble is a more expensive and slippery material and though porcelain is a less expensive material it does not have the same natural stone quality as slate. Because slate is made of natural stone it is a beautiful material to be surrounded by when bathing.

Slate tile flooring has become very popular in kitchens and bathrooms. These natural tiles have a unique texture, created when the tile was broken off from the face of the rock it came from. You can create a repeating pattern from groups of tiles with similar looks or simply get a bunch of different tiles. You can also get slate in various colors.

You can install slate tile yourself if you have the right tools. You will need tile grout and a grout float, as well as the mortar, a trowel, and underlayment material. You will also need a variety of saws. A wet saw is a must and you should also have a handsaw for cutting under doorjambs.

Here is a basic overview of the process of installing slate tile floors yourself. If you are not experienced in home improvement matters you should do extensive research on this subject, and not take this as the end all be all for a guide. The purpose of this article is to give you an idea about what this project will look like, so you can decide if you want to take on the task yourself.

The first thing you should do is inspect your tiles. If you find any broken or cracked boxes, set them aside to return to the dealer. Make sure you get replacement tiles from the same lot as the originals to ensure all your tiles match perfectly in terms of color or design.

Next, strip the floor of previous flooring materials. Then install your underlayment. This step is vital; your slate tiles require proper support. Follow all manufacturer’s directions and check the underlayment to make sure it does not flex or move.

Mark the floor so that you know where to place tiles. Measure and mark lines coming from each wall to the center of the floor. The intersection of the lines is the true center. You should place your first tile here. However, prior to installing the tiles, you should lay them out in the pattern you want. After you have laid out the tiles to your satisfaction, put a tile under each doorjamb to make sure it fits. If it does not, cut the doorjamb bottom with a handsaw.

Now it’s time to use mortar to install the tiles. Mix only a small batch of mortar at a time so that it does not harden before you can use it. Use your trowel to apply mortar, then twist and push each tile into place. Lay your tiles according to the lines you marked on the floor.

When you get to the wall area, you will have to use your wet saw to cut the tiles and make them fit. When using the wet saw, always wear safety goggles, and be careful of cut tile edges, which are extremely sharp.

After the mortar dries, put grout in between tiles using a grout float. Then use a paint roller to put sealer over the entire floor.

Slate tile installation is time consuming and laborious, but you will end up with a floor you can be proud of–especially because you installed it yourself.

When you take pride in your flooring it will last you a lifetime. Slate tile flooring has a natural shine that can be damaged over time especially if the wrong products are used. Dirt and grime can grind away at the natural finish so it is important to protect it.

From the moment your slate is laid give it a good sweeping to quickly get rid of any dust and debris. A warm bath in just water is the safest and cheapest, but a mild cleaning agent can be used as well. A good cleaning in the path of the grout is a good idea to shape the grout lines and keep rinsing your mop to keep the floor as clean as possible. Don’t reuse the same water. Harsh chemicals or improper mixing can dull the shine before its time. Acids and sulfates like ammonia are the worst thing you can use for cleaning slate floors.

After your flooring is cleaned it is possible to add another level of protection, if you so desire. Slate tile does not need to be sealed, but some people prefer the look and protection that a sealer provides.

Find a good stone and tile sealer from your local hardware store. There are two types of stone sealers. The first is a mineral base coating that has a strong scent. If your room does not have great ventilation, the recommendation is to not use it. The other is water or latex based. There is virtually no smell to it, so it’s better for low ventilated areas.

To get a professional look applicators can be used to brush directly onto the grout. When using the latex be careful to keep a wet sponge or rag nearby to wipe from the sides of the tile. Then apply another coating to make sure the grouting is well protected from water damage as mopping will likely be a cleaning method for many years to come. After that has dried, it’s time to seal the tiles themselves.

Use either a glossy or matte finish and apply with a cotton type mop. Give it a good two hours to dry and apply another coat. Wait another two hours and apply another coat. This is the best protection you can use and you will need to strip and reapply at least every two years to get rid of stains that may have soaked into the coatings.

Now, you’re ready to enjoy your beautiful flooring. Be sure to check the labels on your sealants as they will tell you the best cleaning methods for that type of sealant. Again just because your tiles is not coated, don’t think that acids and harsh sulfates are the best things to use. They will eat right through your coatings and begin damaging the slate.

Slate is a natural rock that can be cut down into tiles for flooring. Slate is naturally created in many different colors and tones such as green, grey, sienna, and black. A flooring design can incorporate all of these different tones to create a multi colored pattern, or just one color can be used for a monochromatic floor. In addition to the various tones and colors of slate there are also different textures of slate tile. Slate tile flooring can be left raw preserving the natural ridges or can be filed down flat and highly polished. Both the colors of the tiles and the textures of tiles that are used will determine the way the finished floor will look.

Slate can be finished in several ways to create different surface textures. There are several types of slate tile including clefted slate tile, honed slate tile, polished slate tile and brushed slate tile. Each type of slate tile has a different look and feel to the surface texture.

Cleft slate tile is a type of slate tile which is in a raw form. The natural cleft in the slate is left untouched which creates a dimensional texture with ridges. This type of slate tile preserves the natural texture of the slate.

Brushed slate tile is similar to clefted slate tile, but the ridges are smoothed down slightly so the dimensionality is less pronounced and the surface of the tile is not as rugged.

Honed slate tile is filed down so the finished tile is completely flat and smooth. Honed slate tile can also be polished which adds an extra sheen over the top of the flattened slate. The high shine and smooth surface of polished slate has a very different quality than clefted slate.

A slate tile floor can be designed using slate tiles which are all of the same size or the tiles can be cut to a customized size. When designing the slate tile floor, different sized tiles and different color tiles can be used to create interest. Slate tile flooring designs can be made using graph paper which is scaled to the size of the floor. The perimeter of the room or area to be tiled should be measured and scaled down so that each four box square on the graph paper represents one square foot. Acetate or tracing paper can be used over the graph paper to create different design ideas. Use a pencil to draw in the perimeter of the tiles on the graph paper and letter each square with the first letter of the tile color. To get a better idea of how the floor will look, the tiles can be colored in with marker.

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.