Slate Installation
Slate is an especially versatile form of stone: It can look either elegant or rustic, depending on the décor. It resists both stains and water, but if laid on an uneven ground it will crack easily; or it can chip if something heavy is dropped on it. Sealant should be applied either during installation or immediately afterwards.
One of the most popular choices in slate tile flooring is the natural face, or split-face slate tile. The “split” in split-face refers to where the slate has been removed, or split, from the slate bed. Therefore, this variety of slate tile maintains the natural, unevenly textured surface that makes slate tile distinct from other varieties of natural stone. Split-face slate tile flooring is also one of the best choices you can make if you are looking for a slip-resistant surface. Also, this type of slate tile flooring has a tactile dimension all of its own, adding a sensuous character to a slate tile floor that is an additional feature to the rich color.
Slate flooring is a natural and durable material that can be used to create intricate and easy to maintain floor designs. The material can be shaped into tiles and installed in a manner that is very similar to that of ceramic tile, or formed into larger sections to create a more interesting rough hewn pattern for the floor.
Available in a variety of colors, slate flooring is an ideal option for high traffic areas, since the floor will show little signs of wear even after a number of years.
One of the more important advantages to slate flooring is its resistance to stains. The unique mixture of fossils, sand grains, and crystals that make up slate is part of the reason for the stain resistant qualities of this type of natural flooring. The strong bonding of the elements prevent liquids from permeating the surface of the slate tile, keeping the stain on the surface of the floor.
This natural resistance to stains makes a slate floor an excellent option for the kitchen or a patio area where cookouts and other types of outdoor entertaining take place regularly.