Slate Tiles

Slate is one of the most elegant and natural looking materials to be used in domestic wall and floor tiles. Notable for its solidity, high density and long lasting durability, slate wall and floor tiles are perfect additions to the home in which both style and substance are of paramount importance. Indeed, slate tiles comprise a low porosity that makes them suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms, which are regularly exposed to moisture and large volumes of water, whilst they are also suitable for areas that experience high traffic or heavy loads, such as hallway floors. Choosing slate tiles for home use also provides considerable aesthetic value, as slate is regarded as a luxurious material so far as wall and floor tiles are concerned. Thus slate tile flooring in hallways, bathrooms and kitchens can leave a positive and lasting impression on guests and visitors to a home.

Furthermore, slate has a distinctive feel underfoot that is less cold and austere than granite or limestone. Indeed, slate feels solidly pleasant to the bare foot, whilst those in socks will find that the natural rock material offers a surprising amount of grip and friction compared to marble and limestone. Moreover, slate is not typically prone to scuffs, scratches or marks made by those wearing shoes or boots, so people can move around freely on slate tile flooring. In fact, the durable nature of slate tiles is one of the key reasons why so many customers choose this product for use on their floors and walls, although cost is also likely to play a role in this as slate is generally less expensive than granite and limestone.

Slate floor tiles are usually quite heavy for their size, which is no doubt attributable to the material’s high natural density. As a result, many buyers of slate tiles make the easy mistake of requiring more than they can actually carry. Thus, slate tiles are best ordered online or using a home delivery service. Furthermore, although not as awkward as limestone or granite, slate can be quite difficult to install. Indeed, large floor tiles in particular pose their own unique hazards to those attempting a DIY job, so it’s sometimes more sensible to hire the services of a professional tile fitter when dealing with slate. Moreover, the tradesman will be able to offer limited period guarantees on the quality and health of the flooring (or wall tiles), so if problems arise in the future work can be undertaken to repair them quickly.

In fact, one of the most common mistakes made in the installation of slate tile flooring is not dealing with the slate tiles themselves but working on adequate preparation. Indeed, as mentioned above, slate is a dense and heavy natural rock. Therefore, slate floors are ultimately very heavy, which can cause some difficulties when installing them but more importantly affects the preparation of the sub floor, which must be sufficiently strong so as to be able to support the sizable weight of the tiles. If the sub floor is not able to cope with the heavy demands of slate floor tiles, notably those tiles that are not especially thick or strong, over time it is possible that the slate tiles will crack. Obviously, this is hardly a desirable outcome for an expensive slate tile floor, although it can be easily avoided by installing a heavy duty and high quality sub floor material.

Slate tiles are available in a range of different styles, sizes, shapes and colours. Arguably the most popular type of slate tile is that which offers a distinctive matt finish and a dark terracotta, grey and black colour scheme. Rustic black slate is also commonly used on floors in bathrooms and kitchens, whilst tumbled slate of various colours is often used for both floors and walls. Many slate tiles comprise a multitude of colours and patterns, but plain or wispy black is by far the most common choice available. Whichever type of slate is chosen, it is essential that they are installed with great care and expertise. Furthermore, they must be maintained and cleaned regularly.

In respect to installing slate tiles, it is absolutely essential that the floor or wall surface is properly and effectively prepared. This basically means that all surfaces need to be stripped down, levelled or made even, cleaned and thoroughly dusted. Indeed, if grit, dirt or dust is left on the surface to which the slate tiles are to be installed, their proper installation will be compromised. Furthermore, slate tile installations must be sealed effectively, as water would otherwise be able to seep through (between the tiles) to the sub floor or underlying wall, which can over time cause rotting, mould, mildew and damp to set in. Needless to say, there is little point investing in an expensive slate tile floor and wall only to pull everything up a couple of years later because the substructures need attending to – indeed, slate tiles must always be properly grouted and sealed.

Another common mistake made by those who choose to install slate tiles themselves – and it is always advisable to seek the services of a professional – is that they do not undertake what is called a ‘dry run’. Indeed, the basic principles of a slate tile installation are actually relatively straightforward but the opportunity for things to go wrong exists at every juncture. Thus, dry laying the tiles and marking their positions using a pencil is simply good practise to ensure that the project runs smoothly. It should also be noted that there is usually no need to lay every tile into place, not least because this is usually impossible without cutting the tiles (which will be necessary when installing for real). In fact, only one edge column and row need be outlined (assuming all the tiles are of the same size), with an equal margin left between these and the wall.

Finally, installing slate tiles requires the correct equipment, which includes tile cutting devices (remember, slate is hard and actually quite brittle so specialist tools must be used), tape measures, pencils, spirit levels, tile adhesive, grouting tools, suction cups and sealant. Furthermore, once the slate tiles are firmly secured into place, they must be regularly cleaned in order to maintain their exquisite look and feel, which will vary slightly between tiles as slate is a natural substance that does not conform to a uniform design.

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