Slate

About Slate Rock

Stone slabs are large pieces of stone obtained from quarries and typically cut from a larger block. They are usually not very thin, while the flat surface can be processed to a number of different finishes. 

Most stones are generally used for covering interior and exterior walls, paving floors, or for various decorative purposes. Natural tiles are a very popular material, both eye-catching and practical. 

Slate rock is fine-grained, foliated, and metamorphic, formed in oceans or riverbeds from compressed and heated sediments. It’s is structured from a variety of mineral micas and clays, with a minor content of quartz. Slate’s colour is prevalently grey, gradient from light to dark, but can also be found in shades of red, brown, green, and black. The colour is determined mainly by the structure, origin, and mineral content proportions. 

Advantages of Slate Stone

• Appearance: As a natural stone product, it boasts a specific organic aesthetic in a wide variety of shades, surfaces, and thicknesses. 
• Durability: This material is exceptionally long-lasting, even outdoors. Slate roofs remain in good condition for over a century.
• Resilience: Slate is fire-resistant, resilient to weathering and elements. However, on floors, it needs a substrate in order to perform its best. Apart from improved strength, a substrate enhances the waterproof membrane and moisture management of porous rock, making it applicable in wet areas such as showers and washrooms.
• Eco-friendliness: It’s fully recyclable and can help with energy efficiency as a factor in stabilising and maintaining the building’s interior temperature.

Slate Applications

Most slate stones are suitable for outdoor use, proven as a traditional roof covering with excellent durability and a long life span. It also makes an excellent material for interiors based on sustainable trends, bringing the outdoors in better than traditional wallpapers and paints.

This mineral species is widely recognised for its impermeable nature and strength. Slate flooring is suitable for high traffic areas such as entrance halls, while its anti-slip properties make an excellent choice for wet areas where good traction is a necessity. 

Slate floor tiles and wall panels add dimension to living areas and open-plan spaces, with a role of a highly functional eye-catcher. It’s also suitable for kitchen backsplashes, fireplaces, and accent features. 

Types of Slate Tiles

Slate comes in different form textures. It’s mainly distinguished by its properties, colours and structure, determined by the origin and the type of processing.

• Gauged tiles are a popular solution due to the flattened backside, which helps with bonding the tile with the grout. Slightly scored rows provide superior grip on the adhesive bedding.

• Clefted stone tiles feature gauged smooth backside with an unrefined front surface. They provide an inherently rustic, organic look. An abundance of cracks, notches, and bristles provides excellent traction on wet surfaces, ideal for use in showers and bathrooms. 

• Honed tiles are characterised by a smooth, even surface that can appear silky but less glossy than polished marble. It provides a comfortable surface for walking, with moderate traction, that can become slippery when wet. The honing process, however, makes the tiles more prone to scratching and other surface damages. 

Slate Colour

Most tiles feature a single solid colour, such as dark grey, that doesn’t differ much from piece to piece. Others boast different variations of hues, with gradient shadows and shades, or two or more contrasting colours flowing across the surfaces. Each slate stone colour is brought by a percentage of minerals present in the structure. For instance, reds indicate high iron content, meaning that the tile is susceptible to rain thus might not be the best choice for outdoor applications.

• Most slate rocks will carry neutral tones, though, ranging from grey to black.
• Black slate tile is suitable for a variety of interior styles, including traditional, contemporary and rustic decor. 
• Grey slate’s popularity is steady due to its neutral, adaptable nature. 
• Multicolour slate stones provide a versatile, usually striking appearance with tones varying from pinkish and light olive to olive to deep brown, rust and heather. 

Slate Installation 

Natural slate tiles are slightly more demanding for installation than other stones such as limestone or granite. The reason is the grading required before fitting. 

Substrates are an essential part of slate flooring, with a role of protecting and enhancing its properties. The surface must be adequately prepared, levelled, sound, dry and clean. 

Slate tiles should also be arranged starting from the centre of the room to maintain the optimal level of the floor. 

Cement-based tile adhesives are the most suitable for fixing slate tiles. Pale shades will do well with the same adhesive used for travertine.

Things to Consider When Choosing Slate

This stone requires minimum maintenance, and it’s based on occasional resealing. Applying a thin layer of sealant and allowing it to soak into the stone, followed by polishing the excess, is enough. The rest of the care includes cleaning with a wet mop and mild detergent.

Applying 2 or 3 coats of sealer will prevent the staining and absorption of oil-based substances. 

Sealers can also perform as colour enhancers of multicolour tiles, bringing out the natural tones. Satin sealers are used to add discrete sheen to the surface. 

While most versions on the market are natural, some engineered stone designes are also available, including slate prints on porcelain tiles.