Important Consideration for Slate Tile Flooring

Slate stone is a great alternative to normal natural stone. It is strong and resistant towards acid, water and weathering, hence perfect for flooring and roofing applications. Like other natural stone, slate is also mined from the quarries and mountains across the world. Sizable boulder of rocks are obtained from mines, which are then given a required shape and size for different applications.

As slate has water resistant and anti slip property, so it is optimal for the bathroom flooring. Another feature of resisting fire makes it perfect for the making kitchen backsplash and countertop. It does not lose its color because of changing weather and Sunlight so can be used for outdoor application of roofing and flooring. But before installing you will have to take care certain points that are discussed here.

Important Consideration for Slate Tile Flooring

1. Buy the stone as per the area where you want to install it. Consider foot traffic, climate, water and soil of that are before buying the right kind of slate stone.
2. Before installing slate stone on the floor make sure that you have bought right color, thickness and size of the stone.
3. It is essential to consider the substrate over which you want to install the floor. The substrate will differ with the slate stone. Also the substrate or the lower ground on which you are going to install the state should be solid, as on flexible surface such as plywood, the state can crack or split like any other tile. You can ask more about the type of slate flooring from slate supplier or representative.
4. Buy more than required inventory at a time because otherwise floor will contain different types of tiles.
5. If you want to install slate stone on wood then do it on exterior grade plywood.
6. Sealing slate floor is very important as this reduces the chances of getting stains on the slate. You can have a high gloss sealant as well as one with no sheen for a natural look.
7. The substrate should not be dirty. Clean it for the proper installation.
8. Before installation the surface should also be completely dry. Do not install on wet surface.
9. Do not keep the slate tiles as it is, but seal these properly with a sealer.
10. Do not start grouting immediately. Give at least a day before grouting so that mortar set in properly.
11. If you do not have an experience of working and installing slate stone then better to take the help of a professional installer than to do it yourself.

Know the Different Slate Sealer for Slate Stone

To preserve the look of the slate stone and keep it stain free, slate sealer is must to use thing. There are many brands in the market that compete with each other for this. But basically the slate sealer can be categorized into two main categories. These are:

• Standard Quality
• Premium Quality

The premium slate sealers are more in price than the standard quality. A premium sealer has higher resistance to oils and other related things thus gives you ample time for cleaning. This also increases the reaction time to hours rather than minutes.

Then there are impregnating and coating sealer. The impregnating sealer penetrates and goes below the surface where as coating slate sealer is just above the surface and also called topical sealer. These are more shinny and glossy in appearance and give wet look to the slate floor or on which so ever surface these have been used. The coating sealers can also darken the surface to some extent. There is one more advantage of this sealer. That is it acts as a physical barrier between the dust and slate stone. But as it is just on the surface it in not that good in keep away some of the contaminants like oil to stain the slate stone. Also with time it wears away with time. So there is a need to reapply it after certain period of time.

The impregnating sealer last much longer than the coating ones and may have 10 – 15 years of life. It will not lend any kind of shining or glossy look. Regular cleaning will not cause the wearing. The contaminant will remain on the surface for a longer period of time so you have ample tile to clean it.

In order to keep you slate stain free better to clean it as soon as something falls on it rather than waiting to clean it afterward.

In order to remove the impregnating sealer get the solvent kind of stripper and remove the slate sealer with this.

Best Tips for Slate Cutting

Slate is a natural stone that gives natural to elegant look any place. Slate is easy to work upon and so the cutting part is also not that difficult. All it requires is patience and technique of cutting.

How to Work With Slate Stone?
Slate is a very durable stone but also quiet soft so needs expert handling. Any rough handling will cause the softer slate stone to flake off or break. If you get little dirty in the process of cutting slate then do not be upset. If it is your first slate cutting then it is better to work on hard slate rather than soft one. From the package of slate stone pick the one that is strongest.
Slate Cutting

• Slate cutting is easiest of all in the category of natural store. Although pre cut slate is available but if you haven't found what you are looking for then do not lose hope. All you need is planning and care while cutting the slate stone. Get the tile saw from the nearest hardware store. Make sure that you do have the safety glasses, ear plugs and other protective gears before working with any kind of industrial tool.
• You can also get the masonry blade either in the form of carbide-tipped or abrasive can be used for cutting the slate stone. Also instead of this wet saw can be rented. If not all these then get the diamond edged blade to cut the slate stone. To cut the small areas and to give the shape you can use the hacksaw.
• Do not use the manual score and snap tile cutter as this are not made for slate cutting.
• Make sure that you follow all the instructions before using any of these instruments as any minor fault can lead to disaster. Observe the safety measures as said. Use proper eye mask, chest mask and other such equipments before working with slate stone. While cutting slate small particles of dust ma come and damage your body if you wont take proper precautions.
• If you have any doubt regarding the cutting or working the instrument then never hesitate to get the advice from expert.
• Have lots of patience as slate cutting is quiet a tedious and length process. It may leads to frustration.
• Make sure to clean the slate tiles properly after cutting as any dust particle on it may lead to the wrong installation.

Slate Fireplace Design for Slate Fireplace Remodelling

You have just bought a home where everything needs your attention. In such a situation slate fireplace remodeling becomes utmost important as it is the attention grabbing element in any room. Half of your work to refurnish the room will be done if you will go with the bang-up in slate fireplace design.

Now you have to think what kind of fireplace design you actually want. Is it from ceiling to roof type or the smaller one. Which color of the slate you would prefer for it? In most of the cases people prefer using dark gray to black color. Dark color stain less and smoke impressions are less visible on these. Also think of the slate tiles size. Whether you want to make the slate fireplace with bigger or smaller tiles. It is really up to you. Further check for the hearth and mantel. Whether you want these of slate stone or of different stone.

Few Slate Fire Place Design for Slate Fireplace Remodeling

Simple Yet Elegant
Keep the slate fireplace simple with mantel. The color of the mantel can match the wall color whereas you can made the hearth either matching to floor or rest of the fireplace.
Floor To Ceiling Stone Fireplace
Now if your room is having a low roof then you can certainly go with this kind as it will give a sort to expansion to the length. Slate fireplace design of full length is in vogue. With this a warmth is added to the room.


Painted Fireplace
You can give dramatic affect to the fireplace by painting the fireplace surrounds and placing black slate tiles. Above this go with the wooden mantel.

Find out More on
Slate Fireplace Installation Guide
Practical Slate Tile Ideas

Different kinds of Slate Patio Furniture

Functional yet elegant truly defines the slate patio furniture. People love to ameliorate their home, backyard and patio. They have their own innovative ways. Slate stone furniture is no longer a stranger in homes as it looks very decorative. Manufacturers of slate patio furniture are coming up with different designs. If you do not know what kinds of slate furniture is available then have a look at this article to know more about this.

Slate Stone Table with Fire Pit
This is an excellent outdoor slate patio furniture that is in vogue. This is actually the slate table that has a fire pit of brass or other metal in it. You can keep your food hot on the table and at the same time enjoy the weather on your beautiful slate patio furniture.

Outdoor Slate Table
Outdoor slate table is exceptionally good when it comes to slate furniture. It is up to the creativity of the artist that how he or she is going to use the pattern and different shapes of the slate stone to make the table. Of all the types of tables outdoor slate tables have made a mark for themselves. Not only this table is sturdy but it looks decorative with incomparable beauty.

Slate Patio Set
Slate patio set has become a commodity at your home lending a modern decor. These slate patio furniture set are practically given any size, shape and look. So there is no need to buy just the square or rectangular shapes. Table in these impressive sets has the top that is made from slate stone with sturdy legs of metal. Seat of the chair has metallic frame with slate stone seat. If you like you can use the cushion to make the seating comfortable.

Bring Classical Look with Black Slate Tiles

Black slate tiles have the beauty that is undefined. Slate stone is rich stone that is resistant to fire, acid and moisture. The aesthetic affect given by black slate tiles is quiet different. Although there are plenty of colors available like red, purple, grey, earthy browns etc yet the most preferred one is the black.

As the slate stone is quiet a hard stone so it is extensively used as floor tiles. Above that if you are using black slate tiles then your floor will be less prone to stains and discoloration that other colors are. It will continue to look the same for a very long period of time thus maintaining the decor completely.

Also if you want to keep light colored furniture in your room then this color should your choice as it will give a dramatic contrast with huge impact. Black slate tiles will not cause the room to look small but it will instantly bring in the freshness.

Less Expensive But More Appealing
Black slate tiles are not as expensive as other stones in black color but the appeal is better or equal to them. It can be used in both residential as well as commercial properties.

Easy to Maintain
In addition to above stated reason this stone is quiet easy to maintain. As the color is dark so stains will not be visible so easily. Also it is very easy to clean and so can be one of the best choices of floor tiles at home. Also it has a non slip tendency so you can comfortably use it in the bathroom floors and kitchen floor. No mild or mildew growth further make the black slate stone a proffered choice.

Ability to Match any kind of Decor
Black is such a wonderful color that it can imbibe any kind of color and interior decor in itself. You can use the black slate tiles with all sorts of interior decoration like traditional, contemporary, classical etc.

Black Roofing
This color is also very commonly used for making the roofs. You can get the reshaped black slate tiles like rectangular, square and circular under different brand names. This stone is resistant to moisture so your roof will remain waterproof and also it wont fade with Sun.

Different Ways to Use Slate Slabs

Slate slab is a thick piece of slate stone that can be used in number of ways. You can use it in the kitchen, bathroom, living room and even as a slate fountain on the walls of your home. The different color and texture on the slate slab make it a further personal favorite of many probably you also.

You can use the slate slab as a countertop in your kitchen. Kitchen is a place where we work on fire, acids, oil and all other stuff like that. Because of this it is the most stain prone area. Slate stone is one such stone that is fire resistant, stain and moisture resistant so perfect to be used as countertop.

Another way of using the slate slab is to use it on floors. As there are many colors of this stone available so you can create very beautiful patterns. Along with this slate slab are anti resistant and moisture resistant so can be very safely used on the bathroom as well as patio floors. It is really very wonderful in look especially the red one.

Slate Floor

You will be amazed to know that this natural stone is also used for making furniture. Modern coffee tables have the slat slab on it with natural beauty. Most of these coffee table has the wrought iron frame that makes it further contemporary in look and appeal.

After this there is yet another way of using the slate stone i.e. In the form of kitchen backsplash. Varied designs and patterns are made from these. The combination of slate backsplash and wooden furnishing is just amazing.

Slate slab fountains and especially the wall fountains are particularly popular. You can hang these waterfall fountain on the wall of your living room to create the beauty that is unmatchable. You can get slate fountain made from one two or three slabs. Here the pattern and color of the stone play an important role in the look of the fountain.

Slate Wall Fountain

Also the pool table that you use for playing pool has this stone.

Beautiful slate fireplaces are also made from slate stone.

Slate Fireplace

Tips on Outdoor Tile Selection

Tiles have come to occupy one of the most important part of home construction as well as for office and home decoration. Not only interiors but the exteriors of our homes too are now decorated with the use of outdoor tiles of different kinds. However, one must always accept the fact that outdoor tile has to be selected with great care. It needs an understanding of climate as well as other characteristics of tiles that will determine how long your tiles are there with you!

As the outdoor tiles of garden, patios, and driveways etc. have to withstand harsh climatic conditions, the selection of improper materials or wrong way of installing outdoor tiles can lead to cracked tiles in just one season. Here are some tips to consider when selecting outdoor tile for home and office.

Consider Climate when Selecting Outdoor Tile

Whenever you decide to install outdoor tile for patio, garden walkway or driveway, consider the overall climatic conditions of your place. If it is warm for most parts of the year and your outdoor tiles will not be subject to frost heaves or the freeze/thaw effect, you may go for any type of outdoor tile. Just keep in mind that some tiles will keep your home more cool than others. For example, if you are selecting roofing tiles then natural stones like slate tiles are anytime better for that natural cool comfort in hot weathers.

If your place experience frost or the ground in your locality freezes in the winter, you must select something that can withstand these 'climatic atrocities' such as natural outdoor slate tiles or vitrified tiles.

Consider Absorption Rate when Selecting Outdoor Tile

With so many outdoor tile options one is bound to get confused about what outdoor tile to select. However, whenever selecting outdoor tiles, you must inquire about its water absorption rate. Some outdoor tiles, especially the natural stone tiles like outdoor slate tiles have very low water absorption (even less than 1%) The lower water absorption rate ensures that the tiles would not crack during winters.

How to install slate flooring on wood floor?

If you want to install a slate subfloor on wood flooring, it (the wooden floor) should be, at least, 1 -1/4 inches thick. If not so, apply 1/2 inch thick plywood over a standard 3/4 inch thick subfloor material. Screw the 1/2 inch thick plywood to the existing subfloor spacing the screws every 8 inches on center. Apply a thin coat of water-based urethane to the final layer of plywood that will prevent swelling by stopping water from soaking into unprotected plywood. Installing one-half inch thick cement board on top of the regular 3/4 inch subfloor is a better choice if that option still remains.

Other option is to use a crack isolation fabric in between the slate and the wood flooring. These fabrics work well to offset any differential movement between the wood subfloor and the slate. Wood may expand and contract with changes in humidity. However, slate will not react to these weather changes. The fabric absorbs the differential movement between the materials.

For step by step instructions on slate flooring installation in general, refer to Installing Slate Flooring Tiles- A Guide

Source: Ask the Builder

Easy Way to Cut Slate Tile!

Slate is a soft stone and as such easy to work with. However, when you cut slate tile, there will be dust all around. It is better to cut slate with a tile saw (if you don't want to buy it, rent it from some home improvement or hardware store). Always use glasses and ear plugs while working with industrial tools, especially when cutting slate tiles as dust can go anywhere. It will be much easier when you wet the slate tile. This minimizes formation of air borne dust but is more messy than dry cutting slate tile

Read some tips and step by step instructions for Cutting Slate Tile- The Easy Way!

Slate Patio Design- What to Consider?

While finalizing your slate patio design, consider the following tips

• Furniture you will place on the patio. Large furniture will need more area to be converted into patio.
• Keep provision of some area for a barbecue you might want to have.

• Whether you want your patio design to complement your backyard or not? If yes, select a design and outdoor tile similar to that of your backyard.
• Whether you want a contemporary look or natural rustic look for your slate patio? For contemporary patio design you may select simple geometric shape for your patio.
• If going for natural look, go for slate slabs or natural rustic slate tiles that make excellent outdoor tiles.
• Always measure the area before buying slates for patio. In fact, buy a little more than required in case some of them break off.
• Match the color, shape and texture of the slate tiles or slabs for a refined finished look of the patio.

If you worry about selecting slate as your outdoor tile for patio, read advantages and other facts about Slate Patios and know why slate outdoor tiles are a perfect choice for your patio!

Tips on Laying Slate Floor Tiles

• Slate tiles are packed tightly that might result into some broken tile pieces. You would not be able to make out this when you buy your slate floor tiles. So buy an extra box of slate floor tiles of your choice.
• Slate tiles can often be a little muddy too. So rinse them off before laying your slate floor.
• its better to cut slate with a right angle grinder or tile cutter (keep both of them handy)
• When cutting slate tiles, use a lots of water. Slate produces a large amount of dust if cut dry.
• Use stone sealer on slate- the side that will face up- at least once before you lay the flooring. This will avoid the mess when you grout the slate tile floor.
• Lay a very thick layer of thin-set because of the varying thickness of natural slate. Keep an extra day in hand or increase the time allowed to set thick layers of thin set.

Before buying slate floor tiles, know the characteristics and types of Slate Floor Tiles

How to Choose Sealant for Sealing Slate Tile?

This depends on how you want your finished slate tiles to look like! Go for glossy sealant if you want it to shine. If you want a natural look then buy some matte finish sealant.

You must also take care for protecting the slate tile (it is, however, the main task of any sealant.) For better protection of slate tile, choose penetrating sealers that go deep into the tile as against the topical tile sealers that stay on the surface.

For eco friendly option, you must choose water-based polyurethane sealants that have one of the lowest levels of toxic fumes. It is also non-cracking and non-yellowing that keeps your slate tile look new for years.

For further tips, read How to Seal Slate Tile and Slate Strip

Slate Coffee Tables for Contemporary Home Decor!

Coffee tables have always been a useful and decorative piece for a living room. If you now want something very interesting other than the long used wooden, glass and even metal coffee tables, you can go for the very trendy and contemporary slate coffee tables. Slate has become very popular home decor material due to its beauty and strength. Now you can bring slate into your living rooms in form of slate top coffee tables along with using it for counter tops, floors and for outdoor landscaping.

There are many varieties of slate coffee tables available in the market. Some of these slate coffee tables have only one piece of slate (you can call it a slate slab) while some others may have slate tiles to top the decorative coffee table. Also, these slate coffee tables can be found in almost all shapes and sizes- rectangular, square, round etc. So, you can choose the size and shape of your slate coffee table according to the other considerations of your home decor. When you bring home a slate coffee table, you will feel proud for owning a marvelous decorative furniture. You will feel relieved too for the reason that these slate tables need minimum cleaning and caring. You don't have to even dust them on daily basis like the wooden or glass coffee tables. You must be wondering about this. Read these tips on Caring for Slate Coffee Table to know and believe how easy it is to care for slate tile coffee tables!

Give Your Garden a New Look With Slate Stone Walkways

You are thinking of a garden decor and you have a long list to do different things. But first and the foremost thing you can do is the installation of slate stone walkways in your garden. To install the slate tiles find out the area in your garden that has the maximum traffic. You can find this just by seeing the condition of the grass. Part of your garden that has less or no grass is the most high traffic area that needs walkway. For garden decoration it is the slate stone that is chiefly used.

Read: Garden Decor With Slate Walkways

There are many shapes of slate tiles available for your garden decor. This can be

• Diamond
• Square
• Rectangular
• Triangle
• Irregular
• Octagon

In most of the garden walkways you will find the irregular slate tile. You can place irregular slate tiles as it is on the leveled ground and grow grass, place grout or cement or sand between the gaps.

More Interesting Articles

Unique Slate Patio Design Ideas
How To Clean Slate Stone Tiles - Slate Care Tips
Is Slate Stone Good for a Bathroom Remodel?

How to Keep your Slate Tiles Clean?

Slate tiles are wonderful and can be used anywhere you want. It can be used both at commercial and residential places. When it comes to clean the slate tiles then you need not to worry as cleaning the slate tiles is not at all difficult.


Learn How to Keep your Slate Tiles Clean - 

• Use warm water to clean your slate tiles.
• Use neutral cleaning agent for cleaning purpose. Acidic cleaning agent will deteriorate the slate tile and then you will have to replace it.
• Remove the stains as soon as you get them. Use blotting paper to remove the excess of stain. 
• If you have the stain on grout and the grout is not colored then use 50:50 hydrogen peroxide and water solution to remove it. For this sprinkle the solution directly on stain and let it dry. This will bring the stain out. If still you have the stain then make the paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Apply it on the stained area and keep it there for 30 mins. remove it with warm wet cloth.
• Always seal your tiles with neutral sealant for longer life

Find out more on Slate Tile Cleaning

Natural Stale Stone – So Unique and Alluring

Natural slate stone is nothing but the mud that has been compressed and petrified over the years. It is composed of volcanic ashes and clay with minerals like quartz, illite (mainly), chlorite, biotite, pyrite and hematite (less) that are metamorphosed into layers. It is because of the minerals that this natural stone has different colors. And because of metamorphism slate has natural veins, waves and dots that looks so unique and alluring.

Most of us prefer slate because of its appearance but besides appearance also there are many other qualities like fire resistance, acid resistance, anti slip nature, easy to work, durability, easy maintenance etc which it a further prime choice of many homeowners.

This natural stone can be split into layers because of cleavage and breakability. But even after splitting slate stone retains its natural texture.

There are two main types of slate stone

1. Hard
2. Soft

Hard does not break easily and last longer than the soft one.

Uses of Slate Stone
The most common is the roofing and flooring as this natural stone does not absorb water.   You will find roofs made from this stone in hilly areas as it resistant to damage caused frost. Also there are very less chances of breakage because of snow and freezing. Slate tiles or shingles are used to make the roof which are installed by slater. Besides this, very creatively, slate stone is used in the following applications.
 

• Backsplash
• Paving
• Wall Cladding
• Landscaping
• Countertops
• Stairs
• Walkways
• Fireplaces
• Slate coffee tables

Besides all these, slate also has an electric insulation property. Electricity switchboards of 20th century were chiefly made from this material. It is also a chemically and physically inert material so very easily used in laboratories. Also the blackboards in your classrooms and slates that you give to your kids to write are made up of this stone.

Slate Stone Colors
Slate stone is available in varied colors but grey is the most common. Other colors can be cyan, green, purple, black and red. Mostly the geographic area from where it has been taken defines the color. But in some area you will find all sorts of colors. The most common colors are:

• Black
• Dark Grey
• Greenish Grey
• Copper
• Purplish Grey
• Sunflame
• Lilac
• Copper Pink
• Multi-colour Golden Quartzite
• Green Pink
• Multicolor Dark Slate
• Multicolor Light Slate
• Multi Green
• Taj Rose
• Autumn Lilac

Natural slate stone is extracted across the world. But Wales in Europe, Vermont, Pennsylvania,  New York in America, India and China are th chief location from where it is extracted.

So what you are thinking next. Remodeling your kitchen floor, backsplash or patio with this beautiful natural slate stone.

Tips to Install Slate Tile Backsplash

Using slate tiles on backsplash have become a rage today as the slate stone is so incomparable. The beautiful waves and patterns of slate stone beautify your entire kitchen and give it the touch of elegance and style. So are you ready to transform your kitchen into a beautiful retreat. If yes then go further and read the instruction on how to install slate tile backsplash.

Things Required to Install Slate Tile Backsplash

1. Tiles Cases (about 50 tiles per case). The number of cases required depends upon the area you want to cover. The cost of one case is approximately $11.
2. Three tubes of adhesive
3. One bag of Type S High Strength Mortar/Stucco Mix Gray
4. Loctite Power Grab
5. Angle Grinder
6. Dry tile saw blade
7. Paint brush
8. Caukling gun
9. Black permanent marker
10. Safety glasses
11. Cement backer board

Tips to Install Slate Tile Backsplash

• Before buying anything check your wall. It should be strong enough to hold the weight of slate tile and if you are using 12x12” slate tiles then first of all fix the cement backer board on the wall with screws. Use backer screws at every six inch for the proper fixing.
• Now if you want the sealant then better to apply it before slate tile installation. Apply it one day earlier and let the tiles dry completely.
• Make the plan on how you want to install the tile. Before actually placing it on backsplash better to make the arrangement of slate tiles on the floor or other solid surface. Here you can go for the color combination and style.
• Wear safety glasses and put  Loctite Power Grab adhesive in caukling gun.
• Find the center of the backsplash wall and mark it with the marker. You first slate stone tile will appear there and then you will place the other on left or right side of it. Place the slate tile in a regular manner and give proper space in between tile. For this you can use tile spacer. Also there should be space between the countertop and slate tile. Use the adhesive you have made to glue the tiles on wall.
• Make the second and third row in the same manner.
• For the last row the slate tiles need to be cut according to the available space. With this your slate tile placing is complete.

Grouting

• Before grouting let the slate tile dry. Now prepare the mixture for grouting. For this add right amount of water into grout powder and its consistency should be like peanut butter. If yes then your grout mixture is ready to use.
• Apply it on the whole surface of the slate tile backsplash and force it to the gaps in between tiles and walls. After completion, allow it to set for at least 20 mins. Now wipe the extra grout from the surface and sides. But do not do anything to the grout line.
• Wait for 72 hours after this and then apply penetrating sealant over the slate tile backsplash.

Get More Information on
Slate Sealer
Slate Backsplash
Slate Flooring

How to Buy Slate Stone?

Slate stone is a natural stones that requires too less maintenance. You can use slate stone on floors, walls of bathroom and kitchen and also on roofs. But you must be aware on its buying. Here are the tips on how to buy slate stone:

1. Whenever you are buying the slate stone prefer to buy the hard slate stone than the soft one as hard slate stone last longer than the soft ones.
2. Buy more than required especially if you are buying slate stone tiles. As if you buy some afterwards you may get altogether different pattern. 
3. While buying also buy the slate stone color that is according to the decor. Like color of slate stone backsplash tiles should go well with the rest of kitchen decor, it flooring and wood cabinet color. 
4. Shinning appearance of slate stone is for elegance and rough is for casual appearance. 
5. Buy light color slate stone if the area where you are going to use is small otherwise you can pick the dark shade.
6.  If you want less grouting then go for the large slate tiles. But do not buy too large of too small slate stone tile.

For Further Reading

Is Slate Stone Good for Bathroom Remodel?
How to Fix Problems with Slate Roof?
Remodeling Your Kitchen With Slate Stone.

Why to Use Slate Stone?

Slate Stone is one of the natural stones that are used in home furnishings, offices, gardens to beautify them further. Slate stone actually is the compressed mud that is metamorphosed in the form of stone and available at sea sides. Slate stone is very durable, sturdy and impressive. This really gives the classical old look.

Slate stone flooring in the kitchen along with backsplash and counter tops is in these days. So you can go for the kitchen remodeling with stale stone. If you want to have a sophisticated look then go for the matte finish otherwise you can also pick the glossy.

Now why to use slate stone when there are many other natural stones available. Read the following to get the answer.

1. Slate stone is cheaper than any other stone. Without installing cost it cost $2-$3 per square feet.
2. Slate stone is resistant to acid or stain. So if you are using it in the kitchen counter tops or at backsplash then do not worry about the stains as slate stone wont catch it. 
3. The unique pattern on slate stones in the form of waves, dots and veins are unparalleled. No two stones can have similar pattern. So wherever you are using it will be different from other. No two kitchens having slate stone will be similar in look.
4. It is also fire resistant.
5. Slate stone is very easy to maintain and just need proper cleaning from time to time.

DIY: Step-by-Step Guide to Install Slate Tiles

Types of Slate Stone