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!