Slate Tile Flooring: Pros and Cons

Slate tile is an attractive and natural option. Few synthetic options can come close to the classic aesthetic appeal of slate and its superior durability as a flooring material. It is a metamorphic rock, specially composed to be cut into flat shapes and sizes perfect for the floor of your home. The colors of the slate vary exquisitely, and the thickness of the stone can be adjusted to suit the demands of any living space and interior décor.

But when deciding whether slate tile flooring is suitable for your home, it is essential to consider all the merits and drawbacks of slate.

Here we found the pros and cons of this elegant flooring to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

• Aesthetic Design
• Strong, durable
• Comfortable and convenient
• Versatile

Cons

• Pricey
• Difficult installation
• Hardness factor

Pros of Slate Tile Flooring

#1. Aesthetic Design

There are countless solid colors and style combinations available when choosing slate tile flooring. The natural beauty of slate can be uniquely manifested in each stone, meaning that each floor will have its own unique look, an earthly work of art.

There are a wide variety of solid, multi-colored slate materials available to match almost any decorative style you are trying to create. Some types have incredibly contrasting colors, while others are more subdued, but the appearance will remain unique. Your options increase with the availability of many grout colors that can complement or contrast with the tiles themselves. This quirk can make slate the right choice for high visibility areas like entryways or large kitchens. It is less beneficial in rooms that are rarely seen or areas that are primarily carpeted.

Slate is considered a relatively high-quality floor covering. While its asking price can be quite steep, especially for high-end materials, slate generally adds real estate value to the entire home. This is especially true when installed in places such as the kitchen and bathroom, or in entryways where it is immediately apparent to visitors.

#2. Strong, Durable

Initially, slate rose to prominence in this country not as a luxury flooring material, but as a top roofing material widely used in the 18th and 19th centuries. At one time, more than 200 quarries in the United States were producing slate tiles strictly for roofing.

In this demanding exterior application, many slate roofs have generally withstood a century or more of exterior exposure without blemishes. This is a test of the strength and endurance of the board. It is also a good indicator of its ability to withstand exposure to indoor living when used as flooring in a typical home.

Despite its sleek, trimmed appearance, slate is unaffected by foot traffic. It resists abrasion like the sturdy natural material it really is. Its low porosity means that it resists water absorption and, once the sealer is applied, it is nearly impervious to liquid stains. It also provides a very non-slip floor surface for wet bare feet. And of course, like any natural stone floor, slate is completely fire retardant.

#3. Comfortable and Convenient

Slate, like natural stone, is a tough material and is best avoided in rooms where small children or older adults can fall. Porcelain or glass dishes that can survive being dropped onto vinyl or laminate floors will almost certainly break on impact against the slate.

Slate tiles come in different textures. While polished tiles are perfectly smooth, some shapes of slate are finished with a rough and uneven texture. This shape is most often used in wet environments where the added traction can help prevent slipping. In other environments, however, the split slate can be uncomfortable underfoot. Keep this in mind when choosing a slate floor for a particular room.

#4. Versatile

What is the visual appeal and usefulness of slate flooring? Definitely on display in hallways and other high traffic areas. But also where you want. The table indeed adapts to almost any room or interior environment. Bathrooms, kitchens, dressing rooms? You don’t need to limit slate floors to indoor applications. In fact, it is a popular flooring option for garages, as well as around the pool.

Cons of Slate Tile Flooring

#1. Pricey

The initial cost of buying natural slate tile can be quite high, especially when you buy high-quality, long-lasting materials. Initially, the slate coast averages between $ 4 and 10 per square foot. Besides, the cost of professional installation can add an additional $ 10-15 per square foot. The high cost is one of the main reasons that the board is often reserved for the most visible rooms in the house.

#2. Difficult Installation

As a durable flooring material, slate isn’t just robust, it’s just plain heavy. This fact influences the installation problems that may arise. The weight of the slate tile is vital because if it is not installed on a flat support subfloor, the tile could crack under its own weight.

It is essential to prepare the basement to accept this load. The floor must be perfectly level so that the slate tiles are installed very flat. If the existing installation surface is not perfectly flat, it will be necessary to make a bed for the slate with self-leveling concrete. Most of the time, the services of an experienced flooring contractor are required to install the slate.

#3. Hardness Factor

While walking on the smooth surface of the slate is relaxing, spending a lot of time standing in a place on very rough terrain like the board could be potentially uncomfortable. This is more likely to affect people with joint or foot problems who need a softer surface to stand on.

Slate is the natural choice for anyone looking for the optimal combination of beauty and longevity. For many homeowners, a slate floor is more than just a home improvement; it is an investment in a long-term future. Weigh the pros and cons, then carefully research the best product and a qualified flooring contractor to install it.

Final Thoughts

Slate tile is a very durable, beautiful, and premium flooring material that mostly adds real estate value to your house. It is especially suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. But before choosing the material, you should also consider its high cost and maintenance requirements. Optimal usage in the right spaces will make your decision efficient.

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