Slate Tile Basics

Learn about where slate gees from
and why it is a reliable flooring material, how slate tile is
processed, the advantages of color variation in slate tile flooring,
why a dry run is important before you install slate tile flooring,
and what split-faced slate tile is and why it adds even more benefit
to an interior or exterior, slate tile dos and donts.

Firm Footing: Slate Tile Flooring

Some of the simplest materials used in flooring are those which require
little alteration from their natural form. To this, it can be
said that the earth itself is often the most reliable manufacturers of
tile flooring you can name. One particular variety of natural
stone flooring that is begeing more and more popular is slate.
The popularity of slate tile can be attributed to many factors,
although versatility of slate tile is certainly one of the more obvious
ones. Slate tile can be used practically anywhere from a kitchen,
to a front hallway, to a bathroom, and in outdoor uses such as pool
surrounds and patio tile. In addition to this versatility, slate
features one of the most naturally slip-resistant surfaces available.
For areas where this is important in the front entrance way of a
gemercial or public property, or in a bathroom where wetness is
expected, for instance slate delivers one of the most durable and
decorative surfaces available, as well as being a highly practical
surface to greatly reduce the possibility of slipping on your
floor. So, as you can see, slate tile flooring certainly offers a
wide range of advantages. But where does slate gee from exactly,
and how is it prepared for use as tile?

Origins and nature of slate

Slate is found in large deposits most gemonly concentrated in
continental coastal regions. These areas are where ancient oceans
collected silt and other mineral elements which remain long after these
oceans have receded. The material elements left behind in these
former ocean beds - soil, clay and other random minerals - are exposed
to tremendous pressures and heat over the course of millennia. The heat
and pressure to which these materials are subject forge them into a
rugged, naturally durable stone we recognize as
slate. The minerals that are often found in slate quartz,
mica, chlorite, and others act as stabilizing agents, allowing the
slate to be very resistant to all kinds of stresses. This mixture of
random materials explains the naturally varied hues from tile to tile,
given that the mineral content in the stone will be equally varied. The
harsh beginnings of slate tile makes for a very durable, and visually
striking material that is highly suitable for flooring for an inside or
outside project.

Gauge and calibration of slate tile flooring

In addition to being durable and decorative, slate tiles are often
designed to be easy to work with for an experienced tile installer as
well. It is important to many manufacturers to make installing
slate tile as simple a process as is possible for a material that
remains largely unchanged from its natural state. Two of the
processes that allows this is gauge and calibration of the slate
tile. Gauge refers to a process whereby the edges of the slate
tile are made square by precision cutting. This simple process
allows the slate tile to be an interlocking material that will be more
easily interlocked with other tiles. In addition, the process of
calibration involves making the back of the slate tile as even as
possible by means of machine-honing it to be smooth or ribbed depending
on type. The process of calibration is important in making sure
that the slate tile will lay flat when installed. This too is
designed for ease of installation, as well as a positive result in
terms of an even walking surface.

Split-face slate tile flooring

One of the most popular choices in slate tile flooring is the natural
face, or split-face slate tile. The split in split-face refers
to where the slate has been removed, or split, from the slate
bed. Therefore, this variety of slate tile maintains the natural,
unevenly textured surface that makes slate tile distinct from other
varieties of natural stone. Split-face slate tile flooring is
also one of the best choices you can make if you are looking for a
slip-resistant surface. Also, this type of slate tile flooring has a
tactile dimension all of its own, adding a sensuous character to a
slate tile floor that is an additional feature to the rich color.

Color variation in slate tile flooring and the dry run

As it has been mentioned earlier, slate is made up of random elements,
and there are natural color variations to be expected in every batch of
slate tile. No slate tile floor is identical to any other. If
youre looking for a chance to let your designers eye guide your
flooring project, you will have made a great choice in slate tile
flooring. Once youve ordered your slate tile and youve had the batch
delivered, it is a good idea to open all of the boxes to see the range
of color that is unique to your shipment. Once again, no slate
tile flooring project is the same as the next, so this is your chance
to explore the layout possibilities in a dry run. This involves
laying out your slate tile without applying the mortar, to help you get
the best visual result. The natural variations from tile to tile
in this sense is a significant advantage to the overall effect your
slate tile flooring project will have on your interior or
exterior. This dry run, and the opening of all boxes you get,
will also help you in the case of thickness variation in the slate tile
as well.

Thickness variation in slate tile flooring

It must be noted that there will often be a thickness variation from
tile to tile. Its a good idea to discuss this with your local
flooring professionals, or your slate tile sales rep. They can
often be helpful to you when you are thinking of using slate, but are
uncertain about some of these details that characterize natural stone
surfaces. The thickness variation is often presented in a range
of 3/8-7/16, for instance. Again, your sales rep or other flooring
professional can help you with the specifics of your chosen line of
slate tile flooring.

Slate tile flooring adds strength and class

The popular use of slate tile flooring in many areas of residential and
gemercial interiors and exteriors is a tribute to its versatility and
aesthetic value. With its distinctive surface, ease of installation and
workability, decorative color variation, and its natural
slip-resistance that makes it a great choice for practicality and
look. With slate, youre always have firm footing!

Slate tile flooring dos and donts

Do:


Consider the area in which you wish to install your slate tile
flooring and be sure that the type of slate you choose to buy is
appropriate with regard to climate, foot traffic, and any other
pertinent factors.


Consider the substrate over which you will install your slate
tile, and make sure that it is suitable for your specific choice.
Always ask your sales rep about the suitability of your substrate in
relation to the slate tile product you buy


Expect color variations, and use them to your advantage when approaching the layout of your slate tile.
Read all warranty information provided, and any other instructions or information pertinent to your slate tile flooring purchase



Layout your slate tile flooring in a dry run, and test the color
patterns, thickness variation, and overall spacing of your particular
batch of slate


Use a type of mortar for slate tile that is conducive to your
interior or exterior installation. Seek advice from sales reps as
to specific brands and varieties of mortar and always read the
instructions on any products you buy
Choose a appropriate slate tile flooring sealant. Some
varieties you might consider are high-gloss (which gives your slate
tile a lustrous wet look), low sheen (which is reflective, but not as
shiny as high-gloss), or no sheen, sometimes known as natural finish.
The look that these finishes provide are down to taste, but (once
again) its a good idea to make sure that your sealant is suitable for
slate tile



Hire an experienced flooring professional if you dont have
experience in laying slate tile yourself. This can help you to
avoid costly mistakes

Dont:


Forget to allow for breakage and waste when you place your
order. Accidents can happen, both in transit and on the job site


Use slate tile as a paver on sand. Slate tile must be installed on a solid substrate with mortar


Fail to inspect your substrate for loose materials or dirt.
It is important to have a clear, clean and level substrate for a slate
tile flooring installation


Install slate tile flooring on a wet surface. Despite the
resilient nature of slate, trapped moisture remains to be something to
be avoided in any installation
Apply a sealer to a slate tile floor that has been waxed or oiled
but has not yet cured. The resulting marks left by walking on a slate
tile floor that hasnt cured can be difficult to remove later



Begin grouting too soon. Its a good idea to wait at least
a day before grouting your slate tile in order to allow the mortar to
properly set


Forget to use safety goggles and other equipment when cutting slate tile

This is of course by no means a geplete list. For more detailed
advice on the purchase, installation, and care of slate tile flooring,
it is best to talk to the professionals. An experienced customer
service rep or professional installer can prove to be valuable assets
when planning for your slate tile project.