Slate Flooring,
An Amazing Choice

Slate flooring is a favorite flooring type for many people. The natural beauty of slate is amazing. The colors are reds and purples to dark grays. A mix of different colors in the same floor gives a truly awesome result.

Where does slate come from? Slate is a metamorphic rock made from clay and silt. The clay and silt is compressed under very high pressures and transformed into a very dense durable rock. It is most often found the continental coastal regions in most countries.

Slate has been used in homes for many years not only as flooring but as a roofing material. That just goes to show if it can stand up to the elements outdoors it will be well suited for flooring and countertops.

The Styles Of Slate Floor tiles:
• Slate comes in two different styles. Cleft, the slate is simply split along the cleavage and left rough. Sanded or honed to give it a more finished look. The slate is often "gauged", or sanded down on the back side, to a uniform thickness to aid in the installation. Non gauged tile can vary in thickness, sometimes quite a bit, and getting them level is sometimes very difficult.

Other Benefits Of Slate:

• Slate is very stain resistant due it's density. Slate will stain if spills are left on the surface. A good stone flooring sealer is a good idea for these floors. A sealer may be needed before grouting to keep the surface of the slate clean. Sealers will give the floor a wet look and deepen the colors. A sealer will also be needed to seal the grout from moisture.
• Slate tile is also slip resistant. Waxes and heavy polishes will take away this important characteristic. Therefore only good stone sealers should be used, but if you like the look of a waxed slate floor by all means do what you like.

Prices:

• Prices range from $1.50 per sq ft to $5.00 per sq ft. and installation is an extra cost. These floors can be installed by the serious DIYer, the installation is similar to ceramic tile. The more intense the design the more you should look to a professional for help.

Slate comes in a wide range of sizes. From six inch square to twelve by twenty four inches. Any pattern can be made from the various sizes or they can be laid in blocks like most tile floors. The options are endless, as is the lifespan of these floors.

Cleaning slate floor:

1. The first step to cleaning slate floor is to remove all of the dust from the surface by sweeping prior to mopping.
2. If mopping is needed using hot water is all that is needed. Using floor cleaners can dull the stone and remove the protective sealer. Ring out the mop to release the excess water and prevent puddling.
3. If a cleaner is needed most natural stone sealers recommend using a mixture of vinegar and water. usually ten parts water to 1 part vinegar. Check the bottle of sealer to make sure this mixture is safe to use. If you do use a mixture of vinegar and water you must mop again with plain water to remove any residue.
4. If stains do occur, usually from oils, a poultice powder can be used to remove them. Please note that there are special powders for oils stains and they must be used for maximum effectiveness.
5. The best tip I can give is to set a house rule that no shoes or footwear is allowed on the floor. This is by far the easiest way to keep the slate looking great, and new.

Keeping dirt and sand off of your slate floor is the best way to keep it looking great for a very long time. Slate is very durable and if properly cared for it will last forever.

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