Do you want a natural textured, stain-resistant, super-strength floor? Here, a slate stone floor can be at the top of anyone’s choice. Slate stones are beautiful, durable, and high-end materials. These can provide a regal look to your floor, especially for bathrooms, kitchens, patios, balconies, and entryways.
Slate stones are natural and bring a sense of functional beauty. We know these stones well for their charcoal color and notched texture. You can choose these tiles for a varied interior or exterior floor. These types of tiles are available with textures of various colors, most notably tan, rusty brown, gray, and olive green.
You can get slate stone in a variety of different finishes. So these tiles can be an incredibly versatile choice for any style. In this article, I will discuss the installation process, advantages, disadvantages, and related issues of slate stone flooring. Let’s get started.
5 Mind-blowing Ideas For Slate Flooring: Expert Recommendations
We always prefer floors with exceptional designs instead of common floors. Here I will share 5 slate stone floor ideas that can make the floor completely different from a normal floor.
1. Sleek Finished Slate Stone Floor
Sleek floors are always on top of our choices. You can create your floor with a smooth tumbled and brushed finish with slate tiles. You can choose this style for any area of your home. Adding the same style to the room and the hallway will maintain uninterrupted continuity.
2. Worn-out Black Slate Tiles
Worn-out black slate tiles can play an impeccable role in bringing a dramatic appeal to the interior or exterior area. These types of tiles are usually large and feature veining and characteristics.
Therefore, you can use them in both classic and contemporary rooms and they look equally amazing. The attachment of this type of slate stone to your outdoor living room will convey an aristocratic and luxurious attitude.
3. Herringbone Slate Tiles In A Bedroom Or Wet Room
You can try the herringbone pattern with slate tiles in your bedroom or wet room. Such a design in the bedroom may seem a little strange to you. But the combination of light and dark-colored tiles can create a wonderful atmosphere. Shades of two different colors facing each other in the bathroom can bring a classic beauty.
4. Polished Slate In A Diamond Pattern
Diamond patterned polished slate stone floors are not a very common item. You can try this type of design on walkways. Here you can also use a combination of light and dark black tiles. The matching light-colored grout and tiles will enchant the beauty of the whole place.
5. Slate Stone Floor With An Uneven Finish
One characteristic of slate tiles is their uneven finish. There are some slate tiles whose uneven finish can make your living room more aesthetic. All these uneven tiles of dark color often provide a vintage look in the living room.
Benefits Of Installing A Slate Stone Floor: Know Before Installation
A slate stone floor can change the look of your home. These floors offer much more benefits than ordinary tile floors. Here, I’m going to explain 7 key benefits that inspire you to install.
- Unique & Beautiful:
Slate tiles are available in solid and different color combinations. Being natural, they are not the same as each other. Therefore, these are so unique and beautiful.
- Durable:
The slate rock has been formed from heat and pressure for millions of years. So these are incredibly tough and resistant. Slate tiles can easily withstand cracks, scratches, and stress. This durable material is therefore ideal for any floor.
- Adds Value:
Floors made of slate tiles add value to your home because of their high durability and unique appearance. If you plan to sell the house, you can get extra benefits.
- Aesthetic:
Slate tiles with textured surfaces give an aesthetic, artistic, and great flooring. The variety of natural colors of these tiles creates a stunning work of art.
- Waterproof:
Slate works great in bathrooms, pool areas, or kitchens as it is incredibly water-resistant. People used these tiles inside showers as well.
- Easy To Clean And Maintain:
You can easily clean slate tile floors. Just sweeping these floors is enough for maintenance. Slate will not stick to allergens like carpeted floors, so it is the ideal floor for someone who suffers from allergies.
- Heat Transmitting:
A slate stone floor can play a very effective role in keeping your house warm for a longer time. The slate tiles work impeccably in combination with an under-floor heating system.
12 Simple Steps To Install A Slate Stone Floor: The Best Way
Professional laborers for the installation of slate tiles can double your cost. If the floor is small, you can do the work yourself. However, the job can be challenging for you. If you can take up this challenge, follow the 12 steps below to place slate stones accurately:
Step 1: Collect Necessary Tools/Materials
The first step is to collect the required materials and equipment. Materials are Slate tile, Cement board, Mortar, Tile spacers, 1 ¼ inch cement board screws, Stone sealant, and Grout. You will need some equipment to get the job done perfectly which I am going to list below.
Equipment:
- Line chalk;
- Utility knife;
- Tape measure;
- Notched trowel;
- T square;
- 2×4 wood piece;
- Grout float;
- Foam brush;
- Rubber mallet;
- Wet saw;
- Drill;
- Needle Nose pliers;
- Sponge;
- Carpet remnant;
- Damp rags;
- An old coffee can;
- 2 Plastic buckets;
- Work gloves;
- Goggles.
Step 2: Prepare the Subfloor
Spread a sheet of cement board all over the floor to prepare the subfloor. Use a shop knife to cut the cement boards into small pieces to fill the uneven spaces on the side of the wall. Cement boards provide a layer of protection for the bottom surfaces. These are waterproof, so they prevent moisture from entering the bottom layer of slate stones.
You can also apply a waterproofing membrane instead of cement boards on your floors. The best features of a waterproof membrane are self-leveling and an impermeable coating.
Step 3: Create Reference Lines
You can use a tape measure to create a reference line. Measure each wall accurately and determine its center. Periodically determine the center of all four walls. Now, draw a line from the center of a wall connecting the center with the opposite wall. You can use a shop pencil to draw lines.
Once you draw the lines, you will find the center of the room. You need to divide the space into 4 even quadrilaterals with a cross in the right-center. You can use a T-square to make sure the lines are perfectly perpendicular.
Step 4: Lay Out The Tiles
You will need to prepare a layout of these slate stones before setting them up to be arranged according to the colors and patterns. Remember, slate is a unique component, and installing these can be tricky. So prepare the layout right after creating the reference line.
Spread the slate tiles in all the rooms according to the sequence and do the numbering. Once the numbering is done, put them back together. However, be careful not to create scratches while stacking.
Step 5: Prepare & Spread the Mortar
Before setting up the slate tiles, you need to prepare the mortar and spread it. In a plastic bucket, mix the mortar with water according to the instructions on the package. Keep stirring the ingredients using a wooden paint stick until it creates consistency.
Remember, prepare that amount of mortar at once so that you can finish using it in 20 to 30 minutes. Otherwise, they may dry out and become hard to use. When the mortar is ready, spread it on the cement board using the flat edge of a notched trowel. You need to start from the center where the chalk line crosses.
Cover a little more space than you need to spread mortar on a single slate tile. Make a groove on the mortar using the grooved edge of the trowel. This will create a stronger hold. Be sure to use gloves and knee pads when performing these tasks.
Step 6: Setup the Tiles
Once the mortar is spread, place the first tile firmly. Make sure your tile is nicely aligned with the two lines in the center of the first quadrilateral. Apply light pressure to the slate tiles so that the grooves you made in the bottom mortar are even.
If you think you need to apply more pressure, use a rubber mallet. If mortar sticks to the tile, wipe it off with a damp cloth quickly. After the tile setup, walk as little as possible on the floor until they are dry. So start in such a way that you do not block the way out of the room.
Step 7: Insert Tile Spacers & Level The Tiles
After you set up the first slate tile, place the tile spacer at its four corners. A grout line is created when the spacers create a consistent gap between tiles. After placing each tile in this way, place the spacer at its corners until you reach the distant wall.
You need to level the tiles when setting up. For this, you can use a 2 x 4 piece of wood that is covered with remnants of the carpet. Using a rubber mallet, press lightly so that all the tiles are even.
Step 8: Prepare Corner Tiles
You may need to cut the slate tiles to the required size to place them near the wall. Here, measure the distance of the wall from the spacer with the last tile in the room. Using a wet saw, cut the slate tile to the required size. Use this method every time to place the tiles along the wall.
Be careful when using wet saws. Be sure to use the tools you need to protect your eyes. These can make loud noises. So consider wearing earplugs when using wet saws.
Step 9: Remove Spacers And Allow The Mortar Dry
When the first quadrilateral is complete, pull the spacers out of the center of the tiles. You can use a pair of needle-nose pliers for this. You must remove the spacers before the mortar dries. If any glue gets stuck in the space between the individual pieces, use a store knife to remove it.
Leave the mortar to dry for at least 40 hours after removing the spacer. Keep windows and doors open to allow ventilation in the room. However, sometimes, there may be some differences during the dry time. You should always follow the manufacturer’s packaging instructions. Do not walk on the floor until the slate tiles get dry.
Step 10: Seal the Tile
You will need a good sealant to seal slate stone tiles, as these are naturally perforated components. Thoroughly clean the entire floor after the mortar has dried. Then seal the entire installation using a sealer to create a protective barrier.
You should use a lower-surface sealing agent first. This will go lower level through tiny holes in the slate tiles. You can use an old coffee can to spread the sealant on the tile. Or, you can use a thin foam brush.
Apply top-surface sealant after drying the lower-surface sealant for a few minutes. This sealant will create an invisible but strong barrier on top of the tile. Allow one to two hours for the sealant to dry.
Step 11: Apply grout to the space between the tiles
Prepare grout in a plastic bucket using the amount of water indicated by the manufacturer. Make sure the mixture is not too soupy or too thick. Use a grout float and scoop a small amount of grout. Apply grout directly to the gaps in the line created by the spacer.
While doing this, you will start from the far wall. Gently push the grouts into the gaps of the material as much as possible. Some grout may stick to the tile. But don’t worry, the sealants used in the tiles will protect the tiles in this situation.
Step 12: Remove Excess Grout & Seal The Lines
Use a slightly wet large sponge to remove excess grout. Be careful not to get too wet in the installation area. A soft cloth also can help you to clean excess grout. They also help to remove the accumulated fluid. Once the grout is removed, then let it dry for three to four hours.
After drying the grout, start sealing it. It is important to seal the grout line as water can enter through the grout. Spread along the line using a foam brush with the lower surface sealant in a coffee can.
After drying for a while, apply a second coat. This second coat will protect the slate tiles from future damage. Allow one to two hours for the sealant to dry.
4 Super Easy Steps To Clean A Slate Stone Floor: Keep It New
Any floor needs regular maintenance to keep it good for a long time. Slate floors are easy to clean. To clean a slate stone floor just follow the four steps below. Your floor will become clean and shiny.
Step 1: Sweep The Floor
The first step in cleaning the slate tile floor is to sweep. You can vacuum the floor well or use something with soft bristles designed for stone floors.
Step 2: Mop With Cotton Fibers
Mop with cotton fiber to clean the remaining dust on the floor. Keep sweeping in the same direction every time. Work slowly, making sure that the dust does not spread.
Step 3: Mopping The Floor With Homemade Cleaner
You can use a floor cleaner or make a home cleaner with dish soap. For this, prepare a cleaner by adding 1/4 cup mild soap with two gallons of hot water. If the floor is not too dirty, you can use water alone. Remove gently, taking care not to spill dirty water. If the floor is soapy, wash it off with a clean mop and clean water.
Step 4: Allow The Floor To Dry
You’re almost done cleaning the floor. Leave the floor here to dry thoroughly. When cleaning the floor, remove the furniture and clean it everywhere. In this way, you can maintain the color of the floor evenly and everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Slate A Good Choice For Flooring?
Slate tile floors are probably the best choice for you. There are many reasons I can call these tiles the best. Made from metamorphic rock, these tiles are incredibly durable. They do not get scratched, scraped, or dented, and do not get damaged easily.
You can use slate stones on any outdoor floor with no hesitation, as these are not slippery. Easy cleaning and maintenance methods make these more acceptable. Slate floors are elegant and stylish, so, obviously, you like them.
Is A Slate Stone Floor Slippery?
Slate is a natural stone with non-slippery properties. So you can walk on this type of floor worry less. We can see natural cracks in the slate with a non-honed tile. Which further enhances the grip on the slate stone.
Because of its non-slippery properties, people have been using slate tiles widely for a long time on outdoor floors. Slate tile floors are also ideal for wet areas. That is why the use of slate stone is more common in places like bathrooms or balconies.
Can You Use Slate On A Bathroom Floor?
Slate is one of the best tiles for the bathroom. The bathroom environment keeps wet most of the time. So slippery or such accidents are most likely to happen here. Naturally, you need to be careful about choosing tiles for the bathroom.
Slate-stone tiles have non-slippery features. Therefore, these are extremely safe and useful for the bathroom. Because they are stain-resistant and easy to clean, and they are not a problem to clean. Judging from everything, I can say that slate tile is one of the best choices for the bathroom.
How Can You Remove Stains From Slate Stone Floors?
Slate stones are naturally stain-resistant. However, if the slate tiles are sealed, certain chemicals, food, or other ingredients can cause stains on the floor. The problem of stains is mainly in the grout. For colored grout, check the cleaner before using it on the stain to see if it fades the color. Do not use bleach, especially on colored grouts.
For non-colored grout, you can use a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide to remove the stain. Wait 15 minutes after applying the solution to the stain. Then rub lightly with a soft cloth and wipe clean. If the stain persists, try again as before or consider using a special grout cleaner.
Are Slate Stone Floors Difficult To Maintain?
No, slate floors are relatively easy to clean and require minimal maintenance. You can keep these floors shiny just by sweeping every day. However, clean your floor once a month using a floor cleaning machine.
Since slate stone is resistant to stains, it does not cause many problems like stains. However, you can find stains in the grout, which are not very complicated to clean. If you see stains anywhere on the floor, take steps to remove them quickly. With this little maintenance, your slate tile floor will stay intact for a long time.
Are Slate Floors Expensive Than Other Flooring?
You may feel a little frustrated knowing that building a slate stone floor may cost you more than any other floor. However, judging by the quality and durability, this cost may be a reasonable decision.
It usually costs 4 to $10 per square foot of slate tile. The installation process is trickier than usual so you may need skilled workers, which can increase the further costs. Installation costs can range from about 10 to $15 per square foot. Overall, a slate stone floor is more expensive than other similar floorings.
Final Verdict
A slate stone floor can give your home a unique and elegant look. These natural stones are extremely durable and last a long time. You can use slate tiles to create floors anywhere as it has stain-resistant, non-slippery, and low-maintenance properties.
Not all of us have a better idea about slate tiles. But, this aesthetic floor can add extra value to your home. I have explained all you need to know about slate flooring through this writing. I hope this article helps you.
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