Have you ever seen a floor that you fell in love with? That’s the way some people feel about slate flooring. It’s a natural choice for homeowners that live in rustic locations but others may find that it meets their flooring needs, as well.

What is it?

Slate tiles may be the perfect choice for homeowners that are concerned with the environment. It is a natural stone that is formed from layers of sediments deposited at the bottom of rivers or oceans. The sediments are compressed and heated over time, and become hard. Durable tiles are made from these layers and sold to builders and homeowners.

Choosing the Right Flooring

Maybe you’ve never thought of slate flooring for your home; perhaps it’s time to start. Slate tiles can be found in a variety of sizes, colors, and finishes to match nearly any decor. Consider using them in rooms that are high traffic and need a water-resistant floor.

How Much Does it Cost?

Slate can be found in a wide range of prices depending upon the type of stone and size of the tile. However, tiles should be available to meet your budget. Expect tiles to start at $2 a square foot and go up from there. When ordering tile, remember to order extra to cover any breakage.

What are the Pros and Cons of Slate Flooring?

Slate tiles are similar to ceramic tiles in many ways. The advantages include being durable, naturally slip-resistant, and having a distinctive finish. The disadvantages include difficulty in maintaining grout between the tiles, and the grout not being as stain-resistant as the tiles. Another disadvantage is that it doesn’t have any padding like carpet or rubber flooring.

Can I Install It Myself?

This is a do-it-yourself project. However, having experience laying ceramic tile will make it go faster. You may need to rent a wet diamond blade saw to cut tiles and will need grout to go between the tiles. If you follow the instructions and take your time, you should have a beautiful floor when you’re finished.

Caring for your floor

Slate tiles should be easy to care for if they were properly installed. Even though they are naturally resistant to staining, you may want to seal them to help maintain them. Basic care will include cleaning up spills, dust mopping, and damp mopping with warm water. What could be easier than that?

Choosing a new floor after remodeling a room is a big step. Your floors are an important design element, and slate tile flooring may be the right choice for your home. With the variety of tiles available, a beautiful slate tile floor is something you’ll love.