Slate Tile Checklist
The popular use of slate tile flooring in many areas of residential and commercial 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, you’re always have firm footing!
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) it’s a good idea to make sure that your sealant is suitable for slate tile
- Hire an experienced flooring professional if you don’t have experience in laying slate tile yourself. This can help you to avoid costly mistakes
Don’t:
- Forget to allow for breakage and waste when you place your order. Accidents can happen, both in transit and on the job site
- 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 hasn’t cured can be difficult to remove later
- Begin grouting too soon. It’s a good idea to wait at least a day before grouting your slate tile in order to allow the mortar to properly set.
For a more complete set of guidelines for slate tile flooring, it’s best to consult with the experts directly!
Rob Jones is Communications Coordinator with BuildDirect (www.builddirect.com), a leading online wholesaler of building products. Rob writes articles for commercial contractors and DIYers on features, installation, and maintenance of building materials used in commercial and residential projects.