Warm honey, soft rose, deep beige, and earthy green. If those colors don't immediately have you thinking in terms of stone, you're not alone. Slate brings to mind tones of dark gray and black for most people, the traditional color of slate roofs and paving tiles. But, say decorators, slate comes in a wide variety of colors, from gray to red. The natural blend of tones creates a palette of greens and purples, and warm, soft browns that can be used alone or in combination for beautiful floors that are as at home beneath a dining room table as they are around the pool in the back garden.
Slate floors are also an affordable option. At less than half the price of more expensive marble and granite floors, slate tiles can cost as little as a wood floor for the same space. The natural cleft of slate tile makes a slip-resistant floor that will meet most safety standards, without offering a tripping hazard. Finished with a sealant, a slate floor is low maintenance and high ambience. The looks that can be achieved with slate range from timeless to funky. The size and shape options available for slate tiles range from 6" squares to 12"x24" rectangles. Slate tiles can be custom cut, and the shapes mixed and matched to create one-of-a-kind floors for your family room, patio, deck or kitchen.
Laying slate tile floors can be a challenging project for an experienced do-it-yourselfer. There are a number of considerations to take into account in choosing slate tile for your floors. One of the most important is the relative strength of the sub-floor. Stone floors are heavy - the sub-floor must be strong enough to support the weight. Tile thickness is generally between 1/4" and 1/2", and will raise the floor level, and that should be taken into account when planning room transitions and doors. The tile is set over concrete, wood or a sand layer, and grouted to set it in place. The grout you choose can add a great deal to the overall pattern, or become a part of it.
Caring for slate floors is easier than caring for marble or other high-end stone floors. Properly finished, all a slate floor needs is regular sweeping and cleaning with a non-acidic household cleaner.
The natural look of unfinished slate is a popular choice for family room and dining rooms. Slate flagstones, long popular for outdoor patios, is growing in popularity for indoor uses. The irregularities of the tile combine with asymmetrical patterns to accent decors from rustic to casual.
Design Tips and Tricks from Professionals
If you choose to do-it-yourself, rent a wet-saw to make cutting easier. You can find patterns for laying slate tile at most home supply stores, including Home Depot.
To make cleaning grout off tile surfaces easier, seal the tiles with a penetrating sealant BEFORE grouting.
Choose one basic color family and an accent color. Use larger tiles for the main area of the floor, and accent with small insets of a deeper, brighter or richer color for a classic look that lifts the rustic to contemporary flair.