A p p e a r a n c e a n d U s e :
Q. What is slate?
A. Slate is a metamorphic rock that is formed when sediments from the ocean or a riverbed are compressed and heated by the earth's crust. Slate is made up of quartz, chlorite, mica and calcite.
Q. What can slate be used for in my home?
A. Typically, slate is used as flooring, but it also can be used for backsplashes and countertops in the kitchen, and bathrooms, as well as wall tiles for the shower and tub areas. Slate can be used to compliment fireplaces, and depending on the hardness, slate can also be used outdoors on patios and walkways.
Q. Why would I use slate in my home?
A. Slate is a highly durable and is a hard wearing product, suitable for flooring. It comes in a variety of colors to choose and is also fire resistant.
Q. What does a slate tile look like?
A. The bottom of the slate tile has been calibrated, the sides are machine cut (all edges are perfectly even), and the top is a riven surface that shows it natural, uneven split from the rock face. Remember this is a natural stone, so each tile will be slightly different from one another.
Q. How much does the thickness of slate tile vary?
A. There can be up to 1/4" difference in the heights on the top surface of a slate tile. The thickness of a 12"x12" tile is 3/8" - 7/16". There will be some variations beyond this range, but the product is fairly consistent. Slate tile is usually installed with a medium-bed mortar, which allows for the variation on adjoining edges to be minimized. When placing an order, please an additional 10%-15% extra tile to allow for waste, cut, and thickness variation.
