Slate is a natural stone with a unique look and texture and can be used in various ways. Are you considering installing slate floors in the kitchen, bathroom, mudroom, or patio, but are not sure if it’s right for your home? Read the article where we talk about slate tile flooring pros and cons to help you make an informed choice.
Slate Tile Flooring Pros and Cons
There are many reasons why slate tile ranks high on the wish list of flooring choices, including super strength, vibrant hues, natural textures, stain resistance. It also ranks high among tiles for roofing. But there are both benefits and drawbacks to using this material for floors, and it’s not suitable for all homes.
Pros of Slate Tile
Slate tile combines functional durability with the awe-inspiring essence of natural stone. It can enhance the visual appeal of any area it is installed in. If you decide to select slate tiles for your interior flooring or slate flagstone for your patio, you’ll have a wide variety of choices in terms of shade and pattern.
Slate gives you the freedom to pick designs that best meet your taste and preference. The colors can include mixtures grays, rusty browns, tans, olive greens, and even cyan and purple specks. From smooth finishes to natural cleft face and back tiles, you can find slate tiles in various patterns to add to your home aesthetics.
Slate flooring is extremely durable and stain-resistant. When compared to hardwood, marble, or laminate, slate floors require less maintenance to look good and last longer in almost any condition. Generally, slate tile is an excellent flooring material for heavy-traffic areas. It is resistant to cracks, scratches, breaks, and chips, although it has to be sealed against stains on a regular basis. Slate floor tiles are very easy to clean and maintain as they need regular sweeping with a broom and a floor mop with a mild soap.
Cons of Slate Tile
Slate tile flooring is rather pricey, especially if you purchase the top-quality materials that are most likely to last for decades. But slate is considered high-end flooring material that adds real estate value to your home, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways.
It also requires professional installation because slate tiles are difficult to cut without special tools, and they must be set on a solid surface with mortar to prevent the flexing that can cause cracking of the tiles. Since each slate tile is unique, future repairs can be difficult if you want uniformity.
Final Thought
Slate tile is considered a luxurious material, and if properly installed, it makes dependable flooring that gives you value for your money. It’s a natural choice for any homeowner looking for the optimal combination of beauty and longevity. We hope that our article covering slate tile flooring pros and cons will help you have a better idea of what to expect out of this stunning material.
