Slate Tile Floor Tips: Dos and Don’ts

Due to its versatility and aesthetic value, slate tile flooring is a popular choice for many residential and commercial locations – both inside and out. With its distinctive surface, ease of installation, work-ability, decorative color variations, and natural slip-resistance, it is a great choice for a wide range of renovation projects. As with all flooring surfaces, slate tile has certain requirements. To help you make an informed choice, check out the below dos and don’ts:

Do:

• Consider the area in which you wish to install your slate tile flooring and be sure that the type you choose to buy is appropriate for your space’s 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. Ask a BuildDirect product expert 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 related 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 professional advice as to specific brands and varieties of mortar and always read the instructions on any products you buy.
• Choose an 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 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 flooring 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. Feel free to contact a BuildDirect product expert if you have any questions. Call 1-877-631-2845 or email sales@builddirect.com, we’d love to hear from you.

Click here to take a look at our stunning online selection of slate tile. Discover the right natural stone surface for your renovation project!