When considering slate flooring installation, there are some factors to consider. This article will discuss the cost, durability, color and installation process. Before selecting this material, however, it is essential to consider the following questions:
Cost
Considering the relatively low maintenance of slate, it makes sense that you’d want to enjoy your new floors for years to come. Slate’s textured surface and dark color make cleaning it relatively simple. A daily sweeping of the floor will eliminate the biggest culprits that can scratch slate floors. But there’s more to slate than just cleaning. It needs to be protected against staining and damage with regular sealer applications.
Slate is a unique material. It’s often difficult to design without a professional, which makes it a good candidate for DIY installation. However, if you do choose to go with a professional installation, it’s a good idea to purchase some extra tiles in case the floor becomes damaged. If you have any questions about the process, don’t hesitate to call a licensed flooring expert. A professional can give you a free estimate of the cost for installing a slate floor.
Durability
The durability of slate floors depends on how well they’re installed. Proper subfloor preparation, a self-leveling concrete bed, and professional installation are all necessary to keep slate tile looking great. Even though slate is hardwearing and beautiful, it can still be brittle and vulnerable to damage if exposed to a sharp impact. As a result, if you plan to install slate tiles in your home, it’s best to hire a professional to do the job.
Slate is the hardest natural stone, so consider a sealant if you’re worried about scratches or stains. This will prevent stains from damaging the stone and extending its lifespan. To prevent stains from setting in, seal slate flooring with two coats of waterproof sealant. Keeping slate floors protected from staining will ensure that your investment will look as good as the day you installed it.
Colours
Slate floors are often scuffed and dusty. Fortunately, most scratches are small and can easily be covered up by a few layers of protective stone oil. Applying mineral oil to the damaged area will not only hide the scratch, but also help prevent new scratches. Mineral oil can be applied using a foam paintbrush and should be applied in overlapping strokes to ensure even coverage. Allow the stain to dry thoroughly before walking on the floor.
The natural water-repellent properties of slate make it a great choice for the kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. Slate is also very durable and can withstand shower steam, spills, and sprinklers. Aside from being durable, slate is eco-friendly, as it contains no toxins. Carpet, vinyl, and laminate contain phthalates, flame retardants, and other potentially harmful chemicals.
Cost of installation
The cost of slate floor installation varies depending on the type of slate tile you choose. Gauged slate tiles need back buttering, which means putting adhesive on the tile’s back. Gauged slate costs more than ungauged tiles, but they’re more uniform and will save you on labor costs. Gauged slate is also more expensive than ungauged slate, which is cleaved along its natural grain.
The average cost for a slate floor installation is $6 to $13 per square foot. This is for basic work performed by qualified trade professionals using MID-GRADE materials. If you choose to install premium materials or use a master craftsman, your cost will be higher. To find out the actual cost, contact a reputable trade professional to estimate your project. You can also look online for reviews to compare the prices of different slate floors.
Maintenance
When it comes to cleaning slate floors, you’ll find that you’ve got a few options. While smaller scratches are easily repaired with a simple household cleaning product, larger ones will require professional assistance. For these situations, you can try a chemical solution, such as mineral oil. This substance is a by-product of the petroleum distillation process, and is both colourless and odourless. It’s a good choice for removing scratches from slate work surfaces, and you can find it at hardware stores. Be sure to wipe the affected area with a cloth before allowing it to dry.
You can also invest in a jute or rubber-backed mat for your slate floors. However, you should be careful when choosing a mat. These mats should not be too thick or too thin because they may bleed into the slate flooring. Make sure you purchase a mat that’s wide enough to cover the entire entranceway, and always use a dry cloth to wipe off the mat. Slate is also a very durable material, so you’ll want to invest in rugs to protect it from scratches and gouges.