BKC Solutions Corner

Slate flooring is a fantastic choice for both home and business, giving decorators a unique and flexible material to employ in their home.  Slate has many advantages, including its affordability and durability.  A slate tile floor is made out of extremely fine material, giving it a resistance to moisture.  Spills should be very simple to clean up, as slate will not absorb the water.  Slate is also exceptionally resistant to stains and dirt.  Simple maintenance should keep a slate floor clean with a minimum of effort.

Due to the extensive range of origins for slate in the natural world, it can be found in a spectrum of shades and colors.  Slate flooring is available in everything from dark charcoal shades, to bright reds or greens.  Consumers also have a wide range of patterns to select from when it comes to slate flooring, giving each floor a personalized look.  The cleft texture of slate flooring makes it incredibly durable, resisting scratches and wear.  The slate texture also provides a great anti-slip surface, making it a great choice for in the kitchen or work areas.

The combination of a safe work surface and stain resistance make slate one of the best all around kitchen appropriate flooring materials available.  As well as to its affordability, slate flooring has the advantage of several unique patterns to select from.  Glosses can also be applied to slate flooring, bringing another dynamic to its uniqueness.  Laying out slate flooring can be done without professional assistance, but it requires a significant investment of time and a set of tools.  A diamond bladed saw will be required to cut the tiles.  Thinset must also be purchased along with the tile, which is used to secure the tile to the underlayment.

With a smooth concrete surface, no underlayment may be needed.  With hardwood subfloors, or broken up concrete, an underlayment of concrete will be required to begin the installation the right way.  It is essential that the correct thinset be used with certain tile sets.  The thinset bonds the tile to the underlayment, and if done badly the floor can gradually start shifting.  Be sure to have a large bucket and something to clean up mortar that spreads across tile surfaces.

Before installing slate flooring, check out the packaging of the slate tile.  Tiles commonly end up shattered after arriving at the store.  If any are broken, be sure that replacements match the original tile.