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A natural, extremely durable stone, slate can be cut into many shapes, sizes, thickness and texture to create floor designs easy to maintain. Smaller sections can be installed in a way similar to ceramic tile while larger sections create a more interesting rough-looking floor pattern. You also have the option of having slate tiles cut to your own specifications if there not available in the open-market.

A wide range of natural colors are created from the minerals and impurities in the silt and clay that make up slate. Slate flooring distributors will have many color choices available n rust reds, greens, grays, maroons, browns, charcoal blacks and mottled mixtures of these colors incorporated into each slate tile.

An important advantage of slate flooring over other natural stones is its ability to resist stains. A unique mixture of fossils, sand grains, crystals and bonding of the elements is how slate is formed. This combined structure prevents liquids from permeating the surface of the stone, thus the floors surface as well, and makes slate flooring an excellent choice for areas where all kinds and types of liquids are a constant factor.

Slates durable, toughness will easily withstand heavy trafficked areas, plus its stain-resistance and waterproof abilities definitely make it a wise flooring choice for inside a home, business or outside patio and driveway. This is one stone that is built to withstand nearly everything handed to it… short of demolitions and earthquakes…

Another benefit of slate flooring is the natural properties that create a texture that is slip-resistant without being treated. It is smooth enough to walk barefoot on, but minimizes the potential for slipping if your feet, or soles of your foot wear, are wet. The texture can be lightly sanded for a smoother surface, but that is usually not necessary.

Although hard and cold to the touch, installing radiant heat underneath the tile will eliminate the coldness and provide another source of heat that is not seen or heard.

Maintaining the natural stone look of slate tiles requires very little work. Regular cleaning with a soft bristled broom or dust mop and an occasional mopping of the surface, with the proper cleaning agent, is all that it requires. No need for waxes or finishes to keep slate flooring looking like new.

For the serious do-it-yourself handy person, installing a slate tile floor is not impossible. It fact it is very similar to installing any ceramic flooring. Just take your time, follow expertise directions and you will have a terrific looking floor!

Learn more about Slate Flooring and other types of flooring materials at Flooring Specialty.