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We want to put in natural slate tile squares for our kitchen countertop,any suggestion on sealant? Pros&Cons?

Mar 06, 2007 by jen s | Posted in Decorating & Remodeling

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Jen,

Pros: I love natural slate it is beautiful with the color variation. Nothing beats natural stone for beauty.

Cons: maintenance is another issue. Natural slate is a sedimentary rock it shales or flakes off with use. For a floor I would say go for it, for a counter think twice about your lifestyle first. Will you seal it and go easy on it? There are two types of sealants in general water based and chemical based sealers. water based sealers are less toxic for application but need to be redone yearly. Chemical based sealers last about 3-5 years but are toxic to breathe. Slate when it shales or flakes need to be resealed. The way to test your sealant is to apply water to the surface if it soaks in you have lost your seal and need to reapply. If this is ok with you then go for it.

If not, consider slate look porcelain it does not require sealing (except the grout) and is very durable and more impact resistant.

Good luck with your project,

Jen

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The Elegance of Natural Slate Kitchen Countertops

by Mr Zack

Slate is a dense, sedimentary rock formed over thousands of years that consists of clay and volcanic ash, becoming dense sheets of crystalline mica. While most slate can be darker stone, it is also available in shades of red, green, blue, and purple. So you can see that by selecting slate for kitchen countertops, you are getting a material that has the feel and natural beauty of a natural stone. Slate countertops look great. Most slate countertops are considered to be stain-free. Many kitchen design professionals regard slate as an even better natural stone surface that marble or granite, since slate kitchen countertops have a low porosity so that this surface requires no sealing. What this means is that slate kitchen countertops are more stain resistant and less likely to provide a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. Many people might associate slate as just a material for roofing and outdoor walkways, however slate can be an excellent material for use in kitchen countertops, primarily because slate has a low absorption rate. Slate is one natural material that has both the strength and durability of granite and marble but without the constant maintenance and care these other surfaces require.

Source: The Elegance of Natural Slate Kitchen Countertops

Slate Flooring Review | Slate Tile Floor Ideas | The Kitchen Blog

by Ganka

Advantages of slate flooring Slate is a natural stone that is formed under great pressure under the ocean floor. Therefore it is very tough and long lasting , and is well suited for daily kitchen activities. Slate flooring can endure harsh kitchen temperatures, spillage and humidity. Therefore it does not absorb liquids and does not get stained easily . Slate flooring is preferred over other natural stones because it is slip resistant and ideal for wet kitchen areas . Slate flooring offers a unique pattern of color shades, texture variations and spots that can make your kitchen appealing to look at. It comes in a wide range of natural color shades which include grays, blues, greens and browns. Slate flooring can therefore fit into any interior design style and color scheme. Slate floor tiles of one or more colors can be used to create an interesting mosaic across the kitchen floor. Due to the unique patterns and textures found on slate floor tiles, no two slate floors will look the same. This can give your home a unique look and increase its resale value. Disadvantages of slate flooring Slate flooring reflects the surrounding temperatures. Therefore in winter it can get very cold, making barefoot walking very uncomfortable. However, with a proper heating system, this limitation can be eliminated. As in the case of any natural stone flooring, slate flooring can be a bit hard on your knee and ankle joints due to its hardness. If you have to spend long hours cooking, you can create soft standing spots by placing rugs in key areas. Also, do not leave acidic foods on the surface at any time. Foods such as tomatoes, lemon juice or vinegar if left on the surface can spoil the surface. Cost of slate flooring

Slate is quarried in places such as Vermont in the US and is also imported from Asian countries. Therefore every manufacturer will place a different price tag on slate floor tiles. On average, slate flooring will be available for about $2 to $3 or more for each square foot, apart from installation charges. Prices can rise as you go in for larger or thicker tiles. Colors and patterns that give a dramatic effect will cost higher; however they are worth the investment. The total price will be directly proportional to your kitchen area.

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