Due to the wide spectrum of sources for slate in the natural world, it can be found in a range of shades and colors.  Slate flooring can be purchased in anything from dark charcoal shades, to bright reds or greens.  Consumers enjoy a very broad selection of patterns to select from when it comes to slate flooring, giving each floor a unique look.  The cleft texture of slate flooring makes it incredibly durable, resisting scratches and wear.  The slate texture also provides a safe surface that won’t become slippery, 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 on the market.  As well as to its affordability, slate flooring benefits from a wide range of unique patterns to choose from.  Glosses can also be applied to slate flooring, bringing another dynamic to its appearance.  Installation of 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 provides the sharpness to cut through slate.  Thinset must also be used in the installation, which is used to secure the tile to the underlayment.

With a smooth concrete surface, no underlayment may be required.  With hardwood subfloors, or cracked concrete, an underlayment of concrete will be needed 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 eventually begin drifting.  Be sure to have a large bucket and something to clean up mortar that spreads across tile surfaces.

Before installing slate flooring, make sure that the slate tiles are unbroken.  Tiles can frequently end up broken after arriving at the store.  If any are broken, be sure that replacements match the original tile.

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When being installed by a homeowner, slate in tile form is much easier and a more practical application.

Slate tile comes in many color variations including reds, beiges, rusts and blues in addition to the darker shades. You may choose a more uniform look in coloration, or a random look.

If you want a more uniform look in the coloration of slate tiles, buy enough all at the same time and place. Do keep in mind though that this is a product of nature so there is going to be some variance.

For a very clean contemporary look, set tiles close together and keep grout lines very slim. If a more rustic and natural look is what you are after, set the tiles farther apart with wider grout lines.
Keep a level handy as you lay the slate tiles. If needed, add more adhesive to compensate for thinner tiles, and keep the floor level. Finish by calking between the tiles and the wall, and using a paintbrush to seal the grout lines. The slate itself is waterproof, but you need to guard against water in any cracks.

Once slate is properly installed it is very durable and it is waterproof. Slate tile has a naturally wet sheen. You can polish the floor to give it more gloss, but if installed in a bathroom it is recommended you go with the natural look. Bathrooms with their water can be slippery places, so less gloss is a safer choice.

Take care when installing and handling slate tile, as it can be very sharp. Get detailed instructions from your home improvement center on how to lay slate tile.

Follow safety precautions by wearing safety glasses, a mask and ear protection when using power tools. Also observe caution and ventilate the room well while you are using adhesives and sealants to install your slate tile floor.

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