Slate Flooring: Why and How To Choose Slate Tile for Any Bathroom

Slate is a natural stone that has been valued throughout the millennial for its sculptural and architectural qualities.

Slate tile comes in several shapes and sizes. It also gives you a number of texture and color options.

Slate tile is also much more durable than many of the alternative flooring options.

To decide what type of slate will best serve your needs, consider the following four aspects: Shape, size, texture, and color.
Here is some more information:

-Shape. Slate tiles come in square and rectangular shapes. Going with square tiles will give you a simple and unassuming look. Rectangular tiles will stand out more. You can also have the tiles custom cut into other shapes if you really want a flashy design.

-Size. Slate tiles can be found in a wide range of sizes. The best way to decide what size you want is to look at examples of already-installed flooring at home shows, at the flooring warehouse, or even in magazine pictures. Also, using a variety of sizes in your bathroom can create a unique feel.

-Texture. Texture varies from rough to fairly smooth. The more it is sanded, the more smooth it will be. Most people choose a rougher texture for bathrooms because a rough tile will be naturally slip-resistant.

-Color. Slate generally comes in variations of red, green, purple, gray and black. Take a few tile samples into your bathroom to see which color matches best. Use a few different colors if they fit in with the mood of the bathroom. Similar to size, using different colors helps create a unique bathroom.

How to install your slate floor tile:

When you install your flooring, you have to do some preparation beforehand. You first must make sure that the surface is clean (and sanded if you are laying the slate on a smooth surface). You will then want to layout the tiles in the desired pattern. By doing this you will ensure that everything will fit together.

Once you have made the necessary preparations you will actually begin the installation process. The first step is spread a thin-set adhesive over the floor. You will then firmly set each slate floor tile into place. It is critical to be firm to make sure that the adhesive will hold. You will want to leave a space of about 3/8" between tiles for grouting later on.

You will want to stay off of the newly-laid tile for at least a day so that it will set properly. After a day or two you will want to clean the surface.

The next step is to grout the spaces between the tiles. Using a standard tile grout will be sufficient.

When this is completed you will again want to leave it alone for a full day. Then come back to do a final cleaning and your slate flooring project is complete.

New! Comments

© Bathroom-designs-ideas.com All rights reserved.