Are you Considering Slate Flooring for Your Home?

When people think about slate in terms of their homes, they usually think of roofing. Yet slate can also serve as a beautiful, durable flooring material. There are many benefits to this versatile type of flooring, but a few drawbacks to consider, as well.

If you love the beauty of marble or granite floors, but not the price tag, slate is a reasonable alternative. Slate flooring comes in many different natural stone colors and a wide variety of patterns. If you’re concerned about your family’s health, slate is a great choice. Slate is hypoallergenic and resistant to bacteria.

Since slate flooring is stone, it is naturally resistant to moisture. This makes it a great choice for basement, entryway, bathroom and even kitchen flooring. Although slate is also resistant to stains, some types require sealing for full protection against staining.

Because slate is natural stone, it never needs waxing and it doesn’t require special care to stay looking great. Slate floors do require regular sweeping, as stone does tend to trap dirt. Regular cleaning with a damp mop and mild soap detergent will keep slate flooring beautiful for a lifetime.

With so many advantages, slate flooring may sound like the ideal material for beautifying your home. It does have some drawbacks however that should be considered. Although slate is very hard and extremely durable, it may be scratched by sharp metal objects or unprotected furniture legs. It also may feel cool to the touch, or too hard for the comfort of toddlers or pets. It is easy to soften and warm slate floors however with the addition of area rugs.  

Slate flooring is heavy, and you will need to be sure your subfloor can handle the full weight load of slate. Slate can be challenging to handle, and it requires very precise installation. Homeowners should not plan to install their own slate flooring unless they have prior experience working with stone floors. It is easy to make mistakes when installing slate floors, and they will be expensive to fix.