Slate Flooring: Pros & Cons

Black slate flooring after a clean

What is Slate Flooring | Advantages of Slate Flooring | Disadvantages of Slate Flooring | Slate Flooring Cost | Slate Flooring Installation | Slate Flooring Removal | Slate Scratch Info

Using natural materials can make any living space seem more sophisticated and unique. When it comes to flooring, there are many types of floor tiles that you can use for your home but none of them will be as distinctive as the slate tile.

We do feel like a natural slate will help you show off the beauty of your house. You can use it in any area of your home, from the living room to the backyard. Since this type of flooring material is so durable and sturdy, it can be used almost anywhere which is similar to the benefits of solid timber flooring. These are only some of the reasons that contribute to the popularity of slate tile flooring.

Before you commit to this type of flooring, my advice to you is to learn more about the material, its pros, and its cons. This is exactly what I am going to help you with today!

What is Slate Flooring?

Slate flooring is one of the most attractive flooring choices. It is a natural stone or metamorphic rock that comes in a wide range of colours, shapes and sizes. It is very easy to cut it in a way that will fit your home best.

The reason why people use slate tiles in a showroom is because of its great natural qualities and its durability, which are only a couple of the amazing characteristics that it has. However, before you install it in your home, you should also think about the disadvantages that slate tiles might have.

Advantages of Slate Floors

Here is why you should consider adding slate tiles to your showroom:

Aesthetics

One of the main advantages of this natural stone is its aesthetics. The uniqueness can be seen in the variety of texture, colour, and patterns that it is available in. You can choose the one that fits your home easily. To top that, using this kind of flooring will add to the value of your house. 

Durability

Slate is known for being quite tough and resilient. It could even be used outdoors and it will not be affected by varying temperatures or the changing climate. To add to that, it can resist water absorption, it is fireproof and indifferent to liquid stains.

Comfort

Once you install this type of floor in your house, you will see how amazing it feels under bare feet. It is one of the most comfortable materials for flooring. 

Disadvantages of Slate Floors

Here are some of the things to consider before committing to this type of flooring: 

Cost

Slate is usually a bit more costly than other flooring materials such as vinyl sheet flooring. Before you decide to use it, make sure that your budget can handle it. 

Installation

You should never try to install this type of flooring yourself for the simple reason that it requires a very specific surface on which you should place it. Also, the slate tends to be very heavy so it might cause some problems while installing.

Damage

Even though it is quite low maintenance and durable, this type of flooring can be subjective to cracking under strong pressure or when hit with a sharp, heavy object. 

How Much Does Slate Flooring Cost to Install?

I have already mentioned that slate tiles are a bit costly. Manmade ceramic tiles and travertine tiles are options that look similar to slate but come at lower prices.

In Australia, the price for high-grade tiles usually varies but they can be quite expensive to install. You should also look into the costs of hiring a professional to install it for you in your area for exact costs suited to your property.

Cost of Slate Flooring Removal

Slate flooring tiles can sometimes become damaged or show signs of chipping, flaking, or weathering. In this case, you can have them removed and replaced. In Australia, the removal of slate tiles can vary depending on the type of tiles and how they were installed.

Usually, the cost is anywhere from $25 to $68 per square metre. To learn more about this, you can contact customer service support for one of the leading slate flooring removal companies called CRS.

Does Slate Floor Scratch Easily?

Even though they do not require much maintenance, slate tiles need occasional sweeping or cleaning because the dust and dirt particles might cause them to scratch. A tip for hiding scratches on your slate tiles is using a bit of mineral oil directly on the scratch. You can thank me later!

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