Flooring Slate Is A Wise Choice

In the past few years, flooring slate has been added to homeowners' stone choices. From granite kitchen countertops and hearthstones to window sills and sinks, builders and renovators have been choosing granite, slate and marble more and more often for their durability and beauty alike. Granite and slate are also used as roofing materials, with some slate tile roofs lasting for hundreds of years. Yet the use of slate for flooring is one of the most quickly growing trends.

Slate is formed under extreme pressure, so the molecules of the stone develop in parallel lines. This means both slate floor tile and roofing slate tile products are easy to produce because the rock splits readily into flat chunks. Some slate fades very little, while other types have a higher percentage of iron and calcium, and will therefore weather and turn slightly brown over time. Unlike the wide range of granite colors, slate is generally restricted to black, and shades of green, brown and red. But that isn't really a problem for slate flooring, since homeowners don't want their floors drawing all the attention, and are not likely to want elaborate colors.

The natural flat split of slate can be refined and shaped, so flooring slate can appear differently depending on the context. If slate chunks are left unpolished and slightly rough, they can be used as flagstones in a yard or garden. A slate tile wall, used for example in a bathroom, may use tiles cut uniformly, with sharp edges to create tight joints and the surface honed flat and smooth. In the same way, slate flooring tiles might be cut and placed uniformly, or they might remain in variable shapes and fitted together to form a pattern.

Among many other advantages, another good thing about flooring slate is its environmentally friendly nature. Being natural stone, it doesn't need to be replaced often, or need frequent repair. Homeowners can assume that roof and slate tile flooring will have a long life expectancy if maintained as required. Being fire-resistant, this stone will contribute to the security of the home, and potentially reduce insurance costs while adding to the property value. The material is clean and durable, and naturally beautiful. The use of slate can be a wise choice both in the construction of a new home or in the renovation of an existing one.

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