Slate is an excellent alternative to granite and quartz for homeowners who want something more unique and unconventional. It has been used in construction since at least the Roman Empire and is generally used today as flooring, though it is sometimes used for countertops. While slate flooring is not the right option for every project, it can be a great choice. Keep reading to learn five reasons why and then contact Fuller Stone Care to help maintain whatever type of stone flooring you choose.
1. It’s Nearly Waterproof
You may not think of stone as being absorbent, but it can be. Stones, just like many natural minerals, has specific characters of porosity and absorption based on the type of stone it is. For slate, the rate of water absorption is extremely low – around 0.4%. To better understand how it compares to other stones, consider that marble has an absorption rate of 2%. This means that if you soaked it in water, it would add about 2% of its weight in water.
2. It’s Very Durable but Doesn’t Weigh as Much as Other Similar Stones
One of the issues with a flooring style such as granite is how heavy it is. Slate offers similar durability to heavy blows and strikes, yet it is much lighter. Interestingly, it is relatively easy to break from one direction – which is how slate is split into sheets. However, it is very hard to crack with a direct hit from above. Of course, we do not recommend trying.
3. Slate Flooring Requires Little Maintenance
At Fuller Stone Care, we often recommend slate due to its low maintenance needs. We do recommend sealing slate to prevent discoloration and staining. After that, regular maintenance includes wiping down the surface occasionally. Do not wipe spills – blot them. this will help prevent the chance of a stain appearing. We do recommend that you have maintenance done periodically, which we can complete for you.
4. It’s a Unique Look
We love the look of slack. It has a dark texture that makes it a great choice for a variety of design styles, from modern to rustic. This is an underutilized stone so you can expect that if you use it as flooring in your kitchen or bathroom, you will get many comments from friends and family.
5. It’s Relatively Affordable
The truth is that natural stone is more expensive than many popular options such as vinyl flooring. However, among the collection of natural stone flooring options, slate is one of the more affordable options.
When you do decide to use a natural stone as your flooring material, make sure you work with Fuller Stone Care to properly care for it. Doing so can help ensure you get the best investment out of your flooring.