Slate is a natural stone that so often goes under the radar. As one of the stone types that is native to Great Britain, it has a history in building that goes back for centuries. We often encounter slate floors that have been hidden away in a home and it is one of our greatest pleasures to uncover the beauty of this natural stone.
Just like marble, slate is a metamorphic rock. This means that it is formed through intense heat and pressure. However, its origins are a far cry from marble with slate being formed from clay and volcanic ash.
The formation of slate is a unique process that creates foliation or layering that we associate with this stone. The shale, basalt and mudstone that form the initial sedimentary deposit are compressed in a very specific way. It is the tectonic plates that apply horizontal forces on the deposits that create the characteristic layering.
As a natural stone, slate is particularly fine-grained. This means that it has a low water absorption and this is what makes it a very good building material. It is also an incredibly durable stone and so an excellent investment for clients looking to create a home that is built to last. Being thermally stable means that slate can also withstand high heat and is also a great thermal insulator.
Typically we think of slate as being black or grey but there’s actually a huge variety of colours. Even slate from the same location can vary in colour with some Welsh slates being purple, green or even pink. Like other natural stone, the colour is mainly due to the minerals in its composition. For example, haematite is responsible for the stunning purple hued slates and chlorite creates green varieties.
In its most natural form, slate has a riven finish. Tiles chosen in a riven finish will have the natural texture that is created when the stone is quarried. Not only is this a beautiful way to add character to a rustic kitchen, it is also hard wearing and adds an element of slip resistance. This riven look can be softened slightly by ‘brushing’ the tiles for a slightly more contemporary look. Much less commonplace is a honed slate floor where the natural grooves have been completely knocked out of the tile.
When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, the great news is that it is very straightforward to care for your slate floor.
It is important to keep your floor as free from scratch hazards as possible. This is particularly pertinent if you have a honed finish which will show any scratches and marks made by shoes and furniture more starkly. We recommend popping felt pads underneath anything that will come into contact with your slate floor. You may also wish to ask guests to leave their shoes at the door. Simply sweeping the floor on a daily basis is a great way to make sure that there’s no loose stones, dust or dirt that can cause further damage.
When mopping a slate floor, it is important to use a pH neutral cleaner. Like with other natural stones, slate can be sensitive to acid depending on the mineral make up. To be on the safe side, we recommend Fila Cleaner Pro. This is a great product to invest in as it can be used on any natural stone surface in your home.
Every now and again, you may consider investing in a professional deep clean of your slate floor. Compared with a regular household clean, our professionals will use abrasive powders to gently resurface the stone and reveal a fresh layer – and the beautiful colours – of your slate floor. For honed surfaces, we are able to grind the floor to remove blemishes, stains and scratches too.
For further details on some of the more unique slate projects that we have worked on take a look at our blog or portfolio.
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