Slate Tile Stores – Calgary and Edmonton
Slate tile is a common flooring option found in homes across Canada. The intense freeze-thaw cycles seen in Calgary & Edmonton winters bar many materials from outdoor use; however, some slates are durable enough to withstand the fierce Alberta environment. If you’re looking for an outdoor natural stone feature, visit either our Calgary and Edmonton Tile Store to discover the options available.
Why is slate tile one of the most sought after flooring materials of present day? Let’s take a look at slate’s unique qualities and natural beauty.
What is Slate?
The Merriam-Webster website defines slate as: “a dense fine-grained metamorphic rock produced by the compression of various sediments (such as clay or shale) so as to develop a characteristic cleavage”
Aside from its wide-spread use as both indoor and outdoor flooring, slate has historically been used in roofing shingles, billiard tables, chalkboards, and cemetery markers. Early electrical panels used slate for its insulation abilities. Today we enjoy the same insulation properties by noticing how quickly slate warms up when we turn on the in-floor heat below it. Also, if you have sun hitting the floor, the heat transferred to the slate is an added bonus. It feels great under foot and will radiate heat for quite a while after the sun has set (or after you’ve turned that in-floor heat off).
Slate Tile
Now that we know what slate is, let’s talk about slate tiles. Here’s a video documenting how slate transforms from a chunk of rock into an attractive tile:
A classic slate tile install has a high colour variance throughout the floor, or even throughout one tile. Some love the natural colours cascading throughout the floor; however, it’s not for all. Thankfully, there are more uniform colour choices of slate available. And, for those of you who enjoy a little “glam,” slate mined from Northern India has quartzite in it, lending a natural sparkle.
There are two finishes available with slate: calibrated and honed. Calibrated tiles have a smooth, even bottom, but the top of the slate is left with it’s natural, cleft-like texture. This creates a naturally slip-resistant tile. Honed tiles are perfectly smooth on top, which, in many cases, leaves a swirl-like pattern. Honed tiles offer a smooth, even floor, but are not suitable for outdoor application due to being slippery.
Where can slate tile be used? Virtually everywhere. Bathrooms, kitchens, backsplashes, flooring and wall cladding are all common areas to install slate. Many slates are tough enough to brave Alberta winter; however, check with your sales representative to ensure you are selecting the right slate for your outdoor application.
Slate tile flooring is also available in varied grades of quality. The most exclusive and fine quality slate is found deep underground, requiring mining to extract it. Slate tile flooring obtained from the mines is very expensive, as it is of exceptional quality and needs a lot of time, money and effort to extract it. More porous slate can be found closer to the surface, requiring less excavation effort. In many cases, these slate tiles are of acceptable quality.
Installing Slate
The technique for installing slate is similar to installing ceramic or porcelain tile. The subfloor must be properly level, and an anti-fracture membrane (substrate) must be used. Extra care must be taken when installing calibrated slate to ensure each tile is installed with a minimum of lippage–you don’t want people tripping over that natural texture!
As with all natural stone, slate should be sealed after it is installed. Proper sealing protects the stone from water damage (a must in exterior applications), as well as staining. We suggest a premium sealer such as Dry Treat’s Stainproof or Intensifia. Stainproof will protect the stone for 25 years (no re-sealing needed), while keeping the same look and feel it had before sealing. Intensifia enhances slates colour for 5 years, while simultaneously providing a premium sealing element. If you like the way your slate looks when you put water on it, consider sealing with Instensifia.
Why choose slate?
Slate strikes a perfect balance of beauty and functionality. Choose from a vast selection of patterns, designs and colours. You can chose colours that fit either vibrantly coloured rooms, or more muted design choices.
With proper sealants and cleaners, maintaining slate tile flooring requires minimal effort.
Installing slate tile flooring in your home or office will enhance the monetary worth of your property.
The enduring beauty of slate tile enhances any setting, making it a perfect flooring option, no matter your style or design preference.