Slate Tile for Kitchen Floors
A popular and fashionable designer choice for today is slate tiles for kitchen floors. Slate is a natural stone that is formed underwater in ocean and river beds from layers of sediment that have been heated and compressed. It is an extremely durable flooring material and it can make a very elegant and dramatic design statement. It can also be used on your countertops, and a slate tile backsplash is become a very popular design choice.
Slate tile may not be the most economical choice for kitchen flooring, but it will certainly increase the value of your home and it is a good investment. Prices range from $2 to $10 per square foot. It may be a good idea to have it installed by a professional. It is very important to have a well prepared subfloor. Slate tile floors are installed with a cement-based adhesive and is finished by grouting between the tiles and then applying a sealant. The sealant protects the slate from staining from spills, etc. It may be necessary to refresh the sealant from time to time.
Slate tile will give your kitchen a timeless and natural look. It comes in a good range of colors from black to gold and various shades of browns and greens. Slate is considered to be more slip-resistant than granite or marble and is a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
After installation, the care of a slate floor is similar to any other type of kitchen floor. Periodic sweeping and vacuuming are recommended. When it becomes necessary to mop the floor, it can actually be done with plain hot water and a mop. If you like, you can even purchase special products that were made specifically for cleaning slate tile floors. It is not recommended that you use normal cleaning products on a natrual stone floor, and you should certainly avoid using anything which has an acid base. These cleaning supplies for slate tile can be found in most home improvement stores, or purchased online.