Slate

Q: Is slate water-resistant?

Yes. In fact, slate is nearly 100% waterproof. This is one of the reasons that slate is so popular in potentially wet and humid areas, such as outdoors, on roofs, in laundries, and in kitchens.

Q: Are slate tiles slippery when wet?

This depends upon the type of tile you’re considering. Clefted slate tiles are non-slip thanks to their textured surface. Honed slate tiles can become slippery when wet, though not as slippery as glossy, polished stone-like marble.

Slate is most often seen covering high-quality roofs, but this elegant stone has many uses, including slate floor tiles, wall panels, freeform walls, and accent features. Recently, the public has begun appreciating slate’s aesthetic appeal and numerous benefits, making slate stone a highly sought-after material. Slate comes in various styles, including gauged, clefted, and honed slate tiles. ArchiPro offers high-quality slate stone and tiles from trusted suppliers in Australia.

Luxor Slate

RMS Marble

Ardesia Italian Slate

RMS Marble

Featuring the best slate tiles and products in Australia

ArchiPro sells slate provided by first-class suppliers in Australia for a variety of purposes. Whether you’re looking for full stone slabs or tiles of gauged, clefted or honed varieties, ArchiPro has you covered. While most slate is a tasteful and traditional dark grey, different hues are available, with gradient shadows and shades giving the stone extra visual texture. Some slate has touches of red, orange, brown, or even pink, making the material adaptable to different colour schemes or decors.

Types of slate tiles

Gauged slate tiles

Gauged tiles have a flat backside with slightly scored rows which provide a strong grip on the adhesive bedding. A gauged tile will bond to grout easily and sturdily.

Clefted slate tiles

Clefted tiles maintain the same type of backside as standard gauged tiles, but the outward-facing surface is deliberately unrefined. Clefted tiles have a rustic and organic look, their cracks and notches providing reliable traction when wet. These are a good choice for bathrooms and showers.

Honed slate tiles

The outward-facing surface of a honed tile is smooth and may even have a slightly silky appearance. They are comfortable to walk on with decent traction, though they can become slippery when wet.

The advantages of high-quality slate tiles

Slate has a look and feel that is pleasingly natural and organic, working well in both modern and rustic decors in Australia. Slate stone is highly resistant to the elements and long-lasting; there’s a reason slate tiles are used so often for roofing. Energy efficiency can be significantly boosted through the use of indoor slate floor tiles or wall panels; they help to stabilise and maintain the interior temperature of a room or building. Thanks to its durability, slate flooring is perfect for high-traffic areas in the home or workplace.

How to choose slate tiles that are right for you

Slate stone and tiles can vary in colour. Check that the hue complements the decor or surroundings of the area in which you’re planning to install the slate feature. Consider whether you want your slate surfaces to be non-slip, in which case you’ll probably want clefted slate tiles. Remember that slate does require initial sealing and then resealing every 3-5 years, depending upon the supplier’s instructions. ArichPro’s suppliers in Australia will ensure that your slate is not too brittle, which can be a problem during installation.

Other types of stone slab to consider

Alongside slate, limestone and marble alternative stone slab options to consider. Limestone offers a natural, earthy appearance ideal for outdoor landscapes. Granite is renowned for its durability and resistance to scratches, making it perfect for kitchen countertops. Marble adds a unique appearance with its unique veining, suitable for both bathrooms and kitchens.

Is slate a durable stone?

Natural slate is remarkably durable, making it practical for construction purposes as well as decor. Slate is resistant to cracks, chips and scratches and can last decades when properly installed.