Slate is a durable natural stone with a unique, rustic texture. When properly sealed, slate can be both slip resistant and stain resistant. Slate can be used in any room, but often works well in foyers/entry halls, kitchens and bathrooms.
Typical costs:
Like most natural floor tiles, slate ranges in size from small mosaic pieces to the more standard 4"x4", 6"x6", 12"x12" and 16"x16" squares, up to large slabs. Slate can also be cut into specific patterns that give the illusion of being random but simply repeat the same fit-together sizes and shapes over and over.
Slate can start as low as $1-$3 a square foot for basic floor tiles. Depending on size, finish, thickness and color, higher quality slate tiles can cost $4-$10 a square foot, while mosaics and other specialty tiles (usually used as accents) can be $8-$35 a square foot for just the tiles. For example, FastFloors.com[1] sells slate tiles starting around $1.60 a square foot, ranging up to $29.85 a square foot for mosaics.
Depending on local rates, the quality of the slate tiles and the complexity of the installation (square, diagonal or a random-appearing pattern), professional installation brings the total for labor and materials to about $6-$13 a square foot for basic slate tiles, or $600-$1,300 for a 10'x10' entryway or bathroom, and $3,000-$6,500 for 500 square feet. Installed costs for better quality tile can run $9-$20 a square foot, or $900-$2,000 for a 10'x10' room, and $4,500-$10,000 for 500 square feet for a large room and kitchen.
Do-it-yourself installation is possible, but can be challenging. Grout, thinset (adhesive mortar), sealant and other supplies can bring the total cost of materials to $1-$11 a square foot, depending on the price of the tiles, or $100-$1,000 for 10'x10' and $500-$5,500 for 500 square feet.
Slate floor tiles must be cut using a wet diamond saw or a hacksaw. The subfloor must be level and strong enough to bear the weight of the stone. Grout can stick to the surface of slate, so many installers paint the tiles with a grout release liquid, making it easier to remove any excess or stray grout after the installation is complete. AskTheBuilder.com[2] estimates that it takes four times longer to grout a slate floor than a ceramic tile floor.
DoItYourself.com provides detailed instructions[3] for installing a slate floor and LuxuryHousingTrends.com outlines the pros and cons of a slate floor[4] .
Additional costs:
Online retailers like StoneLocator.com[5] sell stone flooring samples for $6-$10 each, depending on the number of samples ordered.
As with any flooring project, there can be extra installation-related charges for furniture removal and replacement; ripping out and disposing of old flooring material; and removing and then re-hanging doors. For example, a Conneticut installer[6] charges an extra 20 cents per square foot to remove old carpet, another 20 cents per square foot for moving furniture, $15 per appliance moved and $35 per toilet.
Slate sealer costs $10-$30 a gallon. For a shiny or matte finish or if the slate is relatively porous (tending to stain), the slate should be sealed before and after installation, and then every one to two years, depending on the amount of traffic and wear on the floor.
Most experts recommend against waxing slate, and synthetic sealers are available that dry clear and are non-yellowing. Slate sealers can cost anywhere from $10-$30 a quart.
Shopping for a slate floor:
The Marble Institute of America explains types of natural stone flooring, including slate, and provides a directory of natural stone distributors and suppliers[7] . Many of these companies provide installation within a certain area or referrals to local installers.
Slate flooring tiles are available at some home improvement stores like Home Depot[8] , with installation or referrals to installers also available. Slate tiles are also at flooring stores; the World Floor Covering Association provides a directory of retail floor stores[9] by zip code. Most retail stores provide installation or referrals to installers. A few online stone flooring suppliers include BuildDirect.com[10] , FastFloors.com[11] , South Cypress Floors[12] and StoneLocator.com[13] .
Get several estimates, asking about the installers' training and experience, the materials to be used, performance warranties and time required to complete the project. The Marble Institute of America offers tips for selecting a natural stone contractor.
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