Should you choose to install the floor yourself, be sure to stock basic carpenter hand and power tools in addition to some specialty tools, such as cement board clippers and diamond blade for your circular saw. A wet tile saw will make cutting the slate simpler and far less dusty.
Full Answer
Can slate tile be used in a shower?
Regardless of the type of slate that is installed in a shower environment there is always the risk of the slate tiles becoming stained and damaged over time. The soft slate tiles can erode away over time and cause stains in the grout that are impossible to clean.
How do you seal a slate shower?
The most difficult aspect of sealing a slate shower is thoroughly saturating the slate tile shower walls with the impregnating sealer. The porous slate tiles need to be thoroughly saturated with sealer so it is best to use a cotton towel that is saturated with sealer for applying the sealer.
What type of sealer should I use on slate tiles?
A quality water based impregnating sealer will protect the slate tiles while still allowing the slate to breath in its natural state. A properly breathing slate tile will evaporate water and water vapors from inside the stone.
How long does it take for Slate shower tiles to cure?
The shower needs to cure for three days after installation is completed. After that it will be ready for use. Sealing is highly recommended for slate tiles used in wet areas. Do not score and snap slate tiles. You will not get a perfectly straight line. The tiles will splinter and become unsalvageable.
What compliments slate tile?
Crisp White Any shade of white or off-white will complement slate tiles, especially if you use white grout. If your slate is on the darker side of the spectrum, such as black or dark gray, white walls will help to lighten up your room and create a harmonious balance against the white swirls often seen in slate tiles.
How can I make my slate tile look better?
If you want your slate tiles to have a glossy, polished look, use a topical glossy sealer. You also have the option of a solvent-based or water-based sealer; however, a solvent-based one will last longer and be more durable.
Is slate tile good for a shower?
Good slate that can be sealed is fine for a shower, but don't use it on a shower floor. Instead, use a standard white base or if you wish to match the slate to a dark-colored porcelain tile.
What should you not use on slate?
What Not to Use on Slate Floors. Never use acidic or abrasive cleaning products when mopping a slate floor or when spot-cleaning stains. Acidic cleaners, including ordinary vinegar, cause a chemical reaction that can etch the stone. Strong cleaning agents can strip the sealer on slate and grout.
What can you put on slate tile to make it shine?
0:311:28Cleaning Tile : How to Polish Slate Tiles - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to sweep up the large debris. Just with the soft broom after that you can vacuum up with aMoreYou want to sweep up the large debris. Just with the soft broom after that you can vacuum up with a soft bristle brush and pick up the larger pieces of debris. And just basically just sweep it up or
How do you clean a slate shower?
The gentlest option is to mix a mild, pH-neutral dish soap with water and scrub the slate areas affected by soap scum with the soapy water. If dish soap doesn't work, scrub with a solution of equal parts rubbing alcohol and water. You can also use a sudsy mix of borax and warm water.
Does slate tile absorb water?
Does slate absorb water? Slate has a very low water absorption index making it almost completely waterproof, one of the main reasons why slate is a preferred material for roof tiles, cladding and tiles in wet-rooms as well as for countertops in kitchens.
Are slate tiles slippery when wet?
Is a Slate Tile Slippery? Slate has long been used in outdoor and wet areas and the natural characteristics of the stone make it non slippery. The natural cleft of slate that is found in non-honed tiles along with tumbled tiles improves the level of grip.
How do you get hard water stains off slate shower?
Mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and spray onto any stains. Let it sit for five or ten minutes, then scrub with a soft scrub pad (not steel wool) or a soft-bristled brush.
Can I use olive oil on slate?
Clean & polish Slate, tile & hardwood floors: After sweeping the floors to remove all of the large particles of dirt and dust, apply several drops of olive oil and several drops of the juice from a lemon on a dry mop and oil mop the floors.
Can I use WD40 to clean slate?
Wipe down the slate with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris before polishing. Allow the slate to air dry completely. 2. Squirt a few drops of teak oil, WD40 or olive oil onto a clean, dry cloth.
Why is my slate turning white?
Your slate was probably coated with a sealer or color enhancer, and that's what's turning white or gray in response to heat. Sealers make stone less porous.
Is slate good for a bathroom?
8 years ago. Slate is really not a good idea for a bathroom I have it in my kitchen and sun porch. To keep it up properly it has to be kept sealed and moisture free or the color can go off, along with other issues.
Is slate tile hygienic?
Slate has a number of issues like dirt , chipping and so on , best to Use Tiles that look like slate , easy to clean and Hygienic and Very Versatile .
Does slate need sealing?
There is the view that slate needs sealing for maintenance, but to be fair, slate is a natural stone and in many places around the world, has stood for many, many years battling all kinds of weather. so at the end of the day, its the choice of look you want. Slate has shaling, where pieces fall of, and that's where even sealing becomes an issue, because you would need to reseal it again. Slate is also porous, so it will discolor a bit. Slate is uneven, but that's part of the great natural feature that some people want from natural stone.
Can slate be used in shower?
Given all the particularities of slate installation and maintenance of slate in the shower you may want to consider some other options. Yes, it is durable and can withstand moisture, however the bathroom is different from being outside where it is exposed to water, and then wind and sun to dry it out.
What is slate tile shower?
Slate is a natural stone that is formed from clay in sedimentary layers along riverbeds. There are many different types of slate depending on where in the world the slate is mined from.
What is the best sealer for slate tile shower?
The best sealer to use for sealing a slate tile shower is a high quality water based impregnating sealer. Slate tiles are extremely porous and need to be sealed with a quality sealer that has a large solids content. The large solids content of quality impregnating sealers will ensure that the sealer will effectively fill the voids in ...
What is the last area to seal a vertical shower?
After you have sealed the vertical walls then the last area to be sealed will be the slate tile shower floor. Sealing the slate tile shower floor should be the last area of the slate shower to be sealed.
Can you use topical sealer on slate?
These topical sealers can chip and flake away from the slate in a shower environment. Also both enhancing and topical sealers will not allow the slate shower to properly breath and water and mold can get trapped in the slate shower walls. This can also cause spalling and flaking away of slate tiles. Before sealing a slate shower you should first ...
Can you use a tile sealer on a slate shower?
When sealing a slate shower there are limitations and issues that are not present when sealing a slate tile floor. You should never try to use an enhancing sealer in a slate tile shower. The enhancing properties of the sealer can bleed away and cause splotchy areas in your shower and discolor the grout. Topical glossy or matte sealers should ...
Does slate hold up in shower?
Some types of slate will hold up better than other types of slate in wet areas such as showers. Regardless of the type of slate that is installed in a shower environment there is always the risk of the slate tiles becoming stained and damaged over time. The soft slate tiles can erode away over time and cause stains in the grout ...
Can you seal a shower with slate?
Some of the sealer will probably drip down to the shower floor but this is to be expected when sealing a slate shower. You will also probably have to re-saturate your towel with sealer a few times while sealing the slate shower walls because the porous slate will absorb a lot of sealer.
How do I tile a shower wall?
Unroll and cut a section of 12-foot wide 4-mil plastic at this length with a utility knife. Unfold the plastic and tack it to the wall with a construction stapler, starting with one end of the shower and working around, aligning the bottom edge of the plastic so that it is just hanging over the lip of the shower pan or tub enclosure.
How do I put a tile in a mortar?
Apply thin-set below the level line on either side of the center reference line, filling in the space between the lines and then tilting a square-notched trowel to add notches to the mortar. Set the first granite or slate tile butting up to the under-side of the horizontal reference line and just against the center line. Press the tile into the thin-set, then tap the tile with a rubber mallet to get it to set firmly into the mortar.
How do I grout a tile floor?
Mix half a bag of unsanded grout of the color of your choice in a 5-gallon bucket. Remove the tile spacers, and press the grout into the spaces between the tiles firmly with a grout float. Work the grout in many directions across each space between tiles to work out any bubbles in the grout, then scrape away the excess using the edge of the float. Allow the grout to set for 15 minutes before sponging over the grout with a very wet sponge to smooth the grout lines.
Slate in a Shower - Experiences?
I'm remodeling a small 4x8 bathroom and am considering using 8"x24" Copper Rust Slate tiles all around the walls, including in the 4x3 shower. There are a lot of internet sites that say slate isn't the best choice on a shower, mainly due to upkeep.
Comments (18)
We have a slate tile shower in a vacation home. It has only been used about 20-30 times, so quite new. It looks very nice--sort of updated rustic.
How long does slate tile last?
It’s well worth the extra effort, and with the proper stone care and maintenance, a slate tile floor can last for decades.
How to hide scratches on slate?
If a scratch does occur, you may be able to hide it by applying a bit of mineral oil. Properly sealed slate is stain-resistant, but if a stain should occur, you can use a stain-removal poultice for stone flooring, available in stores. Alternatively, you can make your own poultice with a paste of flour and hydrogen peroxide.
Does slate need sealing?
Featured: San Rio Rustic Slate. Like most other natural stones, slate tile flooring requires sealing to aid in water repellency and prevent staining and scratching, and sealer should be applied on a yearly basis. To see if your slate tile needs sealing, pour a bit of water on its surface. If the water leaves a darkened spot for longer ...
