Slate Tiles

Slate tiles are a beautiful and cost effective option to give a rustic feel to your home. Lots of homeowners love the versatility and beauty of slate tiles, Natural slate tiles are also very versatile and can be used as flooring, back-splashes and walls in the kitchen and throughout the bathroom.

Slate tiles are purchased as either gauged, semi-gauged, or non-gauged. Gauging is the process of machine finishing the slate in order to get a smooth surface. Non-gauged tile retains its natural beauty and has an uneven texture. Non-gauged slate also has the benefit of being significantly cheaper. Generally, people use gauged tile for floors where a smooth walking surface is important. The non-gauged slate tiles are most often used on fireplaces, walls and outdoor kitchens for a more natural look. Semi-gauged is a good compromise if a natural rustic appearance is desired in a high traffic living area.

Cheap slate tiles may be purchased in the non-gauged style for about $1.50 per square foot and prices range up to $16 a square foot for the gauged slate tiles. The huge assortment of colors available mean that anyone can decorate or upgrade their living area exactly to their liking. The ease of cleaning slate tiles is also a great incentive to buy this type of tile. When cleaning your floor, tables or walls it only requires a slightly damp mop or towel to be used. Slate tile does not attract dust particles as many other substances and therefore lends itself to easy upkeep.

Slate tile is also quite durable. It can last a long time without chipping, tearing or breaking so when it is installed you will not have to replace it for a very long time indeed.

A living room floor that is covered in gauged tile is gorgeous and with a non-gauged fireplace and mantle it provides 2 textures within the same product so as to have a highly desired home. Another nice addition is end tables and a coffee table made of tile. These items together will make a living room cozy and comfortable for all to enjoy.

Kitchen backsplashes and entire walls can be constructed of slate tile that is available in small mosaic squares which are fastened to a mesh backing. This are very easy to install because each square is placed equal distance from each other and the mosaic colors are already matched perfectly. This type of slate tile costs about $13 a square foot and is well worth the price to create an exciting kitchen or update your existing one!.

The bathroom is another common choice for slate tile to appear in your home. The floor may be done in gauged tile and the bathroom counter tops also. Many designers will create the entire bathroom shower out of tile with embellished with contrasting color accents. Try searching online for a designer near you who can help bring your own concepts to life!