Can I use natural slate as a backsplash behind my wood burning stove?

Question

Someone told me not to because it chips so bad?

Can you use it as a counter top in the kitchen?

it is 12x12 squares. the stove is about 18" from the WOOD PANEL wall. we've had a few fires in it already and the wall gets VERY hot - of course!

Answer 1

Is the slate in one large piece or is it like tile like 12x12 pieces and how thick is it? Then how far away from the wall is your wood burning stove?

Back on the farm we had several wood burning stoves. They had metal enclosures around the actual cast iron burner section of the stove and stood about 2' away from the wall with out any "backsplash" on the wall.

When you asked your question I was concerned about heating the wall and a possible fire hazard.

I would check with a store that sells a stove such as yours and determine the safe distance from the wall. Then put on a backsplash of your choice. I know that granite or marble tiles are excellent. The slate depends on how thick and how strong it is. If you get a piece and try to chip it and if it chips easily then go to annother material.

good Luck

Answer 2

you can use it behind your woodburning stove with no problems.

in the kitchen however is another story. natural slate chips and scratches really easily and is hard to maintain. some people DO use it, but the best thing for countertops if you gotta have real stone is granite. it holds up the best of all.