I would like to put slate (or slate type) tiles up in my kitchen, but are they a nightmare to clean? Would they be very porous and absorb grease etc? I am assuming that the normal kind you would buy from a tile shop are sealed with something, but is that sufficient?
2007-11-12 07:27:31 · 7 answers · asked by isaulte 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
Sorry, I forgot to say that the tiles will be for the wall, not the floor.
2007-11-12 08:01:28 · update #1
Slate tiles are very porous and must be sealed. I had slate tiles in a bathroom and they weren't sealed. When I would scrub them to get the dirt out of the ridges, I would get little flecks of slate coming up. And they always looked dull and dirty, even when they were perfectly clean.
There is a sealant you can get for tile at home improvement stores. I can't remember the name, but it comes in a yellow plastic bottle. But, it's very expensive (about $75 for a half gallon bottle). And, it's supposed to be reapplied every year or so, for floors anyway.
2007-11-12 07:55:32 · answer #1 · answered by Paul in San Diego 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Natural stone needs to be sealed and resealed at least once a year. It's not tough to do...pretty much like applying floor polish. This should prevent it from absorbing grease for the most part.
The colored slates like indian slates, china pearl etc. have some beautiful oranges and reds sometimes with irridecence. These patterns can be busier than traditional green and purple vermont slate (like we think of in 60 & 70s decor) and will disguise possible spots and stains that could occur. Many slates can be specified as honed (smooth) or cleft (having the natural ridges that occur when the stone is split) depending on the variety and the aesthetic desired. I recommend visiting a stone showroom near you and talking to the staff. You can see examples of different slates and find out more about their care. Use a sealer with a matte finish for a natural look.
Another option can be porcelain tile that looks like slate. With technology being so advanced my reps are showing me more and more stone-like porcelain tile that can fool even the most discerning eye. Porcelain is very tough and durable. Look for it in better tile showrooms...the big box stores are still a little behind in this.
If you love the look of the slate but are still wary about it on you floor you could try doing your backsplash.
Good luck.
2007-11-12 09:34:12 · answer #2 · answered by sassy sue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One would normally expect slate tiles to go on the floor but you say "put up".
In a kitchen you will always get grease floating about in micro specs. Slates on a roof don't absorb water, they throw it off.
The question perhaps should indicate what quality you like in slates . . is it the colour or the uneven surface or both??
If you are actually "putting them up" then I think you may find that they are actually depressing and if you were selling your property one day then that in itself would put people off.
If however you were "putting them down" then Yes they would look very OK and all you need to do is to run the mop over them.
I think you should talk about it with your very close friends because they are the ones who will be looking at them and also you can discuss with them the various points that your respondents here mention.
2007-11-12 08:09:46 · answer #3 · answered by greatbrickhill 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Paul is right about the sealant, also slate can have a lot of ridges and be a bit of a trip hazard. Use travertine or if you want a slate look, find a dark porcelain tile that looks similar to slate.
2007-11-12 07:59:22 · answer #4 · answered by Yoda 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a great choice, very hard to keep clean.
2007-11-12 08:00:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you use a proper sealant they'll be fine and look GREAT
2007-11-13 06:33:56 · answer #6 · answered by Poots 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
on the wall will be ok you can buy aspray sealer if the dirt up quick
2007-11-12 20:18:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋