Slate Flooring Pros and Cons List
When it comes to redoing your floors or remodeling floors, many people want something new in their homes. In the changing times of remodeling, many people are turning to slate floors. Like slate countertops, slate flooring has become one of the most loved remodels of a home and adds a beautiful new touch to your home or anywhere else. Even if you have thought about slate flooring for a while, it is good to know the pros and cons to installing slate flooring before you go through with a material purchase or an installation job.
What Are The Pros of Slate Flooring?
1. Resistant to Damage
Slate is waterproof and stain resistant. If something heavy is dropped on it, however, you should make sure that you seal it as soon as possible to stop moisture from seeping into the crack and causing mold or mildew buildup.
2. Lasts a Long Time
As long as the slate is thick enough, you shouldn’t see any signs of wear and tear for a long time. It is a rather resilient material, so a lot of traffic on it shouldn’t damage it.
3. Well Worth the Money
While slate is a little more expensive than most other flooring types, when you consider the durability and that it is waterproof and stain proof, you can rest assured knowing the extra money spent is well worth it.
4. Variety of Options Available
Slate comes in a large variety of shades and colors, making it versatile for most homes and colors in the home.
5. Dries Quickly
Slate floors dry quickly if you wash them. As long as you remove most of the water, slate should dry within minutes of washing.
What Are The Cons of Slate Flooring?
1. Cold To The Touch
The main complaint that people have about slate flooring is that during cold spells and the colder seasons, the slate can become rather cold to walk on. This can be remedied with area rugs.
2. Careful for Scratches
While slate is very resilient, it can be easily scraped and scratched if something is dropped on it or dragged on it. While washing with a little cleaner like Murphy’s may reduce the appearance, scratches are hard to remove from slate floors.
3. Costly Installation
Installation can be very costly, especially since the cost of the slate alone is very high. To reduce the cost of the installation you can attempt to do it yourself. Most home improvement stores offer training classes about an to teach you how to do it yourself.
4. Grout
The hardest part of installation when it comes to slate floors is the kind of grout you put in between the slate. Most slate installers will recommend a slightly gritty grout to reduce water seeping if there is a spill, but if you get it on the slate and it dries, it can be hard to get off.
When deciding if you want slate flooring, it is best to know that while you may spend a little more, you are getting an excellent material that holds its value, looks stunning and is strong and resilient.