Although often thought of as grey in colour and only from Wales, slate is now being imported from China, South Africa and India in a wide range of colours. The sizes also range from 30cm x 30cm up to 1m x 1m.

It provides an exciting natural solution, ideal for both internal and external use and although most commonly used on floors, we are doing an increasing amount of walls as well.

What do you need to do to it?
Slate needs to be sealed when it is laid and either a matt or soft sheen finish can be achieved. We often start by using a colour intensifier to maximize the effect of the wonderful colourings which are part of the character of many slates. There is a level of maintenance involved in it's upkeep but even for the housework shy this has to be described as minimal.
 

We feel it is important to look at both the pros as well as the cons.

Pros

• Extremely attractive natural material that works well in new and old properties alike.
   
• Very durable and frost proof, ideal for internal and external areas such as patios.
   
• As it is a natural material every floor will be unique.

Cons - (more things to be aware of rather than actual negatives)

• Slate is thicker than most manmade tiles so watch your appliance and threshold heights.
• Slate can vary in thickness so a little extra care is needed when laying. You will never end up with a floor like a billiard table but that's not the point is it?
• Maintenance - if you seal with a matt finish you will need to top it up every five years and if you prefer a soft sheen this will need replenishing approximately every nine months. Top-ups involve mopping the floor and then reapplying a liquid sealant - literally wiping it over the floor.