Slate countertop pros and cons |
Slate offers many advantages. It looks great and has plenty to offer over some of the other solid stone choices you may be considering. It is a classic, upscale material that brings drama and beauty into your home.
Warm Look
This stone exudes a warmth and texture that is second to none. Slate's versatility can be interpreted as log-cabin rustic or sleek cosmopolitan-contemporary depending on its neighboring design elements. Surface texture stems from the composition of shale and clay as well as the method by which it is quarried, splitting slate from the mountin by hand allows it to separate naturally into uneven sheets, which results in its characteristic cleft surface.
Surprisingly, this majestic stone can be relatively inexpensive. A typical slate slab will be comparable in price to that of an inexpensive granite slab. The tile format, however, which ranges from the smallest mosaic to enormous 2-foot tiles, will often cost less than many ceramics.
Slate Color Variations
One can almost envision the creative names of colors this stone embodies, such as Indian Autumn, California Gold, China Lotus, Violet Garden, Sea Green, Copper, Rust, and Earth (just to name a few).
Exotic, colorful slate is imported from overseas, as its domestic cousin has a tendency to remain in the less than exciting shades of somber gray, green, and plum. India, Africa, China, and South America produce some of the most dramatic and vivid colors. It is not uncommon for plant fossils to be found on the slate's surface. When discovered, set aside these naturally artistic pieces for use as the focal point of your design.
Slate Countertops Finish and Texture
Options for assorted surface finishes and textures add to the versatility of this stone. They include natural cleft, honed, calibrated, and polished. Slate is available in the standard square tile format as well as tumbled, quillotine cut, mosaic, and random flagging.
Functionality
Employed as a countertop, slate is exceptionally dense and strong. Acidic substances will not harm its surface and once sealed it remains virtually maintenance free. When considering slate as a countertop material it is advisable to choose a tile with minimal cleft or a honed finish. Because slate countertops are soft, it is important to have the edges rounded. Square corners are more likely to chip than rounded surfaces, so designing your kitchen with edges in mind can help you get the longest life from your slate.
Choosing slate with the traditional natural cleft surface will leave you and your guests dealing with an uneven surface and therefore teetering glasses will be encountered.
There are different types of slate countertops with different price ranges. Black slate is usually the most expensive, with red slate not far behind. Brown, green, gray and blue or purple-toned slate are all used in countertops, so you will have quite a variety of color choices if you opt for slate.
Sealing
Sealing will guarantee its carefree use, but it may be prudent to experiment on a sample prior to sealing the entire countertop. Penetrating sealers typipcally do not alter the surface appearance, so it may become necessary to use an additional topcoat sealer, or color enhancer, if you want to bring out the deeper tones from within the stone. Topcoat finishes are available in matte, low sheen, and high gloss. When striving to maintain the stone's natural appearance, be sure to choose the matte finish. |
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