Slate Countertop Materials

Slate with red

Slate is experiencing a surge in popularity as more people discover its beauty and diversity. Slate is a natural, virtually waterproof stone. Uses for slate are numerous, including roofing, paving, fireplaces, staircases, showers, gardens, and patios. Because slate has superior durability and requires low maintenance, slate counter top materials are well suited for use in the kitchen or bathroom.

Slate Colors

Slate comes in shades of gray, black, dark purple, red, turquoise, brown, and yellow. (Some stone yards give special names to the colors of slate that they carry.) Design ideas for slate countertops include sharply contrasting the slate color with cabinet color. In other words, a dark cherry colored cabinet would pair well with a green slate counter top whereas light colored cabinets would contrast with dark grey or black slate. Red or dark purple slate countertops would bring a modern look to kitchens and spice up the appearance of a bathroom.

What Slate is Made Of

Slate is a natural stone.

Slate is a metaphoric stone made from sedimentary or igneous rocks (rocks formed from volcanic ash and clay). High pressure within the earth creates the layers into which slate forms. This process gives slate the ability to be easily removed from bulk quarry stone.

Thicknesses

Slate for counter tops is usually cut 1-and-1/4 inches to 1-and-1/2 inches thick. The edges are usually simple, with the sharpness taken off the edge. With just the presence of a few clear grout lines, slate countertops appear seamless.

Where Slate Can be Found

Slate can be found at stone yards.

Slate can be purchased at stone yards and quarries around the country. Some of the most popular slate in the U.S. comes from Vermont, although slate can be found as far away as India and China. Many stone yards will ship slate, making it possible to shop on line. It is not uncommon for a stone yard to provide samples as well; when looking at samples, keep in mind that large slabs of slate, like any other natural stone, will have more variation in the color and texture when seen in larger forms.

Honed Slate

When slate is machine finished with fine diamond pads, it becomes honed slate. Honed slate has a very smooth finish that some people liken to butter. Honed slate is never shiny, but has a matte appearance. Honed slate is ideal for countertops.

Slate Installation

Natural slate

Once the slabs of slate have been selected, a fabricator will measure and cut the slate to fit. An installer will install the slate in the home. The fabricator may not be with the same company as the installer because many companies that sell countertops sub-contract out different parts of the job.

Slate Virtues and Textures

Slate slabs

Slate is used outdoors for many things and is usually sealed for extra protection. Slate is fade resistant, and almost entirely waterproof. Indoors, most slate is left unsealed, although darker colors can be sealed to protect against things like beverage glass circles that may be visible. Scratches on slate are easily rubbed out with a dab of oil, and deep scratches, if they do occur, can be sanded out. Slate for countertops can be fairly flat with faint ripples or heavily textured.

References

• "The Kitchen Designer: Kitchen Countertops: Slate, Yes, Slate!"
• U.S. Geological Survey: Metaphoric Rock

Resources

• Vermont Structural Slate Company: Unfading Green Slate