How to Lay Slate Flooring

Due to its durability, slate is a great floor material for heavy traffic areas like entryways and hallways. Because it is slip-proof and virtually waterproof, slate is also a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Slate is a beautiful natural stone that comes in various styles and colors. If your flooring needs a facelift, follow these steps to install slate.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Grout
• Painting trowel, 3/8 inch
• Sponge
• Pail
• Sawdust
• Burlap cloth
• Sealant
• Paint brush

Preparing the floor

1. Use a hammer and pry bar to remove all baseboard molding. If you plan to reuse the boards, exercise caution when removing to avoid damage. Place a cloth between the pry bar and molding during removal to prevent chips and scratches.

2. Remove all existing flooring and underlayment. If your subflooring is concrete, repair cracks and test for dampness before laying slate flooring.

3. Cut door casings. Slate will most likely sit higher than your previous flooring, so you must cut all doors' innermost trim to accommodate the new tiles. Place a piece of tile on the backerboard and butt it up against the door casing. Use a pencil to mark the tile's height and cut along the line using a handsaw.

4. Install the backerboard after vacuuming the subfloor. Nail backerboard sheets to the subfloor using underlayment nails. Use a putty knife to cover all nails and spaces between backerboard with floor-patching compound. Immediately wipe floor-patching compound with a damp sponge to smooth out uneven spots. Sand remaining rough spots after the compound dries.

Laying Slate Flooring

5. Lay out the tile. Slate varies in color and pattern from tile to tile, so arrange the tiles on the floor before adhering them. Once you've decided on a layout, mark the tiles in a manner that helps you determine where they belong. Or, lay all tiles, in order, in a nearby room.

6. Cut tiles using a circular saw. Because you laid out the tiles, you know which pieces require cutting. Slate is relatively soft, so it should be easy to cut with a masonry blade.

7. Spread mastic tile adhesive with a notched trowel. Begin application in the room's far corner, working your back to the entrance. Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle so the notches create complete ridges.

8. Firmly set each slate tile in the adhesive, using spacers to maintain consistent distance between each tile. After laying all slate flooring, allow adhesive to dry for 24 hours before adding grout.

Grouting and Sealing

9. Mix the grout according to manufacturer's instructions. Apply grout to spaces in between slate tiles using a 3/8 inch painting trowel. Make sure to spread the grout evenly and thoroughly.

10. Wipe away excess grout with a wet sponge and clean water. Do this as you go, and be sure to wipe slate completely clean of all grout. Once grout dries, you will not be able to remove it from your new tile flooring.

11. Wait for grout to dry, then polish and clean the slate with sawdust and a dry burlap cloth. Cover the floor with sawdust and rub the sawdust onto the slate and the joints with the cloth.

12. Seal the slate floor, if desired. Applying sealant gives slate a nice shine and makes the tile easier to clean. Apply two thin coats of sealant with a paintbrush. Let the floor dry for 24 hours before walking on it again.

Tips & Warnings

• After laying new slate flooring, maintain its beauty with frequent cleaning. Slate is easy to clean with a mix of soap and warm water. Waxing the slate can darken its color and cause grout to yellow.
• Always wear proper eye and respiratory protection when using a circular saw.

[peanut0826]

on 10/18/2009 We are laying multicolored slate in our kitchen that has an island in the middle. What is the ideal way side by side squares of slate or diagnole? The squares are 19"x19". and what way will make the kitchen look bigger?

[chrwright]

on 9/29/2009 Unfortunately, the materials and methods described in this article are wrong. It should either be amended or removed.