How to Lay Slate Tile
Slate tile can be used in a variety of formats to create a rugged and natural-looking installation that will transform any area into a work of art that is unique to your particular project. Whether you are choosing to use slate for your kitchen backsplash, as an inset in your living room floor, for your entryway, or even for your entire bathroom area, slate tile will provide you with a durable surface that will last a lifetime, coupled with a natural beauty that no man-made stone can reproduce. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Latex-modified thinset mortar
- Notched trowel
- Broom and dustpan
- Tile spacers
- Tile wet saw
- Safety glasses
- Ear plugs
- Carpenter's pencil
- Tape measure
Instructions
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1
Use the broom and dustpan to completely clean the area where you will be installing your slate tile. Any particles left behind can potentially impede the bond between the thinset, the substrate surface, and the stone itself. While it is entirely optional, a thorough cleaning with water and a mop or sponge can be performed for absolute certainty.
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2
Using the thinset and notched trowel, apply an even layer of thinset in the area where you will be laying down the slate. Be sure to evenly comb the thinset over the entire area, leaving no bare spots, as these can create pockets of air beneath the slate which can cause cracks in the stone over time.
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3
Check every piece of slate prior to laying it down in the bed of thinset. Inspect the back of each tile for inconsistencies in thickness. Look for thin spots in the stone in particular, as these can create weak points where the stone will break due to a lack of thinset beneath these points. Use your notched trowel to apply an extra dab of thinset in areas where the slate is thin in order to provide the stone with added support.
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4
Place each piece of slate tile directly onto the bed of thinset. Apply gentle but firm pressure and move the stone slightly in all directions, continually applying pressure across the entire surface. As you move the stone, it will smooth out the ridges in the thinest left by the notched trowel, creating an impenetrable bond between the stone itself and the installation substrate. Repeat the process for every piece of tile to ensure a proper bond in the installation, using tile spacers between the pieces of slate tile for even spacing.
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5
Use your tape measure and pencil to mark any tiles that need to be cut (if necessary). Use the tile wet saw to cut any necessary pieces down to size.
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Tips & Warnings
A typical 12-by-12-inch tile requires a 3/8-inch notched trowel. Larger tiles will require a larger notch, and smaller tiles a smaller notch.
All materials and tools can be purchased or rented from your local home improvement store, such as Home Depot or Lowe's Home Improvement.
Always use safety glasses and ear plugs when working with a tile wet saw.
