How to Lay Slate on Concrete
Concrete is a strong, stable subfloor for a slate surface. Laying slate on concrete is a project you can successfully complete even if you haven't worked with mortar before. It's advantageous to prepare your site as much as possible so you can work quickly to set the stones once mortar is mixed. Choose rectangular slate tiles or snapped pieces to create an attractive design. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Stiff broom
- Scrub brush
- Detergent
- Concrete stain remover
- Hose
- Wheelbarrow
- Sand
- Cement
- Trowel
- Level
- Cloth
- Grout
- Concave jointing tool
Instructions
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1
Clean off the concrete with a stiff broom. Once you dislodge debris from the crevices, scrub the surface with a mix of one part detergent and four parts water, using a scrub brush. Apply a concrete stain remover if there any grease stains. Rinse the surface with a hose.
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2
Arrange the slate beside the concrete in your chosen pattern. This will allow you to place the stones exactly where you want them before the mortar can begin hardening.
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3
Stir a batch of sand mortar in a wheelbarrow with four parts sand, one part cement and water until the consistency is soft, but not runny.
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4
Spread an inch of mortar in a corner with a trowel. Cover enough concrete for two pieces of slate at a time. Place the slate into the mortar, tapping the pieces with the trowel handle to embed them 1/2 inch deep. Leave even spaces between the stones and set a level over the joints to check that the pieces are even with each other.
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Scrape off extra mortar with the trowel and wipe spatters from the slate with a clean moist cloth. Let the slate set in the mortar for 36 hours.
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6
Mix grout in the wheelbarrow with one part cement, one part sand and water until the batch is firm.
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Fill the joints between the slate, packing grout into the spaces with a trowel. Remove excess and press a concave jointing tool over the grout for a smooth finish. Water the surface lightly twice a day and don't allow people to walk on it for one week while the grout and mortar cure.
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References
Resources
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