Slate Tile – Rustic Elegance For Inside And Out
May 27, 2014Not many natural stones can be both elegant and rustic. Usually, you find stones that are smooth and sophisticated or tumbled and earthy. But slate tile strikes the perfect balance between the two! It’s Nature's way of offering a high-end look with an organic touch. Whether you use it indoors or outdoors, slate brings the beauty of nature inside and adds sophistication to your outdoor living space. Enjoy the best of both worlds with slate!
Slate forms from compressed layers of sediments under the ocean. These sediments come in various colors and compositions. This results in a stunning natural stone with a wide range of hues. You can find dark greys, bluish greys, rich rusts, and beautiful browns or blacks. Sometimes, you'll spot striking purple, pink, green, and red streaks, depending on the sediments present. Occasionally, rare pyrite deposits appear, known as Fool’s Gold, with small golden crystalline glimmers.
Slate's texture is just as diverse as its color. Some slate tiles are very smooth with a fine grain. Others feature wavy patterns, visible bands, stripes, ridges, or ribbons from layers of shale, clay, ash, or other sediments formed over time. You can also find unique finishes on slate, like gauged, sawn edge, or tumbled.
Even with its varied textures, slate can still be elegant! For example, the cool simplicity of Silver Blue Slate or the sleek look of Montauk Black paired with vibrant accents creates a complex appearance. These options add a gentle touch to your décor without being overpowering. How fantastic is that?
Indoors, slate tile shines as a great choice for backsplashes, flooring, and sometimes countertops. It’s durable and beautiful, perfect for various styles. Slate floor is hard and resistant to chemicals, heat, and moisture. It doesn't scratch or chip easily, making it a fantastic option. It brings a touch of nature indoors, enhancing earthy decors like no other stone can. Plus, it doesn’t require a high polish to look great in your home!
When it comes to maintenance, sealing slate backsplashes is optional. Many choose to seal them for easier cleaning! Sealing smooths out the texture, reducing dust collection and making cleanup a breeze. For flooring, regular sealing is recommended. This helps prevent stains from heavy traffic and gives the slate a rich, “wet” look.
Outdoors, slate flooring, and wall cladding blend beautifully with the natural landscape. They provide a stylish finish, too! California Gold pavers and flagstones can create stunning patios and charming pathways. These features enhance your space while offering practical convenience. Enjoy gatherings, cook in your outdoor kitchen, or relax around the pool on this textured surface for added safety!
Slate tiles are perfect for hardscaping in colder climates. They are durable and have low porosity. However, they are not ideal for freezing climates. As wall cladding, slate adds a unique natural flair to facades. This is especially true around water features, where the colors blend beautifully with the environment.
If you appreciate unique designs, consider a water feature accented by stones from the ocean or shore. It creates a stunning and harmonious water landscape!
Slate tile is a versatile natural stone. Its subtle drama is both elegant and beautiful. It will enhance your indoor space with a touch of nature. It also brings refinement to your outdoor landscape. Whatever you need, MSI provides slate tiles, ledger panels, mosaics, and flagstones. Plus, they come in numerous colors and textures!
Ready to upgrade your indoor and outdoor spaces? Discover high-quality slate tiles from local retailers to bring elegance and style to your space. Our team at MSI is here to help you every step of the way. To get started, chat with us online, visit one of our MSI showrooms, or find an authorized MSI retailer near you.
Learn More About Slate Tile:
Porcelain Slate That Looks Like Slate vs. Real Slate Tile
All About Outdoor Tile: Porcelain, Slate, Travertine, and Quartzite
Easy Care Guide for Slate Flooring