Installing Slate Flooring
Slate flooring is one of the most expensive materials used for flooring. Slate is virtually indestructible, so the extra cost is worth the durability you get in return. It is also stain resistant once it has been sealed, which make it a great kitchen floor. In addition in many commercial buildings it is used as one of the preferred materials for durable and resistant flooring.
The tools needed to install slate flooring are:
- Chalk line
- Tape measure
- Framing square
- Square notched trowel
- Knee pads
- Sponge
- Stiff blade scraper
- Diamond wet-blade saw
The list alone will tell you that installing slate is not an easy job. If you have to hire someone to do the work for you, this adds to the cost of the floor. If you have managed to buy discount slate, then the cost of hiring help will not add to the bill.
Installing a slate floor
A slate floor is adhered to the sub floor with a thin set cement. Once this kind of cement is mixed with water it will stick to anything, so you have to be careful what you touch with it. The layout of the slate is also very important.
Although it may look as if the slate pieces were just laid anywhere, each piece has to be carefully fitted in place so that it will match with the size of the piece that was laid before.
Where to buy slate floor
When you decide go with a slate floor, you can look through the many samples that are available to find a color that matches your décor. You also have to ensure that the dealer has enough of the material in stock so that you can purchase what you need without having to worry about running out of material part way through the job. Before you buy slate flooring, you also have to examine the slate to see that it is not cracked or broken.
The price of slate is high, so before you buy the slate flooring at the first dealer you visit you should shop around to see if you may be able to get discount slate flooring. A dealer may only have a small supply of one color left and it is what you need. He/She may be willing to negotiate and lower price and you will have the discount slate flooring you need.