On the plus side, the rough texture will better hide scratches and smudges, but overall it can be a pain. Middle road between a cleft and honed finish in both cost and the degree of texture. Sealing slate is typically not necessary BUT you need to water test the porosity to know for sure if your slate counters need a sealer or not. Acombination of a wooden base and a slate countertop looksas good as the classic pair of black and white, which is also here. (called fading or weathering) can occur with some slates when exposed to the atmosphere (i.e. Another wood and slate combinationhere has aspacious kitchen island accommodating both the sink and cooking stove. Even the uniformity of the cabinets doesnt look as bad when its broken up with some dark stone inclusions. Test for hardness and brittleness by tapping on the slab edges to see how easily it chips, cracks, or flakes. The upside is that a honed finish can be restored to its original condition and scratch repairs will be essentially invisible. Slate comes from Spain and Brazil primarily, but the United Kingdom, China, Africa and United States also supply slate. The subtle shifting in coloration is less bold than in marble or granite, but this also makes it much easier to produce countertops for your home that have a more uniform appearance. If you havent considered slate yet, take some time to get to know it. Slate slabs can be purchased at some local stone yards and even some big box stores, but it is more of a specialty surface so not every stone warehouse will carry slate slabs or only in limited quantity and color options. Slate countertop slabs are a different story. So, its a natural stone like granite or marble. Its used exactly because it can withstand the outside conditions really well. Colors include black, gray, green, red, blue, brown, purple, gold. Most common household cleaners are harsh. It looks smart and stylish and can really make an impact in a white kitchen. ft. Finishes & Textures for Slate Countertops, It is the least expensive, but most troublesome. Dont need sealing, wont stain, and resist growth of bacteria and mold. You want to make double-sure you are buying a hard and durable slate slab that doesnt easily chip, flake, stain, or etch.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'countertopspecialty_com-banner-1','ezslot_10',618,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-countertopspecialty_com-banner-1-0')}; And it isnt always a flat solid color. Any repair will flatten or smooth the surface. Slate is a great natural stone without the usual attributes like steep cost andhigh maintenance. This may be an interesting unique benefit or a drawback depending on your tastes. The colorful slates tend to have the most variance in quality and durability. These high-quality slate countertops will always be the darker colors, but not all dark colors will possess these desired qualities, so you must test and choose well. The black stove and microwave make for appropriate accents. Slate forms in layers or planes which impart its interesting cleft texture, but is also responsible for some of slates maintenance issues. The combination of cold blue and natural brown is like a breath of fresh air. With thatsaid, some basic maintenance is still in order. The type chosen can have a significant impact on the overall cost, as well as, performance, durability, maintenance and repair options. is not the most popular look, but it is the best choice to avoid damage. So, its a natural stone like granite or marble. Thats true only if using slate tile. Say, you want your kitchen island to have a different countertop material or make a contrast between ablack slate countertop and a white Corian one. However, It is a highly versatile material with a long history of use for roofing, flooring, gravestones, stepping stones, billiards tables, and more. This finish is unique to slate. You want to make double-sure you are buying a hard and durable slate slab that doesnt easily chip, flake, stain, or etch. Slate is not a common choice for kitchen countertops. The trick here is to do your homework and purchase only high-grade slate slabs that are hard, durable, low-porosity, and non-reactive to acids. Slate is very handsome. I completely agree. The latter createa very differentfeel than would natural wood. Highlighted by a custom rack to hang wine and cocktail glasses, this space is the prefect nook for prepping the dirty martinis the clients enjoy! Aroom instantly gains a modern aesthetic. Buffing can help polish scratches away, if they do emerge. It would look equallyinteresting if the cabinets were a matching black color. White bathroomplumbing adds evena starker contrast. With modern style, however, you can really play with different materials. In a white kitchenblack slate makes all the difference. We added 48 high base cabinets behind the main sink to function as a bar/buffet counter as well as overflow for kitchen items. Because ofits unique properties slate has been used to createlaboratory bench tops, billiard tables, school blackboards, and even tombstones. There are many different countertop materials on the market right now. The only thing Radon is doing for granite is cotnsig consumers to have a test done, buddy of mine is an industrial testing specialist and has done a bunch of Radon tests in the Midland Odessa area and has had very little to 0 radon show up, absolutely nothing to be concerned about but he sure is enjoying the income he is getting generated by the radon scare thanks to info from your friendly quartz company. This white minimalist kitchen is using a thickslate countertopas its focal point. Although, it is interesting to note that slate can also be cut in a special way along the plane lines to yield a flat surface which is the method used to produce thin sheets for tiles, chalkboards, and pool tables. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros, Inspiration for a huge rustic l-shaped slate floor and green floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Detroit with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island, Whole House Addition, Kitchen, and Main Level Remodel in Minneapolis, Enclosed kitchen - large traditional galley slate floor and gray floor enclosed kitchen idea in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops, white backsplash and subway tile backsplash, A Modern Kitchen for a Retreat in the Woods. The particular combo of ingredients can vary widely. No room is quite as multifunctional as the kitchen with Quartz Countertops. CountertopSpecialty.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Easy kitchen backsplash mosaic peel and stick tiles, https://clevermosaics.com, Your email address will not be published. It wont absorb liquids, so you wont get any staining from juice, tomato products, oil, cleaners, etc., since they cant penetrate the surface. Some slate slabs are extremely durable.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'countertopspecialty_com-box-4','ezslot_9',616,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-countertopspecialty_com-box-4-0')}; High-grade slate slabs are hard, dense and non-absorbent, wont stain, dont need sealing, wont chip or scratch easily, and wont etch from acidic foods. Slate tile can be purchased at nearly every big box store, tile store, or stone warehouse. Stone warehouses on the east coast tend to carry a much larger and varied supply of slate than in other parts of the country. Both chefs wanted their own prep sink on the island complete with a garbage shoot which we concealed below sliding cutting boards. Do this and youll enjoy a low-maintenance kitchen countertop.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'countertopspecialty_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_15',625,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-countertopspecialty_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')}; A poor-quality slate simply will not stand up to the demands of a kitchen countertop. Because everyones style is individual, customized pieces with a high-end look are what we're always after. Modeled after that aesthetic, we designed an exquisite walnut kitchen with base cabinets that stood on a steel frame, much like a piece of furniture. Care and durability vary a lot. Slate may not beas popular as granite or marble, but it offers a very different aesthetic. In other words, it is not man-made like most natural stone countertop finishes where the stone is ground smooth, or hammered, or brushed to create a certain effect or texture. Slate can be super or a maintenance nightmare. This film will dull the surface and attract other dirt and grime. The clients existing vintage commercial grade Wolf stove and hood commands attention with a tall backdrop of exposed brick from the fireplace in the adjacent living room. At around $55 per square foot ($125-$150 for marble) iteven beats concrete and crushed glass in terms of affordability. Ultra thin slatecountertopis also an option. This is especially true for a cleft finish, but also a cascade finish. Here, the grey slate countertop createsa subtle contrast with the cream cabinets and a countertop in a different stone. There are, really, a lot of design options and solutions when it comes to slate countertops. Slate can be super or a maintenance nightmare. When it comes to styles slate is as versatile. Slate countertops are stylish with a look and feel uniquely different from other countertop materials. Thinner slabs look great in more traditional designs. Here the slate countertopagain makes afocus of the interior. after quarried and cut into slabs or tiles). Thus, the physical and performance characteristics can differ dramatically from slab to slab, color to color. This film will dull the surface and attract other dirt and grime. The rough ridges may collect dust, grime, and debris making cleaning difficult. It is versatile and can be used beyond kitchen and bathroom. So it will stain, etch, scratch, chip, and crack easily. Since they are foliated the countertops may chip or flake at the edges and the edges themselves can be quite sharp. Slate is non-porous unlike a more popular soapstone, which makes it easy to clean. Wood, while durable, can deteriorate fast due to water exposure. Daily cleaning is uncomplicated. Another great thing about slate is that your kitchen technology doesnt stand out as much as with fancier countertops. This type will easily crumble, flake, chip, scratch, and etch (chalky dull spots) from acidic foods and most cleaning products. Today, however, it is widely used for all kinds of finishing work. Photo by Mike Schwartz, Example of a large trendy u-shaped slate floor eat-in kitchen design in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, paneled appliances and an island, Mid-sized mid-century modern u-shaped slate floor and black floor enclosed kitchen photo in Dallas with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, window backsplash and stainless steel appliances, Voted best of Houzz 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017! Dumawall Shower Review: My Honest Opinion Of Our Dumawall Shower. Its most. This guide looks at the strengths and weaknesses of slate countertops so that you can make an informed decision about them for your home. Use hot water and a sponge to wipe up spills and crumbs. feature various shades of red, purple, gray, black and the popular and very pretty green slate. Still, if a repair is needed, the result will be visible since the texture and pattern of the finish cannot be restored to its original state. They cost less than most concrete, quartz or crushed glass countertops too. Use a quality natural stone cleaner for a thorough cleaning of the entire surface at the end of the day just like you would with granite, marble, quartz, or soapstone countertops. But slate also has unique problems. Best to use a pH neutral cleaner made for natural stone. Can you make any suggestions?Thanks! Blue-ish slatedefinitely makes this countertop stand out from all the others. It can be very porous, reactive to acids, and brittle. Test slabs and buy only high-grade slabs as quality can vary dramatically. Wood and slate kitchen will have a certain look about it. Make sure your fabricator is experienced working with slate and installing slate countertops. Thanks to this, slate countertops require little to no maintenance. Use a. for a thorough cleaning of the entire surface at the end of the day just like you would with granite, marble, quartz, or soapstone countertops. Specializing in older homes for Kitchens, Bathrooms, Den, Family Rooms and any room in the home that needs creative storage solutions for cabinetry. The rest of the countertops are kept white and minimal whileslate tile floors echo the massive kitchen island countertop. A slate tile countertop will cost $45 - $70 per square foot. However thin a slate countertop maybe, it will still protect your surfaces thanks to its non-porous structure. However, this is not recommended since slate can scratch somewhat easily. Your email address will not be published. This means that it cleans up very easily and does not have a tendency to harbor bacteria. Stylistically, slate is more subdued than many other options, but if youre using a lot of color at other points in your design scheme, you might prefer countertops that complement rather than grab the spotlight. The pros win this one. Combination oftextures createsa lot of room for creativity. High-grade slate slabs are hard, dense and non-absorbent, wont stain, dont need sealing, wont chip or scratch easily, and wont etch from acidic foods. can be sanded or buffed out with steel wool or even a cloth, but this may cause a change in the surface finish or texture such that it no longer matches the original finish texture. Chips can be filled and a crack can be repaired to maintain the integrity of the slab but these will always be visible to some degree. A quality slate countertop will not readily react with acids or etch, however, repeated exposure of acids could cause some dullness over time. The wooden bar counter is built right into it but elevated on metal legs. However, some slate is more absorbent and can stain quickly. Slate countertops are stylish with a look and feel uniquely different from other countertop materials. The most vibrant colors typically arrive from Africa, but Vermont slate colors feature various shades of red, purple, gray, black and the popular and very pretty green slate. There is, of course, a more practical design solution as well. This cannot be done with a cleft or cascade finish. Slate countertop colors will often have pattern elements such as lines, striations, marbling, or mottled colors. This can occur even with a quality slab, but it should not happen with light impact.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'countertopspecialty_com-leader-4','ezslot_19',629,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-countertopspecialty_com-leader-4-0')}; Buy slate countertops from a region with excellent quality slate like Vermont. Slate countertopsdo have a downside, though. However, the gray and black slates look stellar in a classic black & white kitchen design. after quarried and cut into slabs or tiles). This is incrediblyfitting fora farmhouse style sink. We lightened the color scheme with a mix of white marble and quartz countertops. Finally, slate countertops are quite a bit more affordable than their pricier cousins like granite and marble. This is a great house. Repairs to scratches or chips will always be visible since it is impossible to restore the finish to its original cleft texture. The black handles on these cabinets and the matching stool leather seats accentuate the dark countertops in thekitchen. Slate counters can be durable and low-maintenance, if you buy a top-quality slab. Quality slate countertops will be very dense with low absorbency and will not stain easily. And slate countertops always look good paired with wood.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'countertopspecialty_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_13',623,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-countertopspecialty_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')}; However, because it lacks texture, scratches, dust, and smudges from fingerprints and other oils are easily seen. Of course, youll use soap around the sink, but best to just not use it as your regular cleaner over the entire surface. The most vibrant colors typically arrive from Africa, but. Always perform the lemon juice acid and stain test to ensure the slate is not reactive to acids and is a dense, low-porosity slab that wont stain and likely wont need sealing. Will hide scratches and smudges better than a honed finish, yet about as easy to clean and maintain as a honed finish. When it comes to cost, slate makes for a more affordable countertop material. Slate is highly versatile and can be used in combination with other materials like granite, marble, andwood. While natural wood has a degree of warmth to it, slate is cold and dark. If your local stone yard does not have slate slabs, see if you can have it ordered from a dedicated slate supplier. Clean with hot water and a quality stone cleaner. Its most similar to soapstone. If youre looking for an affordable, stylish countertop material you can consider slate as aviableoption. ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true}); Here youll learn the unvarnished truth, pros & cons, colors, cost, cleaning, care, repair, and insider tips on how to buy the best slate countertop for years of easy enjoyment. The surface is silky smooth, completely flat and will resemble soapstone or honed black granite. Soap wont harm slate but it will build up a film no matter how much you rinse the surface. Slate countertop prices are $50-$65 per square foot. The colorful slates tend to have the most variance in quality and durability. A honed finish is a fantastic choice for a sleek and minimalist look or a classic black and white kitchen design. The existing large format mosaic slate floor grabs your attention upon entering the home extending throughout the foyer, kitchen, and family room. can still occur, unfortunately, even with a premium-quality slab if a heavy object is dropped onto it, especially near the edges. This type will easily crumble, flake, chip, scratch, and etch (chalky dull spots) from acidic foods and most cleaning products. Inspiration for a mid-sized 1950s l-shaped slate floor and black floor eat-in kitchen remodel in St Louis with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and white countertops, Inspiration for a large contemporary u-shaped slate floor and gray floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Tampa with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, slate backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island, Inspiration for a large farmhouse l-shaped black floor and slate floor kitchen remodel in Dallas with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, an island, multicolored backsplash, white countertops, a farmhouse sink, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and window backsplash, Kitchen - mid-sized transitional u-shaped slate floor kitchen idea in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island, Example of a large transitional galley slate floor enclosed kitchen design in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island, Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped slate floor kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island, This was a dream kitchen job. To a degree this is also true of granite and marble, but the range is much more extreme with slate countertops. It will may have a soft luster but slate cannot be polished to a full glossy shine like granite. . Photography by: Juniper Wind Designs LLC, Mid-sized arts and crafts slate floor and coffered ceiling kitchen photo in Oklahoma City with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, an island and gray countertops, Inspiration for a mid-sized modern l-shaped slate floor open concept kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island. A change in color (called fading or weathering) can occur with some slates when exposed to the atmosphere (i.e. Black accent lights and cabinet frames make a nice background for the prominent but minimal white cabinetswhile thewooden floors echo blend with thekitchen island. Its aesthetic is simple and yet elegant and modernand there is a choice of texture andcolor albeit somewhat limited. Since the edges are particularly at risk, they are usually rounded on a slate countertop. It is recommended to have the corners rounded out to avoid injury. And slate countertops always look good paired with wood. But slate is verydifferent from all otherstones. Try to avoid installing this type of low-grade slate, but it you have it and testing shows it needs it, then apply a long-lasting stone sealer. Use hot water and a sponge to wipe up spills and crumbs. Slate comes in an array of subtle hueslikeblack, grey, green, and purple. Wooden accents make the kitchen more inviting. Hot pans or hair tools wont mar the surface. Granite is a premium building material that stands out for , A backsplash is a practical necessity and enhances beauty wherever , Putting an attractive bevel on a countertop enhances its beauty, , Quartz countertops are elegant, gorgeous and long-lasting, but they are , When homeowners are considering granite countertops for their kitchen or , Are your marble countertops looking dull, perhaps with light scratches , Granitecountertops, like other natural stone countertop materialssuch as, marble, sandstone , The Pros and Cons of Soapstone Countertops, Pros and Cons of Granite Bathroom Countertops, Pros and Cons of Crushed Glass Countertops, How To Polish Granite & Restore That Factory Shine, How to Repair Fissures, Cracks and Chips in Countertops. A honed finish is a fantastic choice for a sleek and minimalist look or a classic black and white kitchen design. Its first rise to popularity happened in 1870s when slate tiles were used for roads and waterway systems. Color (gray slate and blue slate are less expensive), Texture or type of finish (cleft, cascade, honed). If youre after a minimalist masculine aesthetic it is aperfect choice. is uncomplicated. Even though this is quite a mix of traditional and modern styles the kitchen has a touch of industrial chic to it. In this kitchenit is purely practical, it seems, but itoffers a different aesthetic than the more popular stones would. If youre looking to do a, Floor Coverings International of Tampa Bay, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists. Are not reactive to acids and will not etch. If its the vibrant colors youre going for, choose wisely. Chips can be filled and a crack can be repaired to maintain the integrity of the slab but these will always be visible to some degree. A round edge style is not the most popular look, but it is the best choice to avoid damage. var cid='3438310423';var pid='ca-pub-0605301756115355';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-countertopspecialty_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=1;var alS=1021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);container.style.width='100%';var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;if(ffid==2){ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive='true';} Low-quality slabs can be very porous, next to impossible to seal, and will stain quickly. View slate countertops at a home show or local showroom and its many good qualities will become very apparent. However, a honed finish can be repaired or refinished back to its original smooth texture. Here, the countertopis echoedbyfloortilesand a multicolor slate stove alcove. What is that saying like a box of chocolates never know what youll get. This is true of slate. For similar evaluations of granite, concrete and other upscale materials, see additional Pros and Cons articles on this site. However, can still scratch, chip, and crack particularly the edges. We offer color rendering services to help you see what your space will look like, so you can be comfortable with your choices! Slate is a strong material. Corners can be slightly brittle and they are sharp. The grayish stain ties in the floor color while the slab door style brings a modern element to the space. When debating which type of countertop best fits your home, it is imperative to understand the pros and cons of each choice. Rounded corners and edges are recommended. It can be removed (along with hard water deposits) using this Soap Film & Hard Water cleaner. Perched high on a private, heavily wooded site, it has a rustic contemporary aesthetic. I am looikng for something that looks like Calacutta Gold Marble, but without the maintenance. Swapping these would make the more durable material (slate) exposed to water and food, whereas a more expensive stone would be become a focal pointand a design element of the room. Knowing we'd probably be here for a long time did play a big part in our decisions for our new kitchen. While the differences in slate slabs is not as distinct as you find in granite or marble, each countertop is still unique. This can occur even with a quality slab, but it should not happen with light impact. Even traditional kitchenscan make use of slate. You have 3 finish types (surface texture) for slate countertops. Soap wont harm slate but it will build up a film no matter how much you rinse the surface. Slate countertops have a lot going for them including stellar good looks, great durability and a non-porous surface that makes them easy to clean and requires less maintenance than granite, marble or concrete. We loved the rustic appeal of the brick along with the existing wood beams, and complimented those elements with wired brushed white oak cabinets. We've been in our home 20 years and execpt we'll be here for 20 more. If you are installing a slate countertop on wooden cabinets, youd want to keep it dry to prevent water causing wood to rot. Thanks to its simplicity you can do a lot with it. Slateslow water absorption makes it incredibly durable and stain-resistant unlike most natural stones. Try to avoid installing this type of low-grade slate, but it you have it and testing shows it needs it, then apply a. can be purchased at nearly every big box store, tile store, or stone warehouse. Test for hardness and brittleness by tapping on the slab edges to see how easily it chips, cracks, or flakes. We took advantage of the tall ceilings by adding two walnut linear pendants over the island that create a sculptural effect and coordinated them with the new dining pendant and three wall sconces on the beam over the main sink. Of course, this is the most expensive finish type. to know for sure if your slate counters need a sealer or not. Liquids would have to remain on the surface a long time to stain. Our plan is to use our kitchen to live life fully, with love, for the people we serve! Even the traditional cabinet doesnt look the same with this stone. This is another example of a plain wooden kitchengetting a style upgrade with a slate countertop. Slate countertops are a somewhat new trend right now, but are they any good? Unlike granite, marble and concrete, slate is non-porous. When debating which type of countertop best fits your home, it is imperative to understand the pros and cons of each choice.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'countertopspecialty_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',106,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-countertopspecialty_com-medrectangle-4-0')}; No countertop material is perfect, so its always a matter of weighing the good against the bad. Recognizing the value of the do-it-yourself movement of the last several years, trendir.com is inspired by unique yet replicable ideas.