Slate Flooring

If you want a floor that will be virtually indestructible, take a look at what slate flooring has to offer. It is one of the most expensive flooring types on the market, but the price is well worth it. Once it is sealed, it will also be stain resistant, which is why most homeowners choose this material for their foyer and kitchen.

To install a slate floor you will need the following tools:
* Knee pads
* Chalk line to make sure all the tiles are straight
* Measuring tape
* A framing square
* A square notched trowel for the grout
* Stiff blade scraper
* A diamond cutting saw blade
* A sponge for wiping off the tiles

You use a thin layer of cement to adhere the slate tile to the subfloor. Once you mix this with water, you won't have to worry about the tiles not sticking because this will stick to anything no matter what your subfloor is made of. You do have to be very careful about what you touch it with. Each of the pieces of slate have to be laid precisely so that they will match the previous piece.

There are many places where you can purchase slate tiles. All stores that carry materials for constructing homes will have samples you can look through to make the choice of color. There are also many online retailers that have samples for you to search through. You do have to have your measurements in order to ensure that you order all the tiles you need at the same time. If the dealer does not have the proper quantity in stock, then you may have to wait or choose another color. Examine each piece of slate before you start installing to make sure that it is not cracked or broken to avoid problems later on.