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I am hoping to DIY install slate floor tiles over my concrete pad in our new sunroom. Any tips out there? I checked at Lowe's and they have North American slate for over $7 per sq. ft. and imported slate squares from India for about $2 per sq. ft. (go figure). They both look great. Has anyone installed slate? I know the general directions, but would appreciate tips and/or warnings from other DIY'ers. Thanks.
Howdy, Steve from Vermont, tile setter for a living, depending on what you get...slate can be sometimes a pain to work with, have done many slate floors and walls, showers, greenhouse's etc...just finished two log cabins both with slate kitchens, this was kit slate from vermont, combination of 12x12, 6x12,6x6 and 9x9's. Slate can have a tendacy to be in various thicknesses, so a deep lug trowel will help you with the unevenness I would recomend 1/4 by 3/8 square lug trowel. Slate should be sealed...especially if it will see water or moisture, we use a sealer called 511 impregnator and enhancer. I do it before I grout it and then after the grout cures and I do my final cleaning. Should do a maintenance schedule of at least two coats once a year. You may also find that the peices are not all the same size exactly so opening up your grout lines will help. I really like african slate in 12x12, have instaled it and it looks awesome, there are so many styles and types out there, have fun , and If i can help more just ask!
Wow! Thanks, Steve. I really appreciate advice from a pro. I love the look of slate, too. It's funny... I've been going once a week to the local Lowe's to get one box of ten slate tiles at a time. I pick through the boxes since I've found that each box has some real duds, thicker and ugly compared to the regular multicolored pieces. Every time I go, someone has opened up boxes, I guess to get only a few pieces, but that makes my job easier. Since my sunroom isn't ready for the tiles yet, I figure I can accumulate boxes until late spring when I'll be ready. I'm taking notes on your advice (never would have thought about sealing them), but will probably double-check with you when the time comes (probably May). Thanks again.
It's my summer project. The sunroom is all finished, but all of my plants area summering outdoors for a few months. I'm still buying boxes of slate from different big box stores as it goes on sale. I did get the entrance hall tiled, but because there were some issues with the floor (missing floor joist in the basement), I had to have my contractor get it done. Looks great. Now, I'm inspired to get the sunroom floor done. Should be easier as it's on a concrete slab.
Oh yeah. That's why I had it done professionally. The floor was tilted somewhat because of the missing joist. They used this special sub floor after adding the joist in the basement. Looks great, and was something I certainly did not want to attempt, but makes me anxious to get the sunroom floor done!
