Slate Tile

Slate Tiles

By Christina Xio

Slate tiles are tiles created from the stone slate that is a sedimentary rock consisting of clay and volcanic ash. Many a times these slate rocks are known to be used as insulators of heat and electricity and in building of homes or multi story buildings in the form of tiles. The greatest plus point of such material is its natural occurrence and abundance making it the material of choice for many.


The origins of using slate tiles go back centuries when records indicate its extensive use throughout mainland Europe as early as the 16th century. Mainly slate tiles are used for interior as well as exterior flooring and may also be effectively used to tile roofs especially in damp prone areas. The slate tiles can also be used as wall decorating agents and may also prevent seepage in walls if placed and positioned correctly. The use of slate as surface of billiards table was widely popular during the 18th century and would then be also used as chemistry lab table tops due to its fire resisting properties.



The use of slate tiles has been encouraged due to its easy availability and easy fitting on external and internal floors. Unlike ceramic and porcelain tiles, slate does not require the much expensive tile bond and can be applied just by using mortar. The slate rock has been mined vastly along all of Europe where the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany being the highest producers and users of slate rock, usually in the form of tiles. The American continent is also a big producer of slate and many mines are found in north and South America. Brazil is known as the second largest producer of slate rock where mining has been most economically beneficial. Slate mined in different areas is known to have different colors and one sample of slate may have color variation with rocks mined from other mines.



Many competitors have arisen to challenge the market share held by the slate by creating synthetic and more durable tiles as compared to slate. Some Chinese manufacturers offer tiles that are fire and water seepage proof and require little or no care after installation. The slate tile is available in many different colors whilst consumers can have Chinese tiles manufactured as per requirement even choosing the color, texture or at time the exact length and shape of each individual tile. The current economic downturn has brought a severe crisis on the homebuilding industry which has forced contractors to look for cheaper and more durable tiles to cater for their needs. The constant supply of such tiles with the ever so increasing demand makes it impossible for slate tile manufacturers to compete with such tiles offered in the market.



The true connoisseur of slate may only look for such a material to grace his or her home in these tough times when cost saving is of the utmost importance. The beautiful and majestic look of flooring slate tiles may create a great sense of tranquility in the buyer's heart and may be something worthwhile when the house is transferred on to the younger generation.




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