Slate is one of the most popular of all natural stone worktops. It has proven useful in many areas of the home and desirable due to its elegant appearance and the value it adds to any home. Of course, like any other important renovation or building decision, homeowners are bound to have several questions when it comes to choosing slate worktops.
What is slate?
Slate is a foliated rock that is formed through the metamorphosis of shale. This stone consists largely of clay minerals. The exact composition varies depending on the amount of heat and pressure to which the rock is exposed. Slate is largely available in gray but also shades of black, red, green, brown, and purple.
How durable is slate?
Being a natural stone, slate is naturally resistant to various forms of damage. That said, it’s essential that your worktops are properly installed. If they are not placed on a stable surface or a level one for that matter, they can crack or break under pressure. Slate is not completely immune to damage so you should still use a chopping board and avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on these surfaces.
Can I install slate myself?
Once you have purchased your worktops, the manner of installation is up to you. Professional installation is recommended for best results and to ensure that you don’t ensure any unnecessary inconvenience or expense.
Do I need to seal my slate worktops?
All natural stone worktops are porous to some degree and slate is no exception. You should have your slate sealed after installation and then regularly to ensure that stains never take hold.
With all of these FAQs answered, it should be that much easier to decide between slate and other natural stone options. Of course, other concerns like price and design will also need to be considered.