Ardosia have been selling slate tiles since 1984 and have grown to be one of the largest independent suppliers of slate tiles in the UK.  All of the slate tiles supplied by Ardosia are inspected by hand to ensure that our clients get a product that is uniform and fit for purpose.

Slate tiles can be used for a variety of purposes from flooring, wall cladding and roofing. The qualities of slate as a natural stone make it probably the most suitable material for tiling. Slate can be split easily and consistently, it is non porous and cost effective as well as being hard wearing. 

How long do slate tiles last?

Slate tiles can last for centuries, how long they endure depends on where and how they are used. There are many old buildings public, private and commercial where traditional slate flooring has been in place for centuries. The look and feel of slate flooring will change over time as it naturally wears, as would any other type of flooring but with natural slate the wear will only enhance the appearance.

Are slate tiles durable?

Slate is a very strong material due to its natural composition and in many cases it is more durable than man made materials. It is also often more durable and practical than other natural materials, especially for flooring. 

As slate is non-porous and lightweight, it typically lasts longer than other materials for outdoor use, especially for roofing where slate has been shown to have an expected lifespan longer than many other materials. The other benefit of slates tiles for a roof is that they are also thinner and lighter than clay or concrete tiles

Internally, slate has been the material of choice for flooring over centuries. It will outlast wood as a floor covering, as it is not susceptible to environmental damage such as pest and fungal infestation or water damage.

Is a slate tile slippery?

Slate has long been used outdoor and in wet areas and the natural characteristics of the stone make it non slip. The natural cleft of slate that is found in riven tiles improves the level of grip. Slate is also highly resistant to bacteria such as moss and algae which significantly increases the chances of the surface becoming slippery when wet. 

The potential for slip is low in both wet & dry conditions. More information can be found in the Technical Specification downloads.

Can slate tiles be used in a shower?

Slate tiles can be used in a shower or wet room. At Ardosia, we manufacture bespoke slate shower trays, that look stunning, where you can see the natural grain of the slate. We have also supplied slate tiles for shower and wet room flooring and have many satisfied customers. Slate should be placed on a solid floor, especially for showers and wet rooms. We also recommend that a high quality grout and sealant should be used. Slate is non-porous, it will not leak making it ideal for any area subject to high levels of water and moisture penetration. Slate is great for shower areas; the natural density also means that it does not attract mould and chemicals such as soap and shampoo wash off very easily.

The low absorption characteristics of slate also make it ideal for use on bathroom or shower walls, whether it be in small format tiles or full size slate panels.

Do slate tiles crack easily?

If you are looking for a durable floor material, slate in any reasonable thickness will not split or crack easily. 

Due to the composition of the slate it has a flexural strength which makes it is very strong and hard to break .