Slate Questions & Answers From Ardosia

Q: Why use slate?

A: For hundreds of years slate has been the material of choice for providing long life, weatherproof roofs whilst maintaining an attractive appearance. Public places and buildings historically use natural slate for flooring and cladding not only for durability but for the aesthetic appearance it presents. Used in conjunction with other natural materials it can be worked to complement a traditional appearance, or with sharp angular shapes can fit the most contemporary of designs.

Q: Do you stock honed slate?

A: We do not stock honed slate as we find it can mark very easily. We produce our bespoke items from Brazilian graphite black riven slate. The products in our gallery pages show the natural markings and textures that can be seen across the surface.

Q: Do you require a template for bespoke orders?

A: If hearths, cills, steps etc. are square and straight forward we can cut from detailed drawings if you are confident, you can supply the exact measurements, or angled and intricate shapes we will require a physical template to cut from.
For worktop orders we can cut from detailed drawings if you are confident, you can supply the exact dimensions you require and the precise locations and sizes of the cut outs. Alternatively, you can send physical templates for us to work from.
Templates should be made from materials that can withstand the water from our saws, this can be corrugated plastic sheets, ply or very thick cardboard.
All drawings and templates are provided at your own liability, we will cut to the exact detail provided so it is essential that you ensure accuracy.

Q: Do you supply samples?

A: Yes - we are more than happy to provide small sample pieces to show the colour and markings of the slate. For samples please email us with your postal address and we will get these sent out to you.

Q: Is slate suitable for wet areas?

A: Slate has long been used in outdoor and wet areas and the natural characteristics of the stone make it non slippery. The natural cleft of slate that is found in non-honed tiles improves the level of grip. Moss & algae can often make paving slippery when wet, slate is highly resistant the growth of these.

Q: Is slate compatible with underfloor heating?

A: Slate is perfect for underfloor heating because it is one of the best conductors of heat in the natural stone category and they retain the heat for a long period of time.

Ardosia Slate Company always recommend the use of a decoupling matting when using our tiles with any underfloor heating system. Should you decide not to follow this advice you do so at your own liability and Ardosia Slate Company will not be responsible for any adverse outcomes experienced or obligated to compensate for any consequential losses.

Q: Does slate stain?

A: We recommend that you apply a sealer once the slate has been installed, this will help prevent the slate from marking or staining.

Q: Why is it recommended to buy extra tiles?

A: It is a standard practise in the tiling industry that you order extra 10% to allow for cuts and wastage. It is also advisable to keep a few spares in case you need to replace some tiles in future due to damage or future renovations.

Q: Does the slate chip?

A: It will only chip if you hit the slate hard with a heavy object, if you find you have chipped the slate, we recommend to use fine wire wool and lightly buff the surface, for larger damaged areas we may be able to supply a small resin kit to repair. Please contact us with images are the area and we will be happy to advise.

Q: What do I need to consider when buying a natural material?

A: Slate is a natural stone product which we have selected and packaged by quarries in Brazil. As such it may contain naturally occurring imperfection which are characteristics of the stone and also may contain minor surface abrasions which occur during transit. These characteristics will include but not limited to colour/shade variations, geological flaws, irregular marking, voids, cracks and minor separations.

It is standard practice in the industry to improve/repair these with a selection of techniques such as filling, polishing or using man-made products such as resin. The pieces are checked over before manufacturing and any cracked pieces are not used and any markings, chipped edges, splits are, where possible, removed. It is not always possible to provide a stone that is completely free of any variation or marking. These do not affect the function or wear of the stone and these differences are part of what makes the stone beautiful and should not be considered faults.

Purchasing our products implies you accept that natural stone varies in pattern, texture, colour/shade. We also cannot guarantee that products ordered at a later date will match the original order.

Q: How heavy is the slate?

A: 12mm slate = 30kgs per m2
20mm slate = 60kgs per m2
25mm slate = 75kgs per m2
40mm slate = 130kgs per m2

Q: How do you join two pieces of slate?

Whenever possible we will endeavour to cut customers orders from single slabs however it is often the case that the need for multiple slabs is unavoidable, in these cases our technicians will select slabs that provide as close a match as possible. We recommend using a black resin to join the pieces on site, this will give a clean and subtle finish.