Slate is one of the more affordable stone options (usually between $8 and $15 per square foot), and its rugged appearance gives it a distinct look. Because slate looks rustic naturally, some people prefer not to seal it, which allows the slate to age naturally and enhance its lived-in appearance. Of course, if you like how your slate looks when you buy it, sealing it will preserve its original appearance.
The two bathrooms above, with stone from American Slate, show the wide range of colors available in the slate family.
Tip: When it comes to selecting slate, American Slate’s Steve Smith mentions that surface flaking usually indicates bad quality. He also notes, “Soft or flexible tiles are a definite no-no. [And] corners that are excessively chipped can indicate poorer quality slate.”
