Install Slate Flooring

Slate tile is a great option when choosing a to install in your home. It can add to the rustic feel of a country home, or it can enhance the modern flare of a contemporary home. No matter what your style is, slate will complement it beautifully. When shopping around for slate tile, ask for multicolored slate. The sheer beauty of the natural color variations will captivate and astound even the most style-conscious consumer.

Instructions as follows:


Firstly, figure the square footage of your room(s) (length by width) and add an extra 10 percent of the total square footage [(length by width) x 0.10] to find the grand total amount of tile needed to complete your project.

For example, if your room measures 12 by 15 feet, the square tile footage of the room equals 12 feet x 15 feet 180 square feet x 0.10 18.
180 + 18 198 total square feet needed for the project.

Secondly, check to see whether your floor is level. If not, use LevelQuik self-leveling compound to make it level (follow the directions on the package).

Thirdly, remove all baseboards and undercut all adjoining door jambs (a door jamb is the frame that a door opens and closes in). This will allow you to install the backer board and the slate tile under the door jambs for a cleaner, more professional-looking tile floor.

Fourthly, clean the floor to remove all dirt and debris by sweeping, vacuuming and, possibly, mopping the floor.

Fifthly, pour a 50-lb. bag of thinset in a 5-gallon bucket. Add water and mix a bag of CustomBlend thinset with a mixing paddle and a drill until the thinset is a peanut butter consistency.

Category: Stone Knowledge

Updated: 2013/8/21

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