While some may not think of slate tile as having the same alluring star factor of something like a Casablanca Viola Marble, this natural stone is no shrinking violet.

Slate tile may be more subtle, but it can easily transform a space with its refined grace — and it also can play an incredible supporting role to other tile design choices.Because it's so versatile, it's also an excellent tile to use in both modern and traditional settings.

Here's a slate tile primer to introduce you to everything you need to know about this understated yet still statement-making natural stone.

What Is Slate Tile?

If slate tile had an IMDb celebrity profile, it would read something like this: This natural stone embodies elemental strength and versatility — that's because it's the product of the same geologic forces that form mountains. Yes, mountains! Slate is a fine-grained rock that's birthed under extreme heat and pressure, yielding a highly durable, dense stone that's as versatile as it is stunning.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the biggest calling cards of slate tile — and why it's so universally appealing — is its natural variation in color and texture. It's as practical as it is beautiful for both residential and commercial use.

Riad Tile offers high-quality Brazilian Slate in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, each showcasing deep tones of both black and grey with minimal clefting to give a modern yet organic feel. No two tiles are exactly alike, meaning slate tile is sure to add depth and character to any space.

How to Use Slate Tile

The sky's the limit for how you can cast slate tile's character in a property. Because of its durability, it's incredibly versatile for a wide variety of applications, including:

Flooring: Slate tile for flooring is ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways due to its naturally slip-resistant quality and tactile durability.
Shower Walls: In addition to slate tile floors in bathrooms, this stone is a popular choice for shower walls, too. Just make sure you use the proper sealing for any areas that are frequently in touch with water — more on that in the installation section below.
Kitchen Backsplashes: Because slate tile integrates so well with granite, marble, and other stones commonly used in kitchens, it's an excellent choice for a more neutral yet statement-making backsplash.
Accent Walls: Slate tile can add natural texture and depth to walls, creating a stunning accent in living areas, bathrooms, foyers, and more.
Fireplaces: Both heat-resistant and aesthetically pleasing, slate tiles make for a striking yet pleasantly neutral fireplace surround. It's an unexpected substitute for brick or other types of tiles.
Outdoor Living: Because slate tile is also weather-resistant (it's the stuff of mountains!), it is ideal for any outdoor living and dining environments, including outdoor slate tile floors for patios and decks, as well as backsplashes for outdoor bars and kitchens. It can also be integrated into garden pathways, pool surrounds, and much, much more.

Design Ideas for Slate Tile

From an aesthetic standpoint, slate tile fits into almost any aesthetic — from modern and contemporary styles to more traditional and transitional moods. It adds a bit more interest than typical neutrals might — meaning, there are so many uses for this tile!

Here are just a few:

Bridging the Style Gap

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Consider using slate tile in combination with many other colors, designs, and textures. The richness of the slate combined with its smooth-yet-matte finish makes it a perfect partner next to virtually any other element.

With slate tile as a consistent element throughout a home or commercial property, you can effortlessly tie together design aesthetics from different rooms and styles.

Indoor-Outdoor Living

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Having a backyard party? Hoping to give the kids a safe space to work in the sunshine? Adding slate tile to your home's indoor-outdoor living space is the perfect way to enjoy nature all year long.

Riad Tile's Grey 12"x24" Brazilian Slate and its Black 12"x24" Slate counterpart can create a fun pattern for indoor-outdoor flooring — a spin on the traditional checkerboard patterns!

Au Naturel

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One of slate's most significant selling points is its features — the subtle changes in texture, the color variation, and the matte finish. It's a fantastic choice for homeowners and designers who want a natural look for flooring.

For example, the warm and earthy qualities of Riad Tile's Grey 10" Hex Brazilian Slate boasts a matte finish that pairs beautifully with Natural White Zellige on shower walls and the gold hardware.

How to Install Slate Tile

For those who are comfortable with a DIY project, it is possible to install slate tile yourself. Here's a general step-by-step overview along with the tools and materials you'll need.

Required Tools and Materials

Thin-set mortar
Notched trowel
Tile spacers
Rubber float
Grout
Sealer (penetrating stone sealer recommended)
Wet saw (for cutting tiles)
Level and measuring tape
Your slate tile of choice!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Surface: Ensure the surface — whether it's a subfloor, wall, or outdoor area — is clean, level, and free of debris and ready to receive your slate tile.

2. Plan Your Layout: It can be helpful to dry-lay your tiles to determine the arrangement you prefer — and to minimize any potential mistakes. This is easiest when you are using slate tile for flooring, but you can also sketch out how you want your slate tile to appear on a backsplash or wall. Also, don't ignore the age-old advice: Measure twice and cut once! That way, you can minimize waste.

3. Apply Mortar: Once you're ready to lay your slate tile, use a notched trowel to spread a layer of thin-set mortar onto your clean surface.

4. Lay the Slate Tile: Press each slate tile firmly into the mortar, using spacers to maintain those evenly proportioned grout lines that are essential to a professional-looking finish.

5. Cut Your Tile: With a wet saw, cut the slate tile into the sizes you need to fit corners and other spaces where the regular-size tiles cannot accommodate. Note: It's critical to use a wet saw rather than another type of saw, as it prevents chipping.

6. Apply Grout: Once the mortar sets, remove the spacers and fill them with grout using a rubber float. At Riad Tile, we highly recommend using Mapei Flexcolor CQ grout. It's available at Lowe's and Floor and Decor. Just know that some options can stain natural stone, so make sure whichever one you choose is non-sanded and stone-safe.

7. Don't Forget to Seal: Don't skip this step! Use a high-quality, penetrating sealer to protect your slate tile from any moisture and stains. Riad Tile recommends the Miracle 511 Porous Plus sealer. For your planning purposes, the quart size covers 200 to 250 square feet, while the gallon size covers 500 to 750 square feet.

For those who prefer to leave the installation to the experts to ensure a flawless finish and long-lasting durability, consider hiring a professional installer. Professional tile setters will provide the correct spacing, proper sealing, and an overall polished look. At Riad Tile, we can connect you with recommended contractors to get the job done both efficiently and beautifully.

How Do You Clean Slate Tile?

Slate tile is a relatively low-maintenance natural stone (no drama here!), but regular cleaning is essential to preserve its quality and natural beauty.

Here are a few cleaning considerations for your slate tile:

Maintain Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove any dust, dirt, or debris.
Keep Surfaces Dry: If your tile is in a moisture-rich environment — like the slate tile floor of a bathroom or a shower wall — it's helpful to dry off the tile to avoid any water stains or the buildup of mildew.
Use Appropriate Mopping Solutions: Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner with a damp, soft mop to avoid damaging or scratching the surface of your slate tile.
Manage Stain Care: Clean any spills immediately to prevent any possible staining, especially with acidic or highly pigmented substances — like that glass of wine that got knocked over. If a stain does happen, consider using a mild dish soap with warm water for oil-based stains and a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution for organic stains like food and drink, leaves, and more.
Keep Up Periodic Sealing: Apply a stone sealer, like the Miracle 511 Porous Plus Sealer, every one to two years to ensure your slate tile is continually protected against moisture and stains —particularly in areas with moisture like bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes.

Where to Buy Slate Tile

If you're looking for high-quality slate tile, Riad Tile offers premium Brazilian Slate in beautiful black and grey tones and a variety of sizes. You can purchase Riad's slate tiles online for delivery straight to your door or in our Dallas showroom, where you can see the beauty of Brazilian Slate in person.

Inspiration for Riad Tile's Brazilian Slate Collection

The Brazilian Slate collection comes in both black and grey tones and is perfect for interior or exterior use. Here are just a few ways you could think about using the different slate tile options in our collection:

Use Riad's 10" Hexagonal Black Slate tile to make a sleek, modern bar.
Build a dramatic, subway-style look on your kitchen backsplash with the 4"x12" Black Slate.
Try the 4"x12" Grey tiles to brighten any modern bathroom; create a unique chevron pattern with a lighter-colored grout to really make them pop.
Make an outdoor backsplash pop with the 10" Hexagonal Grey tiles.
Create an incredible slate tile floor pattern with the 12"x24" Rectangular Grey tiles.
Consider large-format square tiles for warm, bright slate flooring for a space that seamlessly transitions from inside to outside. They're available in 12"x12", 18"x18", and 24"x24" varieties.