A granular stone which may be split into thin layers and applied over either a mortar bed or a thin-set application. Slate is graded in two categories: 1) clear stock which has no ribbons but has veining in the stone itself, and 2) ribbon stock which has bands of darker color running through it and is the less expensive of the two. In the application, the mortar bed is about 1/4" thick, and on top of that, a mastic material is applied to about 1/8" thick. The slate flooring is then laid in the mastic. The slate flooring generally used for heavier-duty floors is between 1/2" and 1" and is set on a 1" mortar bed (either on a slab or wood floor system). When applied over wood floors, it is commonly applied over a felt and lath base.
Consider the following when selecting a quality:
Color: Products with natural coloring (e.g., red brick and quarry tile) are low quality, while products with unusual natural or man-made color characteristics (e.g., green slate) are high quality.
Installation Pattern: The common bond pattern is the least labor intensive, with the herringbone pattern being more intensive, and the diamond pattern being the most intensive; quality increases as labor intensity increases.
Enter the following for this component:
Percent of Total Floor Area: 1 – 100, or
Floor Area (Square Feet)
Floor Cover