Slate Countertops The Good, The Bad, and The Not So Ugly
Perhaps the first thing that comes to your mind when someone mentions slate, is a billiards table. Yet, there are other uses for this intriguing natural stone, including flooring, worktops and even outdoor walkways and steps. If you are contemplating using slate as a design material for your home, you may be looking for some information regarding the pros and cons of using slate countertops.
Benefits of Slate Stone
One of the attractive qualities of slate is that it is less expensive than some of the more notorious natural stones like granite or marble. For some, this benefit alone might be enough to tip the scales in favor of slate.
As you can see from the image above, slate has a very distinct look. The color is fairly consistent and comes in a variety of colors including:
- Black
- Pewter
- Green
- Gray
- Charcoal
- Brown
Slate also offers a variety of highlight colors including blues and reds like the one in the photo above.
The bottom line is that the distinctive look of slate is very rustic and if you are designing a room or area with and outdoor or natural look and feel, you will probably find ample opportunities to make use of the character that slate exudes.
Since it is non porous and very hard, slate is considered to be quite durable. It will not easily chip or scratch and its ability to resist high temperatures makes it appealing for a kitchen counter material. Additionally, its porosity makes it easy to clean.
Slate’s Drawbacks
While slate does not have a long list of drawbacks, it is by no means a perfect candidate for every project. One factor to consider is that slate is very hard and sometimes can be brittle. Because of this, you may find yourself contending with your stone flaking. However, this characteristic is not found in every slate so make sure you carefully inspect any slate that you are looking to buy.