Slate can be used as a backsplash, but personally I would find it impractical in cooking areas due to the rough, natural surface.

Thank you for your response michigammemom,

However, we have many customers who have used slate for kitchen backsplashes and love it. A stone with a natural surface is nothing to be frightened of, in fact many people prefer a more natural stone (travertine is one of the most popular tile choices). While any natural stone does require some maintenance to keep it in great shape, this does not make it impractical.

In response to your question dspitzenberger, this slate can most definitely be used as a kitchen backsplash! A few upkeep tips: Upon installation, your slate backsplash will need to be sealed. Dusting the tile often will remove dirt and debris and how often you clean the tile is up to your discretion. Because slate is a natural stone, it is very porous and harsh chemicals can damage the tile. A mild soap and water solution will work fine for cleaning, but if you would prefer to use a natural stone cleaner we recommend diluting the solution with water first and doing a spot check in an inconspicuous place. If the slate does not show any damage, the cleaner is likely safe. Steer clear of acidic natural cleaning solutions, such as lemon juice or vinegar diluted with water because they may etch the surface of the stone. For a natural alternative, you can make a paste with baking soda and water and use it to clean your slate.

You can read more about the specifics of the Butterscotch Slate tile in the picture here:

http://www.tile-stones.com/Butterscotch-Gauged-Slate-12x12-16x16-24x24-_p_676.html

Feel free to give us a call at 1-877-558-8484 and we would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding using slate as a backsplash.

Thank you!