I love slate and have it at the entrances in our home.

However, I would be reluctant to have a stone floor in the kitchen near my working area. Stone and porcelain tiles are very hard to stand on for any period of time.

So, if you cook much or do dishes at the sink I would suggest hardwood, or tile or cork...I am sure other members will have some good suggestions.

I would think food spills would be a nightmare to be cleaning off a rough surface!

I have had a tile floor in my kitchen my entire life and have never been bothered at all by standing on it. I put porcelain in my new kitchen, too, with no ill effects.

I have a rough varied colored slate floor in my kitchen and great room for the past 10 years. I love the color and durability. It doesn't bother me to stand on it anymore than my hardwoods, but all my floors are on slab concrete so I don't notice that one is softer or easier on my feet and knees than the other. My only caution is that it must be resealed about every 2-3 years. Good luck with your choice

Harringk- I love your slate! We are looking to put this slate in our front entrance. I have been worried that the hardwood has an orange look next to the slate.

Yep...slate does look good, but in a kitchen? I don't think so. It stains easily, needs to be regularly sealed, scratches easily. Do I need to go on? There are MANY porcelean tiles that mimic the slate-look very well and are practically maintenance free.

I have installed natural slate in three houses. My parents had slate flooring in their home while I was growing up. I love the imperfections in the surface.

Slate wears like iron. It's great. I have found it to be low maintenance. I sealed it when it was installed and have never sealed it again. I've also used honed slate in hearths and fireplace surrounds.

It's not any harder on your back than any porcelain tile or stone material.

I'm getting ready to do a kitchen renovation and plan to use black slate for the floor. I like 12"x12" tiles in a diagonal with 12"x6" borders. I will use a charcoal grey grout. I am replacing travertine for slate. It's more appropriate for the age and style of the home.

I wouldn't hesitate to use it if you find it appealing.

Slate is a popular flooring choice for heavy-traffic areas, slate has a dense, smooth texture that makes it durable, moisture-resistant, and impervious to most stains. Homeowners chose slate tiles for the kitchen's heated floor because they radiate warmth efficiently. However, the versatility and durability of polished concrete make it a popular alternative to stone or tile.