We are adding a 12x16 mudroom onto our antique cape-style home. We are going for a worn-in/always there look to the room. This is the main entry to the house (we have 2 little kids and 2 dogs).

I love cleft charcoal gray slate (with a gray grout).

My concerns are:

1- Will it scratch? I imagine that the cleft texture would hide a lot of the wear?

2- Once sealed, does it stain? My son just had a snack and touched a sample piece and left fingerprints on it.

3- The tile store told me we should seal it once installed - and again regularly. How frequently would you suggest sealing it?

Thanks!!