If you buy bargain basement tile with a 30-40% cull rate, you will get exactly what you deserve. Stop shopping at box stores and seconds retailers. Move up to an actual real flooring store.

I was surprised how reasonably priced my local tile store was and they had so many more choices than lowes or homedepot. They had a larger range of prices but many choices were within the same price point as the box stores. Go to a few tile shops, get samples bring them to your space than decide what works best.

I got the montauk slate from HD about 6 years ago for my bathroom floor. Not shower. I love it. I got the 12x12 and cut down to 6x12 equivalent (minus material for grout spacing). The tile was very very consistent in thickness and size. I was very happy. It is a bit irregular in its surface, but I wanted that. I bet the one with the smooth finish is the same type of slate. Get a sample if you haven't already. If I wanted smooth, and the consistency in thickness and size is there, go for it.

But let me tell you about Brazilian slate. It's not the same slate that is used for roofs, or outdoor installations. I have read that it hasn't gone through the same degree of metamorphosis change that other slates have gone through for outdoor use. The montauk slate is not frost resistant. It is softer than Vermont slate, that can be used outdoors. I had a sample of Vermont slate and it is beautiful and feels harder. But for my bathroom the montauk slate from Brazil is very nice.

I'll post a pick of my floor later.

http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/enduringdesign/media/story_13253/IMG_2849_zps9039e159.jpg.html?o=12

Does this link work?

Yes, the link works. Nice floor!

enduring... I drool every time I see your soapstone sink.

thanks beanie, I'm still getting great service from it.

I love the black Montauk slate used in my master and guest bathrooms. I bought it at from a stone supplier though. Not sure if it's the same as that sold at Home Depot.

It's closer to the color in the second picture.

@tnfarmhouse, very nice floors. It is the same color as my tile.

The montauk slate at HD is special order. Not on their shelves. At least 5 years ago that was the case.

Jaidog, is it possible for you to get a sample of the F&D tile? That would be your best bet.

Thank you, enduring. I would definitely use this slate again in our current house.

Thank you everyone for all the responses and photos.

I am confident that the Montauk Black slate from HD will be great. But, I like the smoother look and feel of the F&D slate.

I have samples of both slates and from a distance, they look very similar. The difference is the finish -- the F&D slate is as smooth as porcelain with a sheen while the HD slate is slightly textured without any sheen.

I was hoping to hear good reviews for the F&D slate similar to the reviews for the HD slate, but it seems like the F&D slate is not as well known or used. I do recall a post by Mongo a while back indicating that honed slate should hold up well since the honing process might ruin fragile slate (I'm paraphrasing Mongo's post based on memory).

By the way, HD in my area now stocks the Montauk Black slate. It is sourced from MSI, and I'm suspecting that most Montauk Black slate is from MSI since I have seen it in several flooring-specific stores, as well.

The honed sounds lovely!