14 years ago

wondering if slate tile is easy to keep clean in the bathroom?

Boys' Bathroom · More Info

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PRO

The CleftStone Works

14 years ago

We supply quite a lot of slate for baths and showers. I even have a slate shower at home, and it's held up very well over 15 years and has required minimal effort, it still looks great.

We sealed it initially with Miracle 511, and we wash the surface occasionally with Mira Soap (or Murphy's Oil Soap), which gives it a nice patina. Every so often we scrub it a bit with with a nylon brush, and use more soap. People also have had very good luck with enhancing sealers and even acrylic coatings.

Of course it's not a glazed or fired product, so it does have porosity, we know it's not for everyone. But If you love the appearance, we have no concerns recommending slate and other stone for use as a low maintenance product for baths and showers. It is done successfully every day.

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Comments (9)

PRO
The Sky is the Limit Design
14 years ago
We sealed the tiles the same way you would seal kitchen countertops. I have to say that I myself was concerned about it, but the client simply fell in love with that particular product, so she took into account that there migght be more cleaning involved than with a smooth porcelain product. I have never heard negative feedback from her about it, though.
PRO
Charmean Neithart Interiors
14 years ago
I do not recommend slate for bathrooms. I did have a client that had slate in a bathroom we were remodeling. It was pretty stained with water spots and film from cleaning products. Even with sealer it can look stained. I have clients that have really liked the look of it, but I would not suggest it. Hope that helps. Charmean Neithart
bepsf
14 years ago
Slate is pure misery.

Stick to smooth glossy tiles unless you hate your Maid.
marikrista
13 years ago
I too love slate but am paying more credence to person who states "misery." The enhancer/sealer does darken it considerably. If you can have it cared for I would say do it but if you do most of your own maintenance, no way.
broquet
13 years ago
We love our walk-in slate shower! We haven't done anything special to it--i think the construction guys put on a single layer of Home Depot's brand sealer, 4 years ago, but we haven't done anything since--and it doesn't show any wear at all. Our travertine bath shows more, and has a tendency to stain, so I wouldn't recommend it for families. We love the look at feel, so we're putting both of those in our new home, too.
Hamlet Wong
12 years ago
Slate is the worst in the shower!! Mine is black with black slate floor and even though it has been sealed it is awful. The floor shows lime and is very hard to make it look good. I have three large showers with this same slate and that is one major regret for us.
PRO
The Sky is the Limit Design
12 years ago
black would be a pain to maintain. the silver grey is beautiful - I just visited the house the other day after 7 years and the client still loves her shower, and told me that she just had guest from europe who praised the bath for its german design aesthetic ( not realising that the designer is indeed german)
syrinxsounds
12 years ago
It has been a dream to care for, just the slightest tendency to discolour around the edge of a shower mat ... so we picked that up.