Uncalabrated slate finish

[Hgdavec]

Hi, doing a kitchen floor in uncalabrated slate (1st time) and looking for advice on how to get a quality finish. The customer was not sure about sealing, but I think it will look a mess if I dont. Just like some feedback

 

[Andy Allen]

Need to seal it before grouting or they will stain..

 

[Lithofin BOB]

As andy, impregnate once all moisture released prior to grouting, test your grout release, you can impregnate again if you want after the grout is fully dry, then if client would like a sheen you can apply a product to finish off or just leave as a Matt finish with the impregnator .

If you don't seal , it may bite you, it's a kitchen!! Oil and greases your client will thankyou for this application.

 

[Dave]

What type of look does the customer require ?

natural finish

colour enhanced

wet look/glossy

semi sheen

 

[swanman]

The best way to install uncalibrated slate in my opion is to sort out all the slate first from the thickest to the thinnest .
Then start tiling with the thickest slate that way you won't get many lips going down to the thinnest

good luck and just take your time slate fixing you can't hurry clean as you go.

 

[Hgdavec]

He would prefer a natural finish, but I think protection in a kitchen is a must.

 

[High Peak Tiling]

The best way to install uncalibrated slate in my opion is to sort out all the slate first from the thickest to the thinnest .
Then start tiling with the thickest slate that way you won't get many lips going down to the thinnest

good luck and just take your time slate fixing you can't hurry clean as you go.

Exactly as Swanman,
I use a 20mm U-Notched trowel for laying them, this will give you plenty of room to adjust height/level.

 

[Dave]

He would prefer a natural finish, but I think protection in a kitchen is a must.

sound , then follow bobs advice above for using impregnators . And good advice above for grading thickness .

 

[cam_low]

I love slate with a satin finish...but that's just me! Take a few off cuts into your local tile store...Im sure if you are a regular they will seal some up for you with what they have under the counter for sealing in showrooms.

 

[Just Rizzle]

did one of these a few weeks back she got them from porceline direct worst slate i have ever seen varied from 20 mm to 6 mm in thickness and half the cuts were out of square was for a wet room floor
sorted the tiles out into thickest to thinest laid the thickest first of center line used the thin ones for shower area and surround as easier to cut bedded thiches on 12 mm bed and thin on 20mm bed customer loved it was hard work though always spread the back with mosaic trowel to anhance fixing

 

[Hgdavec]

Thanks for all the help and input guys, definitely a seal before and after for sure.