Generally exotic slate tiles are referred to a rebellious alternative to the ordinary, uninteresting granite standard of stonework. Thanks to its similar strength and resistance to weathering. Naturally mined from stone quarries and mountains worldwide, this material looks like sizable boulders of rock. These are finished into square shapes, and later cut into sizes and forms that make it look beautiful and stylish.

If thinking about the size, they are available in standard sizes of 12 inches by 12 inches. Remember the other tiles are available in 16-inch, or even 24-inch squares. Slate tiles can often be found in thicknesses of one-half to three-fourths inches deep. If available in size larger than 24 inches square, they are then referred as slabs. The slabs are larger, thicker, and will be more irregularly shaped than tiles.

Slate tiles are later cut into smaller squares that make it easily transportable. The slate stones are dimensional in nature.

If you are looking slate styles with different types of finishes and styles, no need to get tensed. They are also available in various designs and style. Slate tiles are polished to give it a high gloss, or lustre. But remember; only certain types of slate can be polished to this extent. In certain cases some tiles if tried so become hi-honed.

Certain types of slate tiles are suitable for outdoor projects. It is the chemical structure of the tile that depends whether it could be used for outdoors. Red slates are never used for outdoor works. The main reason is that the red hue often causes iron oxide that has formed on the stone’s surface which may result in rust. There are chances of the tile getting crumbled if exposed to rain and snow.

The slate tiles used in outdoors should be sealed with a water-resistant sealant. This helps in expanding the durability of the tiles. It is necessary to understand the effects of normal weathering include the dulling of colours present in natural slate tiles.

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