Installing Slate Tile Countertops: A Guide

Slate is a fun material to use for a kitchen countertop. It is highly versatile, long lasting with enduring beauty, and its one-of-kind texture will ensure that your kitchen counters will never look just like your next door neighbors. Slate tiles will work in a classic kitchen or in a sleek stainless steel wonderland, which means it can coexist with your appliances now, as well as any future replacements.

For your project you will need a sufficient amount of slate tiles to cover your kitchen counter top. It is also prudent to purchase extra tiles to replace any damaged tiles that may occur during the installation process. This is especially important if you will be cutting tiles at any point.

Some supplies and tools you will need for this project are as follows: a quality adhesive, a polyurethane sealer that is water-based and able to slightly penetrate porous stone for added protection (if you are not certain which to use for your particular application, your local jobber is knowledgeable), sponges and towels, a saw (if it is necessary for you to trim tiles), grout, a grouting trowel, safety goggles, and a caulking gun with silicone cartridges sufficient for needed edge sealing (around the kitchen sink in particular).

If you are applying your slate tile on a pre-existing counter top, it is recommended that you remove your current surface (such as Formica), and replace this with thick plywood (at least ¾" thick). This will support the weight of the tile, any and all kitchen appliances, and prevent warping in the future.

After brushing any dust and loose debris from your secured plywood surface, you are ready to begin the application of your slate tiles. This process will move along smoothly if you have plotted out, before-hand, the position of your tiles and the width of your grout joint. It would also be beneficial to mark off the tile positions on your plywood with a chalk-line before beginning.

Unless you are prepared to disable your entire kitchen at one time, it is a good idea to separate your project into smaller segments by tiling one section of your counter at a time. You can divide your counter quite easily by using natural barriers, such as your stove, as stopping points.

Apply a smooth, thin layer of adhesive to the back of your slate tile and place the tile in its marked position. Press down firmly. Repeat this process until all of your tiles are in place. Once the tiles are securely in place, a coat of sealant can be applied to the slate surface. Applying the sealant now instead of later will assist in post-grout clean-up. Follow the packaging directions on your sealant container for drying times, as these can vary by product.

When you are certain the sealant has set, begin the grouting process. Grouting should be applied with a grouting trowel held at an approximately forty-five degree angle and brushed across with a diagonal motion. Turn your trowel to a ninety degree angle to remove any excess grout. To expedite later clean-up, it would be useful to wipe off any conspicuous grout "clumps" on the slate tile before they dry. When your grout has completely set, a more intense wipe down of your slate tile may be needed before a final coat of sealant is applied.

After the first section or two, you'll find yourself far more comfortable repeating the process to its illustrious end. Slate tile not only beautifies, but it is a practical surface for all of your kitchen needs.