Slate Tiles in a Shower: A Guide with Tips

The first step one should take when considering installing slate tile is to fully assess the pros and cons of a slate shower, both in terms of installing slate on the floor and on the shower walls. A definite pro is that slate has a unique appearance and a soothing texture, but a definite con is the maintenance that keeping slate clean requires, as well as possible issues concerning slipping in the shower.

If you are going to install slate in the bathroom, you need to be certain to pick a type of slate that can absorb moisture and sealant, as well as one that will not wear away if it is exposed to constant moisture. An excellent way to test this is to submerge your tile in a basin of water for a sustained period of time. Check on the tile frequently to make sure it is not flaking into the water. When you remove it from the water give it a brisk scrub to see if begins to crumble.

An additional test is to apply water to the slate tile with a measure of pressure for a period of time that would most reflect your average shower length. An acceptable substitute for a shower nozzle is a spray nozzle on a garden hose. If your tile survives both of these tests in good repair, it should be safe to use in your shower and especially safe for use on the shower walls.

The first thing you want to do when installing slate is to have a strong under-floor. Concrete, or cement is a good material to use over your sub-floor. This will allow your floor room to move as it expands and contracts from the moisture and temperature fluxes that are present within a bathroom. You can adjust the thickness of your concrete based on the diameter of your pieces. At least .25 inches is ideal.

After you have measured out your bathroom and calculated how many tiles you need to complete the project based on your square footage, you will also want to take into consideration the size of the grout joint to avoid picking up too much tile. (A few extra pieces will be necessary, some should you make a mistake and break a tile, and some for replacement pieces in the future, as different batches of slate will have different coloring.) However, depending on the size of your bathroom, not taking into account the grout joint can leave you with far more than your fair share of back-up slate tiles.

To keep your slate from getting dingy while grouting, it is best to pre-seal your tiles before you lay them. After you have pre-sealed the tiles, a light cleaning with a damp cloth will remove any grout traces that show up on your slate tiles. After you have allowed your grout to set, apply a second coat of sealant to close up your grout.

All that is left know is to allow your sealant to dry, and proceed to enjoy the look and feel of a slate floor under your feet, and slate walls in your shower stall.