Porcelain Tile Floor Versus Slate

Not focusing on the price difference, are there any advantages/disadvantages to installing a slate floor versus a porcelain one in a kitchen, in terms of upkeep, cleaning, long-lastingness, etc? I love slate though I think it’s thicker than porcelain, which is one difference, but there are lots of porcelain tiles that mimic slate now.

Guest User | 10 years and 5 months ago

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anotherposter | 10 years and 5 months ago

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I think you can get porcelain that looks like just about anything. I’ve seen “wood” floors that were porcelain and probably looked more like wood than laminate does. If you go sock-footed or barefoot much, keep that in mind when feeling samples. A textured one might be safer than a really smooth one as far as slipping, especially in a kitchen or bathroom where there’s going to be water on the floor sometimes.

Guest User | 10 years and 5 months ago

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Thank you both. Porcelain it is. @greenmountain: Our floor isn’t failing. In fact, it’s quite solid. We had a fire in Sep and have decided to redo our kitchen floor and switch from wood to tile. We’ve got a pro lined up to do the renovations, and I’ve appreciated reading what you’ve written about curbless showers, etc.

greenmountain | 10 years and 5 months ago

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No question, porcelain is most practical, and many of my customers also select it for color, texture, appearance. GoodProspect is correct about slate, but some really fabulous floors are made of it, even commercial floors. In Manhattan, the Barklay Street BNY/Melon building has huge rectangles of it, but they also have a commercial maintenance contract. My only client who selected it for a residential kitchen loves to cook and entertain. Maybe it was not a choice she would make again. If you are not happy with the fake slate you are considering, go to another specialized tile showroom. You may fall in love with another porcelain. There are thousands of them. Whatever you decide, tile is successful if the prep, substrate and installation is effective. If you are replacing a floor which is failing, what will your next tile setter do differently? Hire a pro and discuss your choice of material with them before you buy it.

GoodProspect | 10 years and 5 months ago

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slate, as a natural substance, will be uneven and over time can peel and get stained. You also have to seal it, if memory serves. I’d go with the porcelain/ceramic tile which looks close to slate. No upkeep needed and consistent sizing/thickness.