Slate bathroom tiles

Slate is a natural sedimentary material. It is the result of geological pressure and high temperatures that have transformed clay sediments into shale. Its mineral composition includes graphite, mica, feldspar, chlorite, hematite and quartz. Pyrites crystals can even sometimes be found in it.
This natural rock breaks easily into sheets, which makes it easy to work with. In France, slate has been widely used to cover roofs. Certain regions such as the Pyrenees, the Ardennes and Brittany are particularly well known for this. Although slate has been produced in France for a long time, most of the slate deposits are now exhausted. Nevertheless, France remains a major consumer and imports most of this material from Spain.

How are slate tiles made?

Slate tiles have a simple manufacturing process in theory. Once extracted, this natural stone does not need to be treated. It is simply transported in large blocks to processing workshops. There, it is cut to produce different varieties.

Slate has a long list of qualities that speak for itself.

• Strength: Like many other natural stones such as travertine and quartz, slate is extremely strong. When well crafted, it can remain intact for hundreds of years. Slate is waterproof, non-flammable and resistant to extreme temperatures. It can be slightly scratched, but this is completely normal. However, these scratches do not remain indefinitely; they disappear spontaneously after a certain amount of time. In other words, slate tiles are an excellent investment.

• The great elegance of slate has made it a popular covering material worldwide. It creates a natural atmosphere in the rooms where it is used.

• Thermal conductivity: Slate is known to be an excellent thermal conductor. It also retains heat very well, which is useful when installing underfloor heating.

• Versatility: Slate can be adapted to all types of architecture and is easy to use in many different forms. As a result, it has a wide range of uses.

• Anti-slip properties: In a bathroom, a fall can quickly become dangerous. The anti-slip properties of slate tiles significantly reduce the risk of slipping.

• Eco-friendly: The production of slate tiles does not involve any greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, these tiles do not contain any chemicals that could be released into the interior. Slate is therefore a completely environmentally friendly material.

There are three main factors to consider when choosing your tiles.

• The format: Slate tiles come in square and rectangular shapes. Depending on the size of your bathroom and your tastes, one format may be more suitable than another. In terms of dimensions, you will find the classic 30X30 cm and the ever-popular 30X60 cm. The 60 x 60 cm format is also available for those looking for something larger. These traditional dimensions are ideal for bathrooms. However, if you prefer, larger formats are also available on the market.

• Finish: There are three finishes available. The first, refined, gives the room a modern and clean look. The second is raw. Choose this if you want an industrial style. The last finish is smoothed. With a high gloss finish, it evokes luxury.

• Colour: The most common colour for slate is grey. However, it can vary depending on the mineral composition. Colours such as pink, green, blue-grey, blue-black and purple-pink can also be found.

Note that grey is a safe bet that can be adapted to any style. If you find it too dull, the elegance of blue-grey and the dynamism of blue-black will suit you better.

When cleaning slate bathroom tiles, avoid using overly abrasive products. Like all natural stones, this material is very robust. However, this does not mean that it can withstand the most extreme treatments. Whenever possible, opt for natural solutions.
Slate tiles can be cleaned with a microfibre mop and a mixture of water and black soap. In this case, remember to rinse thoroughly. There is an alternative for deep cleaning: a mixture of baking soda and warm water. This will restore the slate’s shine and also requires a good rinse, or rather two. The first rinse should be done with warm water only. For the second rinse, add white vinegar to the water. This mixture is designed to remove limescale, which is often found in bathrooms. To get the most out of your investment, apply a water-repellent treatment to your slate tiles every three years to reinforce their impermeability. This solution also protects them from limescale.