slate: stone tile fired in the earth’s kiln

by clé tile | published: Apr 01, 2024

A selection of dark grey slate natural stone tiles laid over each other.

a selection of clé slate

elemental, tactile and endlessly variable, slate is the product of the geologic forces that build mountains. as tectonic plates buckle and fold, heat and pressure beneath the earth’s crust turn mineral clay and volcanic dust into solid stone. it forms in broad, strong, layered sheets that allow it to be cut in a range of shapes and thicknesses.

the unique advantages of slate

slate is rich in natural beauty, but that’s not the only reason it has our hearts. it also resists water and offers remarkable traction in its unpolished state.

water resistant

because it’s not very porous, slate tile does not absorb water, making it ideal for wet applications both indoors and out. this trait is especially advantageous in outdoor installations, as it allows the tile to resist damage from freezing.

slip resistant

in its unpolished state, slate has a naturally slip-resistant texture. this makes it a popular choice for bathroom floors, mudrooms, and other water-exposed areas, along with outdoor surfaces such as patios and porches.

Sunlit living room with white walls, slate floor tiles, and a modern lounge chair.

slate 6x24 plank. design: parini design / photo: diana paulson

Dark grey shower with slate plank tile walls and brass hardware.

slate 4x12 plank. design: joelle elaine design / photo: brooke pavel

ultra durable

slate is a highly durable stone that can withstand heavy foot traffic. that’s why many choose it for high-traffic areas such as entryways, kitchens, and hallways. because it is resistant to scratches, stains, and fading, you can expect long-lasting beauty.

heat resistant

slate has remarkable heat resistance properties, making it a good option for installation around fireplaces, stoves, heated floors, and outdoor grills. it can withstand high temperatures without warping, cracking, or discoloring, providing a durable and beautiful surface.

where to install slate

all of the advantages of slate have made it a traditional material for roofing tile, sidewalk pavers, and other outdoor applications throughout history. and of course, we love it for terraces and garden paths, where its soft blue-gray shades are a welcoming balance to forest greens, fall foliage, and the browns of bark and earth.

those same qualities make slate tile a fantastic choice indoors, as well, in bathrooms, kitchens, entryways and mudrooms, on walls and floors, counters, and hearths. it’s hard to imagine a space that slate cannot elevate.

get to know clé slate

organic, textural, and deliciously dark, slate is one of our most popular stones (and for good reason).

better with age

split along the natural grain to yield a cleft texture, our slate tile will age in place beautifully. initially, bits of loose shale will wear away, leaving a durable surface that catches light differently from tile to tile. not only is this to be expected, it’s considered part of the beauty of this layered stone.

the shape of things to come

organic yet geometric, our planks parlay beautifully into patterns of herringbone, chevron, and long, staggered runs. the larger formatted squares, rectangles, and flagstones bring quiet drama to small and large spaces, on their own or combined into elegant ashlar patterns.

stunning variation

slate’s natural variations of shade and texture turn even standard subway tiles into something uniquely, timelessly beautiful. every tile is different from the next, making for an overall look that’s entirely one of a kind.

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