Slate is a very modern and popular choice for worktops. Better known for traditional roof tiles, slate is increasingly used inside the home and is now highly on-trend. It’s a beautiful material that has incredible colours, texture and patination.
What Exactly is slate?
Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that forms when shale undergoes metamorphosis over millions of years to form layers. slate is an ideal material for worktops and fire hearths due to its durability and low liquid absorption levels.
What are the most popular slate colours?
Slate colours vary depending on the minerals contained in the shale from which it formed. Contrary to the popular belief that slate is just black or grey, slate also comes in a variety of other beautiful hues. Commonly available colours are black, green, grey and even red and purple. With a unique matt finish, grey slate is bang on-trend.
Which finishes are available for slate worktops?
Slate has a non-absorbent surface that does not need sealing or polishing. This makes it possible to offer different finishes, the most popular ones being:
Honed – A subtle, smooth finished look achieved through a process of grinding and polishing the natural surface to leave a soft lustre.
Riven or Cleft – A rough texture displaying naturally formed textures on the surface of the stone, giving a rustic look.
Where does slate come from?
Slate can be found in many places all around the world. The main places renowned for slate are Wales, Spain, Brazil and the eastern coastal states of America. The best slate for use in a kitchen environment is from Wales as Welsh slate is more hardwearing and won’t scratch or mark easily. Brazilian or Italian slate is softer and therefore is only recommended in kitchens looking for a more lived in, industrial feel.
Slate is not a product made by man, so you can expect some differences in the type and quality of slate, depending on its origin.
Why choose a slate kitchen worktop?
Slate has been quarried for many hundreds of years, but it has reached new heights of popularity in the home in recent years. Here are some excellent reasons for choosing welsh slate for your new kitchen worktops:
- Non-porous – Slate is a naturally occurring non-porous stone. This makes it a great choice of material for surfaces where liquids may be spilt, including kitchen worktops.
- Maintenance-free – Due to its naturally low porosity, slate worktops are easy to look after and will not stain easily. Slate worktops require next to no maintenance!
- Heat-proof -Slate is a good insulator; it is heatproof and fireproof, meaning it will withstand hot pans on countertops with ease.
- Hardwearing – If you are looking for longevity, slate is one of the most durable, hardwearing kitchen worktops surfaces you can choose.
How to look after your slate worktop
- Non-porous – Slate is a naturally occurring non-porous stone. This makes it a great choice of material for surfaces where liquids may be spilt, including kitchen worktops.
- Heat-proof -Slate is a good insulator; it is heatproof and fireproof, meaning it will withstand hot pans on countertops with ease and can be used as a hearth of fire surround
- Softer – If you are looking for an industrial, lived in look for your space Brazilian or Italian slate is the one for you. This slate will mark and scratch in a kitchen environment but never really ages making it feel timeless.
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How much do slate worktops cost?
The cost of a slate worktop depends primarily on its size and thickness and the bespoke design of the worktop. Compared to other natural stones such as granite, it is a cost-effective alternative. Slate is very durable, which makes it a good long-term investment.
Is slate safe to use as a kitchen surface?
Slate has many qualities that make this natural stone an excellent choice for kitchen surfaces. As a fireproof material, it is ideal for high-intensity kitchen use, while its low heat transmission makes it safe for hot pans. Slate is non-porous and does not stain nor inhibit bacteria. It’s easy to wipe up spills and requires very little cleaning maintenance.
Are slate worktops difficult to maintain?
Not at all, in fact, slate kitchen worktops are among the easiest kitchen surfaces to look after. These high-quality kitchen surfaces can last a lifetime. Heat and scratch resistant, non-porous and hygienic, all that is required is a pH neutral cleaner for general cleaning and a daily dusting. You will be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful or convenient worktop!
