Slate is a very modern and popular choice for kitchen 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 and it’s a hardwearing, practical choice for kitchen areas.
At Chandler Stoneworks, we have a huge selection on offer when it comes to natural stone worktops for your kitchen, flooring or fireplaces – just take a look at our online gallery. Alternatively, visit our Arundel showroom and let us show you some samples of the most beautiful stone surfaces available.
What exactly is slate?
Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that forms when shale undergoes metamorphosis over millions of years to form layers. In its polished or honed state, 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 kitchen worktops are 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 Spain, Brazil and the eastern coastal states of America. China and Australia also have vast slate reserves.
Europe also has many smaller slate-producing regions such as Wales, parts of France and northern Italy and Portugal. 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 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.
- Affordable – The cost of slate kitchen worktops compares favourably to other natural stone surfaces.
At Chandler Stoneworks, we have 15+ years of experience and a passion for supplying the best natural stone worktops to both private and commercial customers. We provide a highly personal service, have a fully equipped workshop and a skilled team of stonemasons who produce exquisite, top-quality kitchen worktops that have delighted our customers for decades. Call 01903 885941 or email us at sales@chandlerstoneworks.co.uk to find out how we can help with your next kitchen project.
How to look after your slate worktop
Slate is an attractive choice for a worktop. It’s a trending material, versatile and doesn’t harbour bacteria. Caring for your slate kitchen worktop couldn’t be easier – it is virtually maintenance-free!
- Clean slate work surfaces with a mild detergent and a light sponge. Avoid using anything acidic such as lemon or vinegar, and some household cleaners containing acidic substances as these can discolour slate surfaces.
- For general day-to-day dusting, it is recommended that you use a non-abrasive cloth to wipe down. Abrasive or steel wool-type cleaners may scratch the countertop.
- Even though slate is a non-porous stone, it still benefits from periodic sealing. If water droplets stop appearing as beads, then it’s a sign that your slate worktop needs resealing.
- Beware that slate can be prone to breaking because it is a brittle stone. Cracks caused by dropping heavy pots or pans onto their surface are almost impossible to repair.
Colours
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!
