12 Main Slate Countertops Pros and Cons | Slate Countertops Cost & Maintenance
Slate Countertops Pros and Cons | Slate Countertops Cost & Maintenance |Slate Countertops Vs Granite Vs Marble
Slate Countertops
Slate countertops are one of the newest trends in kitchen design. Slate is a natural stone that’s mined, cut into slabs and then finished on site with different surface textures to meet your needs.
Slate countertops are made of natural rock material with rectangular or square pieces of stone that can be selected in various colors.
If you’re looking for something that will last for years to come, these countertops are some of the best options available today. Their durability makes it perfect for high-traffic kitchens too.
Slate countertops are sturdy and the stone is also durable. Slate countertops are also available in various thicknesses depending on use and there are different types of finishes which is typically high gloss, matte, or satin
How To Maintain Your Slate Countertops
Slate countertops are one of the most beautiful options for kitchen or bathroom design. This type of countertop is unique because it has a natural pattern that can be seen throughout the stone.
Slate is not only durable, but it also resists heat and stains better than other types of natural stones. With proper care, your slate tiles will have a lifetime warranty against cracking or breaking apart.
The best way to maintain your new slate counters would be to clean them with soap and water after each use.
The keys to keeping your slates looking their best is by removing any liquids or food particles that may stain these surfaces before they start to set in on the surface.
When you’re finished cooking dinner, take some time to wipe down all appliances. Make sure to use a soft cloth and either a mild soap solution or an ammonia-free, non-toxic cleaner.
If you have sealed natural stone, never use vinegar, vinegar cleaners or any other strong acid-based cleaners.
If you have unsealed natural stone, never use any type of abrasive cleaning sponge or cleaning pad, this may scratch the stone or etch the surface.
Use a mild detergent for cleaning purposes only. -Avoid exposure to hot grill pans, boiling water, and harsh chemicals.
Benefits of Slate Countertops:
-Very Sturdy—slate is one of the most durable materials available on the market. It has very good thermal and sound insulation properties, which allow it to withstand hot pots, pans and deep fat fryers.
-Low Maintenance—slate is naturally very durable and low maintenance. It requires little upkeep and easy to care for. It can be sealed with fake grout to provide a seamless look on the countertop.
-No Rust or Corrosion—Slate countertops will never rust or corrode because it is made of natural material that does not contain any corrosion agents.
-Natural Surface—Slate countertops are some of the most natural materials available on the market. It has a very similar finish to natural stone and it provides an authentic look.
-High-End Look—The beauty of slate is that it looks very similar to natural stone countertops, which are some of the most expensive countertops on the market. It also allows you to control the color and texture which is not possible with most other materials.
Slate Countertops Colors
Slate is a natural rock that can be found in many different colors. With more than 30 colors and finishes to choose from, there is sure to be one that fits your style. You can even get creative by mixing two or three styles together if you want an eclectic look in your kitchen!
Slate has been used for years as a countertop material because it is durable and looks wonderful!
Slate Countertops Pros and Cons
Pros of Slate Countertops:
1. Slate countertops are durable:
The surface of slate is not smooth like other countertop materials, which makes it very durable. As one of the hardest stone materials available, slate will not crack easily.
Slate countertops are also stain-resistant and easy to clean, two qualities that make them even more durable.
2. Slate countertops are heat resistant:
While the heat resistant quality of slate is not considered its strongest characteristic, it is still very much there.
Slate is estimated to be able to withstand warmer temperatures than most other countertop materials.
3. Slate countertops are easy to maintain:
Slate is one of the easiest countertop materials to maintain. All you need is a soft cloth and water for easy cleaning, and grout or epoxy for protection against stains and breaking.
4. Slate countertops are cost-effective:
Slate countertops are not the cheapest on the market, but they are reasonably priced when compared to other types of natural stone.
Slate is relatively affordable, even in comparison with other types of natural stone besides soapstone.
5. Slate countertops are subtle:
Slate’s subtle colors make it a good choice for homeowners who don’t want anything too flashy. Its subtle colors can be very stylish without being overbearing.
And its natural, non-glossy finish has the potential to improve your kitchen’s overall interior by creating a warm, homey feel.
6. Slate countertops are non-porous
Slate is not a porous material, unlike granite and marble. If you spill something, you can simply wipe it up without having to be concerned about the stain setting in.
7. Slate countertops are more affordable than granite and marble:
Slate is much more cost-effective than granite and marble.
Cons of Slate Countertops:
1. Slate countertops are more expensive than other countertop materials:
Slate is not the most affordable of countertop materials, and this is reflected in its price tag. Slate will cost you more than some others and less than others, but it won’t be the cheapest.
2. Slate is heavier materials:
Slate is heavy and hard to work with. It can be difficult to install on your own, as you will need strong hands to break it off the slab and do the cutting.
3. Slate is prone to scratches:
Slate is susceptible to scratches. Its surface may have small cracks or be uneven, which can easily be caused by sharp objects or fingers.
4. Slate is not as durable as granite and marble:
Slate is not as durable as granite and marble. Slate is particularly prone to scratches, unlike granite or marble, which are more resistant to long-term damage or exposure to moisture.
As with most natural stones, the life of your slate countertop will depend on how well you maintain it.
5. Slate countertops are less soft than granite countertops:
The hard surface of the slate can make it less comfortable to work on, especially if you are using it in your kitchen or dining room.
If you are looking for a countertop that is soft to the touch, the slate would not be your best choice.
Slate Countertops FAQS
How is slate formed?
Slate is a type of metamorphic rock that is formed by the compaction, or pressure, of igneous rock, or sedimentary rock.
The result is a very hard surface that is used for making countertops. Slate countertops are extremely durable and can withstand daily wear and tear.
Is slate durable?
Very much so! Slate is one of the most durable materials on the market today. Slate is extremely dense and strong, and will keep its shape and color for years.
Slate is naturally resistant to stains, which means it can take a beating without chipping or scratching.
Its natural properties also mean that you will need to seal it onto the surface of your countertop with grout or epoxy.
Is slate a good kitchen worktop?
-Slate is durable, heat resistant and virtually indestructible. It’s popular for use in kitchens because of its durability, but it can be used in bathrooms, fireplaces or garden areas.
If you do select slate for your kitchen worktop, make sure you seal it with grout to prevent staining.
Because of its natural qualities, slate is an excellent choice for a countertop. Slate is an extremely robust and long-lasting material, considerably tougher than wood or plastic.
Slate is ideal for a kitchen worktop since it is stain-resistant and simple to clean.
How much do slate countertops cost per square foot?
Slate countertops are far less expensive than their more expensive counterparts, such as granite and marble.
They are also less expensive than most concrete, quartz, or crushed glass worktops. The cost of a slate countertop is between $40 and $65 per square foot.
How long do slate countertops last?
They should last us at least 30 years, which is about the same length of time as other countertop materials like granite and quartz.
It is also important to note that when sealed with grout, slate will last longer than untreated natural stone.
Is slate less expensive than granite?
-Yes. Slate countertops are less expensive than granite, but they do cost more than countertops made of other materials such as laminate and wood.
Slate countertops look like natural stone but they last much longer, making them a great choice for high-traffic kitchens.
Are slate countertops easy to clean?
Yes, they are very easy to clean. When they are sealed with grout or epoxy, you can clean them easily with just hot water and a sponge.
However, do not use any cleaners that contain abrasives since this will cause the surface of your countertop to look dull.
Is slate better than granite?
Slate and granite are two very different types of natural stone.
True, slate has a different look than granite, but it’s not necessarily better. Slate countertops are not as hard as granite countertops are, but they are less expensive.
Slate is also more porous than granite, which means it absorbs spills quickly. However, this also means that stains can be wiped off much easier.
Slate has a far more subtle look than granite, which is speckled with black, silver, white, or gold flecks. However, granite is more durable and easier to repair than slate.
Is slate the same as marble?
Slate, like marble, is a metamorphic rock. Slate, on the other hand, is created from the low-grade metamorphism of sedimentary rock shale and volcanic ash deposited on sea bottoms, rather than from a pre-existing limestone (as marble is).
The hue, like that of limestone and marble, is caused by trace metals.
Is slate more expensive than marble?
For the most part, yes. Slate is a hard stone and is highly durable. Marble, however, is a softer material and can be easily chipped or scratched. While slate doesn’t chip or scratch as easily as marble does, it does result in a slightly higher cost.
Is slate more expensive than quartz?
Slate is harder than quartz and therefore not as fragile or prone to breakage.
While slate is often cheaper than quartz worktops or countertops, they are still somewhat more expensive than most other materials.
Is slate more expensive than soapstone?
Soapstone is often approximately the same price as slate. However, high-quality soapstone is typically less expensive than high-quality slate.
Slate is cheaper than soapstone and granite and it tends to be more durable and more easily maintained.
However, it is more expensive than other materials like wood or laminate.
Is slate easy to maintain?
Yes, slate is very easy to maintain. You can easily wipe slate with a soft cloth and some warm water if you spill something on it.
Slate should be sealed with grout or epoxy, which will make it more resistant to stains and scratching.
Is slate good for outdoor kitchen countertops?
Slate has the potential to be one of the most durable materials for use in an outdoor kitchen. However, because no two slate slabs are similar, the durability and other characteristics of this stone may vary.
Some are denser and harder than others, and can withstand stains and continuous use with ease.
Slate is very easy to clean and it is scratch-resistant. If you want to bring some authenticity to your outdoor kitchen, slate would be a great choice for your countertop!
Is slate resistant to stains?
Yes, but not entirely. Slate will retain some of its color even if it gets stained, which is why it makes a wonderful countertop material.
However, any strong abrasives can damage the surface of slate by removing its color. Using cleaners with abrasives can significantly reduce the life of your countertop.
If you are worried about staining, it is best to seal your slate countertop with grout or epoxy. This will provide it with some extra protection against water and dirt.