Most businesses have two main choices when seeking slate floor products. They can select slate tiling, which has been formulated to fit specific floor surfaces one piece at a time. Or, they can select slabs, which are heavy, large pieces quarried and delivered as completely as possible.

Formulate a slate floor list with companies able to meet your specific demands. Slate is a natural substance often imported from countries throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. When buying slate products for floor needs, consider the following characteristics:

1. Choose a slate floor provider able to meet your needs for raw, uncut slate or finished products, depending on your application needs and finishing abilities.

2. Invest in a slate provider offering unique colorings or patterns outside the standard blue/grey color pattern.

3. Locate companies from a slate floor directory offering the proper thickness and cut for your application.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select from a variety of sizes and shapes of slate tile

Slate tile is commonly available through distributors. These tiles are available in various colors, shapes, patterns and designs per manufacturer. Tile is easily added to a flooring surface such as wood or cement and bonded in place using adhesive. This is the easiest and most readily available use of slate.

I recommend: Work with companies specializing in slate tile distribution. American Slate is a company offers slate slabs to be used in a variety of applications such as residential, commercial and industrial settings. Slate Stone Resources offers slate slabs and slate products from importers. Products are in use in various businesses including the marine, electrical, steel and refractory industries.

Buy slate slab from online providers

Slate sold in slab form is a more difficult to come-by product. Slabs are heavy and cumbersome making transportation difficult in some situations. They cost more to import and may require some refining to be usable. Companies should have the capability of handling this product.

I recommend: Look to companies like Williams & Sons Slate & Tile for slab options. The company serves as manufacturer and distributor of slates in slab form, available domestically. Exotic Granite & Marble also offers slate slabs for use in kitchens, bathrooms and buildings by builders, designers and homeowners.

Learn about slate floor options able to fit your needs

Some slate distributors and manufacturers offer customized products to meet specific requirements. Common requirements include unique cuts, special thicknesses or patterning.

I recommend: Seek out companies able to meet the demands your business requires including Mees Distributors. The company offers custom stone products from slate. Ripano Stoneworks offers slate and other natural stone flooring to fit the needs of any project.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Educate yourself on the various types of slate stone floor available prior to buying the product. Due to the demand for high quality product, there are some companies offering manufactured stone. Slate floor information should be authentic and realistic.