Have you ever dreamed of creating an exquisite kitchen that will stand out from the other homes? You are not alone. Many homeowners want to change the look of their kitchen notably those who have been living long enough in their existing homes. The problem is, some are not very familiar with the backsplash materials available on the market.
Worry no more because you can be sure to have your dream kitchen by installing a slate backsplash. Slate is a natural stone that is water and fire resistant. Being in its natural form, you will normally this type of tile with vein-like strips, waves and spots. It has different finishes as well ranging from the tumbled to the polished and to the honed.
If durability is a priority to you, this material has the same strength and hardness as that of marble and granite. What this means then is you can enjoy your beautiful kitchen for a long time even until your senior years.
Little maintenance is also required for the slate tiles. It’s easy to clean and since it does not absorb water, there’s no chance for bacteria to grow on them. Additionally, slate stone is also resistant to acids and stains. As such, it will not in any way get permanent stains as a result of the grease, grime and food that may get splashed on the backsplash while cooking.
Slate comes in earthy colors such as grey, brown, black and beige. However, you can find it also in other hues such as red and purple. Various sizes are also available depending on the pattern you want to achieve on your kitchen backsplash. The square slate tiles are available in 8 x 8 inches, 12 x 12 inches and 16 x 16 inches. If you don’t want the square type, you can also find this tile in its rectangular form.
The slate tiles come in a variety of types. These include the Vermont available in steel gray to medium green, the Chinese, Indian and Brazilian slate tiles.
Homeowners facing budget issues will find it beneficial to install a slate backsplash. The simple slate tiles can be bought at a low price of only $2 to $3 per square foot. For the murals and mosaics, you will have to pay a higher price.
A good rule of thumb when designing your kitchen with slate is to use complementary colors. The material should blend well with the rest of the kitchen design theme. If you have a slate floor, for instance, it would be a good idea to use a similar color for your backsplash to be consistent all throughout the room. You may choose a different size but what’s important is they’re of the same shade.
A vital step in the installation of a slate backsplash is to seal it properly. This is to prevent water from entering the tiles. An ideal way to maintain the natural beauty of the slate tiles is to apply sealant twice every year. The function of the sealant here is to enhance the look of your tile so make sure you get the right type for your backsplash.