I grew up with slate flooring at home. In fact, the entire ground floor was laid with slate, with different types in various rooms. It really took a beating over the years; dogs, cats, kids, building works, not to mention two floods, countless house parties… the list goes on. But over 35 years later, it’s still there and still looks great.
Slate is one of those materials that truly stands the test of time. Technically speaking, it’s a fine-grained metamorphic rock formed when shale and clay are compacted under intense heat and pressure. But what really matters is that it’s dense, durable, and effortlessly beautiful. Like any natural stone, it benefits from regular sealing to protect the surface, maintain its rich colour, and bring out its natural texture. Outdoors, sealing is completely optional. Many people choose to leave it as is, letting it weather naturally and develop that soft, lived-in charm. It’s a low-fuss material with timeless appeal.
