Floor Tiles 101
Learn about seven popular varieties, and find the right fit for your flooring needs.
- A
- A
- A
Print Options
CloseE-mail This Page to Your Friends
xSuccess!
A link to %this page% was e-mailed
Slate
Slate tile is a popular roofing material with an air of prestige and a reputation for longevity. Although individual tiles sometimes crack, an entire roof made of slate probably won’t have to be replaced for 50 years or more. Properly installed, slate also makes dependable flooring.
Slate is a metamorphic rock with relatively weak bonds between layers, so tile made from it tends to split along those planes. For an installation to resist damage, it must be set on a solid surface with mortar.
Install Yourself? No
Best Uses: Floors, roofs
Pros: Beauty, longevity
Cons: Softness, tendency to split
We Recommend...
Prepare and Install a Tile Floor
Getting the subfloor properly prepared will make the tile go down smooth and easy.
How to Install a Plywood Floor Tiles
Plywood is an inexpensive flooring alternative. Use a single type of wood for a standard look or use particle board for a more...
Be Inspired: 8 Unique Flooring Ideas From Rate My Space
Eight HGTV fans think outside the box to create eye-catching flooring.
(8 photos)See Also:
From our Sister Sites:
- Stone Tile Bathroom Floors (from HGTVRemodels)
- Tips for Cleaning Tile, Wood and Vinyl Floors (from DIY Network)
- Tile Kitchen Floors (from HGTVRemodels)
Shop Home Decor Products
Shop home decor products from rugs to mirrors, lamps and more
