Slate Tile

Slate tile is a natural product with a quality image. Surprisingly, slate isn't expensive - tile starts at about $2 per square foot. It's durable and low maintenance. The texture of slate tile also makes it a good non-slip surface for bathroom and kitchen floors. I'm using it in the kitchen.

I selected Daltile Vermont slate in 12-inch-squares. It's relatively smooth, with no deep clefts. The thickness is nice and consistent too. It cost me $3.80 per square foot on sale from Clay Werks in Exmore, Virginia. They're very helpful and knowledgable dealers.

While I'll have slate tile on the floor of the kitchen, my small house will have a cork floor in the living room and bedroom. It will be softer and warmer for those areas.

Under my slate tile floor will be electric radiant floor heating. Radiant heat will warm the entire floor and will keep my toes toasty. It also solves the problem of where to locate heaters in the kitchen and bath. Slate tile works great with radiant floor heating because the stone absorbs heat and releases it slowly and evenly.