Slatestone Tiles

Slatestone carries a surface character and geological structure that is distinct from other natural stone types in the range 

What is Slatestone?

Slatestone is a fine-grained metamorphic rock formed from clay or volcanic ash deep within the earth's crust. Its layered geological structure is what makes the natural split finish possible. No two pieces cleave the same way, so no two slatestone tiles carry an identical surface.

Physical Characteristics

Hardness - Among metamorphic stones, slate stone tiles rank in the lower-to-mid range, offering enough durability for standard residential and commercial applications.

Density - The stone carries moderate density, holding up well on floors and walls where a proper substrate has been laid beforehand.

Porosity - Compared to harder natural stones, slate flooring tiles have more open pores, which means spills and moisture find their way faster if the surface is left untreated.

Sealing Requirement - Whether used as indoor slate floor tiles or wall cladding, a sealant coat before grouting and another after installation are both necessary steps to keep the stone from drawing in water, oil, or cleaning agents.

Ethically Sourced

Our slate tiles are ethically sourced, allowing you to choose a natural stone flooring product that is both durable and a responsible long-term choice for residential and commercial projects.

Slatestone Range & How We Source It

Stone Centre has been supplying slatestone tiles to Australian residential, trade and commercial projects for many years. We carry natural slate stone tiles across our Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne warehouses, stocked and ready for collection or delivery. For trade and project buyers, volume pricing is available. Contact our team to discuss project quantities and lead times.

Whether you are sourcing slate tiles for flooring in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, our team can assist with product selection, samples and delivery to your project site.

Slatestone Tile Formats & Gauges

The tile gauge for slatestone sits at 10mm suited to floor and wall applications on a prepared concrete subfloor or substrate.

Why Choose Slatestone Tiles from Stone Centre?

Stone Centre delivers slate tiles across Australia since 1989. Here is what distinguishes our slatestone range:

• Dark Tonal Range – Slate stone tiles dark tones and depth read well under both artificial and natural light. For example, black slate tiles create a dramatic and elegant look and add a touch of sophistication to any design style.
• Natural Split Finish - All slatestone tiles in our range are available in natural split finish. This is the standard and most widely specified finish for slate flooring tiles, and it most directly reflects the geological character of the material.
• Surface Variation - The surface’s tone and texture differ from piece to piece; a quality that gives slate floor tiling its organic, layered character and variation.
• Free Samples - Order a free sample online to assess the tonal range and surface character of our slate stone tiles in your actual setting before placing an order.

Slate Stone Finishes

Slatestone tiles are available in natural split finish as standard at Stone Centre. The stone is cleaved along its natural foliation plane, producing an irregular, textured face. No two pieces are identical. This is the standard finish for slate flooring tiles that directly reflects the geological character of the material.

Some slatestone products in general are also available in honed or sandblasted variants. The honed finish grounds the natural split face to a smoother, low-sheen matte, reducing the degree of surface relief while retaining the tonal character of the stone. A sandblasted finish applies fine abrasive under pressure to even the surface texture without fully removing it.

How to Seal and Maintain Slate Flooring Tiles?

All natural stone requires sealing and slatestone is no exception. Its moderate porosity means that unsealed slate floor tiles will absorb spills and moisture particularly during the bedding and grouting process which can result in staining that is difficult to remove after installation.

Before Installation

Dip-sealing all faces and edges of slate tiles before laying is strongly recommended. The bedding mortar and grout used during installation can stain an unsealed natural split surface; pre-sealing eliminates this risk. This is a straightforward step to carry out before installation and an expensive one to remedy if skipped.

After Installation

Apply a penetrating natural stone sealer once the installation is complete and the surface has been cleaned. Allow full cure time before placing the surface into regular use. Reseal slate flooring tiles every two to three years, depending on traffic levels and exposure conditions.

Routine Cleaning

• A pH-neutral stone cleaner diluted in warm water, applied with a soft mop or brush and rinsed thoroughly, is sufficient for routine maintenance.
• Acid-based cleaners such as vinegar, citrus products and low-pH bathroom sprays can etch the stone surface permanently and must be avoided.
• Bleach and ammonia-based cleaners should also not be used on natural stone.
• For heavily soiled surfaces, a stone-specific concentrated cleaner applied at a higher dilution rate is appropriate.
• Occasional low-pressure washing is acceptable. Sustained high-pressure washing at close range can displace the surface texture of a natural split face and erode the joint material - it is not recommended as a routine method.

Slatestone Tiles in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane

Stone Centre stocks slate tiles across three warehouse locations, each holding the current range for in-person viewing, direct collection or delivery.

Slate tiles in Sydney are stocked at Stone Centre's Wetherill Park warehouse. Products can be viewed in person, collected directly or delivered across Sydney, NSW and regional areas.

Slate floor tiles in Melbourne are stocked at Stone Centre's Victoria warehouse, available for collection or delivery across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Slatestone tiles in Brisbane are held at Stone Centre's Queensland warehouse, with collection and delivery across South East Queensland and regional QLD.

Free samples of our natural slate floor tiles are available to order online. Stone Centre supplies slate flooring across Australia from our Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane warehouses.