Slate Effect Tiles

Slate effect porcelain reproduces the riven, cleft surface and the dark tonal range of natural slate. It is specified where the appearance of slate is wanted without the variable thickness, the sealing requirement and the acid sensitivity that come with the quarried material.

Specifying slate effect tiles

• Texture and slip. The riven surface that gives slate effect its character also carries the grip. Structured ranges typically achieve a wet PTV of 36 or above to BS 7976-2, which suits entrances, circulation and covered external areas.
• Cleaning against texture depth. A deep riven profile holds dirt and needs mechanical cleaning rather than a mop. Where the area is a commercial kitchen or a heavily soiled circulation route, a shallower texture is the more maintainable selection.
• External use. For terraces and entrance approaches confirm frost resistance to ISO 10545-12. 20 mm formats allow pedestal laying over waterproofing.
• Tonal range. Slate effect runs from blue-black through graphite to rust and green multitone. Multitone ranges need a larger dry-lay area to judge, because the variation only reads at scale.

See also stone effect tiles for the wider natural stone look range, and external 20mm porcelain for exterior formats.

Frequently asked questions

How does slate effect porcelain compare with natural slate?

Porcelain gives consistent thickness and calibration, water absorption at or below 0.5%, no sealing requirement and no vulnerability to acidic cleaners. Natural slate varies in thickness, requires sealing and can delaminate along its cleavage planes under traffic.

Is slate effect tile suitable for wet areas?

Structured and grip finishes generally are. Confirm the wet pendulum value for the specific finish, and note that barefoot wet areas are assessed to DIN 51097 classes A to C rather than to shod R-values.

Does slate effect tile need sealing?

No. Porcelain has a vitrified body and does not absorb, so it needs no sealant. Only the grout may benefit from treatment in heavily soiled or stain-prone areas.