If you had Indian (multi) slate tile floors in your kitchen, utility, and baths, what kind of counters/backsplash/shower would you choose? I have decided on Indian multi 12 x 12 slate tiles for the flooring in the kitchen, utility & baths. Would you go with a granite slab for the counters in the kitchen & baths? If so what type of granite would you pair with the slate due to the varying colors? Would you go with a smaller, diagonal slate backsplash or a 1x1 mosaic slate or something else? I have already taken up this crazy grey/pink ceramic (on concrete) and the old tile counters so I am pretty flexible!!! I am installing the slate floors in an offset brick pattern with a non-visible grout line as I don't personally care for how slate looks with a thick grout line. I am also adding stainless appliances. I want an updated, contemporary, yet not too trendy, comfortable look. Cost is not really as much of a consideration (except for the granite)because I am only requiring labor for a granite slab but not the tile. Another option I am considering is a granite slab in the kitchen and travertine tiles in the bath (if that goes with multi slate)??? My reasoning for the travertine would be that if I go dark on the floors I should go lighter on the counters? My cabinets in the kitchen, utility, and baths are med. wood tone which is ok w/me. The flooring adjoining the rooms with slate will eventually be bamboo as I can install it & purchase it cheaper than the oak I am also considering. My house is a open floor plan 2000 sq. 3/2/2, 2004 build. The previous owner built the house really well but put in really blah tile, counters & appliances as he rented it out to other ppl.

My first thought was to go with a lighter granite on the kitchen counter, but further thought about all of the color variations in the Indian slate made me lean more toward a black counter with minimal pattern so as not to compete with the floor. Have you looked at quartz?

If travertine is abutting the slate, some consideration will have to be given to color selection. Have you decided on which travertine?

Wow, I am in the process of redoing my kitchen/dinette and entry/hallway floors and I am actually considering using the Indian Multi-Color slate. My kitchen cabinets are also a medium/gunstock oak. My counter tops are Butterum Granite and my appliances are black/ss. I was thinking of using egyption glass or something metallic for my backsplash. I do like the backsplash on a diagonal. I would love to talk to you more about this and would like to see pictures if possible.

I have the slate in a hall shower.. several of us bought it at the same time (we were all building , and used each other for inspiration)

We did concrete floors so I can only pass on something that they mentioned...
I was prepared for how hard my floor could be on my knees.. but the slate families mentioned that beside the "hardness" .. the fact that it is not level.. smooth .. can be extra hard on your feet.. So just consider how you use your house...

I probably won't use slate again... it does peel off ( in the shower)... and I like things to be care free!!!


Becky


http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb49/becky42_bucket

I have honed slate in a bathroom set on the diagonal. Some of the corners are nipped and we inserted glass mosaic tiles that match the glass tile above the tub to the ceiling. The bath is ultra modern. I've also seen metal tiles inserted between slate tiles for a modern look.

quote:

want an updated, contemporary, yet not too trendy, comfortable look

If you want updated you should stay away from granite and stainless (unless you wanted an industrial look) as these have been on the way 'out' for at least a year now. However, if it is what you like just ignore that.

i have slate look porcelain tile--daltile villa valleta "indian summer". i went with silestone "mahogany" for the kitchen countertop as well as backsplash. my cabinets are maple in a "cinnamon" stain. to keep it from being so dark, the walls are sw "rice grain". you might want to think about using tile rather than slate--like becky says--it can be uneven and can peel.

Elizabeth,
Do you have any pictures of your kitchen. I am debating slate or the daltile villa valetta. I have been told not to do slate in the kitchen. Although, I love the look. I've heard that it flakes and is difficult to stand on. I would love to see a picture.
Diane.

all slates're sedentary mtls meaning they're formed by solids settling out of solution & gain density from the weight of solids above,,, granites're an igneous mtl - they were originally a liquid which has solidified as it cooled,,, indian slate's an extremely poor mtl, imo, as it separates so easily,,, the highest quality slate [again, my opinion} still comes from va or vt.

color's another issue & subjective.

Coolsavvy1, DiRush, I sent you both a PM with a picture.

I think a mid-tone silestone would be good.

here are some good ones:
http://hometour.radcribs.com/home/34