Paving The Way With Slate

For centuries, slate has been a go-to option in the building and construction industry. Research has revealed that the Romans used slate tiles for roofing and flooring in third-century North-West Wales. Currently, this durable stone is frequently used as a roofing material in areas in proximity to slate quarries such as the eastern United States, Wales, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. Slate is also being used as a modern flooring material. As a natural stone that is available in a variety of colors and textures, slate makes great pavers as well.

SLATE SCIENTIFIC

Slate is composed of particles of quartz and muscovite as well as chlorite, graphite, and magnetite. Slate forms when many layers of clay and volcanic ash are foliated together over the course of many years. The clay and ash then transform into a sedimentary rock that is finely grained.

COLORING

Slate provides an elegant yet natural aesthetic appearance. One attractive aspect of using slate in the home is its variety of natural colors. In fact, there are many variations and no two slate stones are identical in color or texture. One can find slate in the following colors:

• Black
• Brown
• Purple
• Green
• Blue
• Gray
• Red
• Orange

SLATE AS A PAVING STONE

Paving stones created from slate offer the durability and strength of concrete but with natural colors and beauty. Homeowners can select from slate pavers in a wide range of thicknesses and sizes. These tile pavers can be made with straight edges and straight sides, and installed in a variety of patterns and designs.

Many homeowners and businesses turn to slate as a paving material because it is not affected by acid and can be placed directly onto soil areas. Other materials usually require sand beds. Additionally, slate has a high compressive strength and an absorption rate of under five percent – another reason why slate pavers are an ideal alternative for flooring on patios, decking, and even walkways. Slate is also an excellent material for paving around a swimming pool or other areas that are frequently wet as they are naturally slip-resistant and repel water.

Not only are they easy to install but your installer can also break slate into multiple pieces and smaller pieces to pave the area you need to pave just the way you want it. You can leave spaces in between your slate tiles, or you can choose to lay them end-to-end. With slate, there is an entire world of possibilities at your fingertips.

OTHER USES FOR SLATE PAVERS

Many people have used slate pavers in projects other than walkways and patios. Slate pavers can be used in retaining walls, gardening bases, dividing lines in between plants, and walkway designations.

If you want to add a unique flair to your outdoor space, you should consider your options for slate pavers. While the initial investment may be more than other paving materials, slate can add a timeless beauty and trusted durability to your outdoor space that other materials cannot.

Unique Pavers Design
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