Are you considering purchasing slate tile for your home? If so, you will want to ask the right questions about installation, quality, and cost. The more answers you have, the more of an educated decision you can make when it comes to purchasing. Here are some questions to keep in mind to make sure you get exactly what you want and need.

Slate is a foliated, fine-grained metamorphic rock that forms when riverbed or ocean sediments get compressed and then heated by the crust of the earth. It’s mainly made of micas or clay minerals and can have quartz in it as well. The color of most slate is gray and can range from light to dark. Slate also comes in red, purple, brown, green, and black. Its color will be based on the type and amount of organic materials and iron that are found in it.

When ordering your material for slate, it’s recommended that 10 to 15 percent extra is allowed to account for wastage. This could be due to a variation in thickness, the style of installation, and cuts needed to fill corners. When working with square settings, an extra 10 percent should be ordered, while an extra 15 percent should be ordered for diagnosis settings.

When applied to a substrate that’s solid, slate is very resistant to damage. When the sub-floor used before slate installation is flexible, such as a plywood sub-floor that’s thin, the slate is at risk for cracking. This means it’s important to have a substrate that’s adequate before installing the tile. A waterproof membrane and moisture management needs to be in place when used in shower areas and washrooms, as slate is very porous.

Slate will vary depending on the quality. For gauged-grade A quality, expect to spend anywhere from $3 to $8 per square foot. If you want to save money, you can get off-grade or ungauged quality slate for $1.50 to $6. You have to keep in mind that you get what you pay for, so it’s smart to pay more to ensure it lasts longer.

Getting what appears to be a good deal by purchasing B or C grade material won’t give you a consistent shape, color, or size. The tiles might have broken edges or cracks in them, and might even be the product of unfair labor practices on the part of mining companies.

You’ll most likely need to hire someone to install your slate unless you’re a professional yourself. You want it to look clean, and you do not want to waste extra material while you try to figure out how it works. However, labor can cost up to three times as much as the actual material. Make sure to ask the installer if the quote they give you includes the materials, pre-installation prep work, adhesives, post-installation protective sealing treatment, removal of waste, and cleanup on top of the work of tiling. You don’t want to misunderstand what they’re quoting you and be stuck with an expensive bill after.

While it’s tempting to save money and do it yourself, it’s not that simple. Stone is very heavy, so it’s hard to move it around, and it can be brutal to set every tile in its position. Hiring someone will save you time and money in the long run.

Slate comes in several different textures. Gauged slate tiles are popular. These tiles get flattened out on the back when they’re being refined. The straight surface of this helps bond the tile more thoroughly with the grout when it’s being installed. Sometimes the backs are slightly scored, which creates rows that are even and can better grip the adhesive bedding.

Clefted natural slate tiles are another type of tile that have gauged smooth backs and an unrefined top surface. This allows the clefts, cracks, and bristles of the stones to show through. Many people like this for the rugged, powerful look it gives the tile that feels like it’s from the mountains. It also has good traction when it gets wet, which is something to consider if you’ll be putting it in the bathroom.