Natural stone
Slate
Slate is the stone of utility spaces and rustic interiors, hearths, boot rooms, traditional kitchens, garden paths. It has a natural riven texture where it splits along its cleavage planes, and a sombre palette of greys, blacks and greens.
The most common issue we see is ancient wax or "floor dressing" build-up, applied annually for decades in period properties. It darkens the stone, traps dirt, and, on removal, reveals surprising colour underneath. Stripping and re-sealing is usually transformative.
Services we offer for slate
- Deep cleaning to strip decades of wax and polish build-up
- Honing for slate worktops, hearths and flagstones
- Sealing and impregnation with breathable impregnators
- Crack and chip repair for damaged hearths and steps
Characteristics
- Splits along natural cleavage planes, creating its characteristic riven texture.
- Typically dark grey, black, green or rust, depending on origin.
- Common in utility kitchens, hearths, rustic interiors, and external paving.
- Relatively soft compared to granite; more durable than limestone.
Common issues
- Surface flaking or delamination on older or wet-installed slate.
- Wax build-up from traditional "stone sealers" sold for period floors.
- Salt efflorescence on external slate with damp issues.
- Scratches from grit carried indoors on shoes.
Care guidance
pH-neutral cleaner only. Remove old wax build-up before re-sealing. Seal with breathable impregnating sealer, never a topical coating.
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