Blog

Building the Best Mudroom

October 20, 2016

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 Boston mudroom with slate tile floor by Jan Gleysteen Architects, Inc. Photo by Sam Gray.

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Are Stone Floors Worth the Maintenance?

July 13, 2016

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Travertine floors add warmth to this foyer by Duckham Architecture & Interiors Photo via Houzz

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Slate is great! The benefits of using slate in the kitchen and bath

September 19, 2013

Slate may not be as popular as its marble and granite cousins, but it has many qualities that make it a great choice for kitchen and bath surfaces. More than just a “nice personality,” slate has some genuine attention-grabbing attributes.

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The Hearth of the Home: Choosing a material for Fireplace Surround

September 17, 2013

There was a time when the hearth was primarily made of brick. But this was also when it did most of the legwork when it came to cooking. Today’s fireplace is far more aesthetic than it is functional, and the materials it’s made of are as diverse as the owners of the home itself. The material you choose for a fireplace surround makes a strong design statement. And no matter what your style preference, there’s a material to help you reflect your unique personality. 

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Luxury Bathroom Trends: Stone Tile Steals the Show

June 25, 2013

Bathroom Leslie Fine

Caption: Photo by Houzz, Leslie Fine Interiors

The kitchen may still be the heart of the home, but the bathroom is by far one of the most important rooms in the house. There is a defined trend toward luxury and indulgence in the bathroom. As homeowners seek to create spa-like retreats they can access any time they like, designers and manufacturers are coming up with new, creative ways to splurge in the bath. Frequent travelers want to be reminded of the sumptuous experiences they’ve enjoyed at hotels and resorts they’ve visited, so the master bath has evolved into a personalized sanctuary. One of the most important elements in today’s high-end bathrooms is natural stone tile.

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Today’s Hottest Color in Interiors is No Gray Area: Marble and Granite, Inc.

April 30, 2013

Today’s Hottest Color in Interiors is No Gray Area

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Slate tile in the pool house or cabana

May 15, 2012
Your pool house or cabana area can become the heart of the home during warm weather months with the right amount of attention to style and comfort.  It is the hub of parties, BBQ's, and late night gatherings with friends.  It's important that your poolside design maintains your personal style, while also meshing with the outdoor ambiance that makes it such a unique and desirable living area. 

The right tile flooring is key to creating a high-end aesthetic, while preserving a natural outdoor aesthetic.

Slate Tile Flooring is a Natural Way to Create High-end Appeal

Slate is a natural occurring stone formed from layers of volcanic lava and ash.  After being compressed over long periods of time, these layers can be cut into slate tiles.  Slate usually comes in various shades of grey, although it can also include a variety of colors such as earthy greens, rusty reds, purples, and blues.

When you visit our show room, you will be able to choose from an array of shale textures and colors to ensure that your slate tile selections are consistent with your decorating motifs. You can also browse our selections online.

Slate Tile Flooring Is Not Slippery When Wet

One major benefit to selecting natural slate tiles for your pool house and/or cabana area is that they are nearly 100% slip proof when they become wet.  Because slate is a natural stone that forms over a long period of time, it is porous with a slightly rough texture.  This allows water to be absorbed into, or run off the slate.  It is smooth enough to form a comfortable walking surface but maintains a slip-proof surface when wet, which is optimal for your pool side surroundings.

Slate Tile Flooring is a Perfect Poolside Choice

Because of the naturally occurring colors and patterns, slate is even more attractive when it becomes wet.  The earth tones will become darker and more vivid when they are splashed with water, but maintain their color after they dry.  While other flooring choices will fade over time with constant exposure to sunlight and water, your slate tiles will look as as good as the day they were installed for many years to come.

Slate is easily incorporated into your landscaping designs to create a fluid aesthetic from your pool, to your cabana, to attractive garden pathways. Regardless of what colors you choose, your slate tiles will always blend in with the natural world around them.
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