Use of a Slate Countertop in the Kitchen Design
Slate countertops can add wonderful texture to the kitchen design. Use a slate counter in modern or rustic kitchens for a kitchen design that breaks the mold.
Honed, brushed, or flamed, a slate countertop can make any kitchen design stand out. With its unique surface texture and perfectly matte finish slate counter, a slate counter can be adapted to several kitchen designs, complimenting and enhancing at once. A slate kitchen is sure to appeal, whether pairing the counter with a slate floor and backsplash or mixing materials.
Types of Slate Countertops
There are many types of slates used in countertops. From green slate to Brazilian, black slate, and even stones such as Cardoso, many choices are available for homeowners.
Black slate, which has little to no color variation in its surface, is the rarest and, therefore, the most expensive. Use this slate in a modern kitchen, with white and glass countertops and a honed slate floor. Glass and slate or metal and black granite mosaic countertop will tie the kitchen together.
Other black slates, as well as Cardoso, are more variable in the coloring and texture. Use them with golden maple beadboard cabinets and a Black and Gold or Rustic Yellow slate floor for a rustic appeal.
Green slates come in many shades and tones, from solid blue greens to deeper forest greens. Honed, they can give a smooth surface reminiscent of soapstone and will fit into any kitchen design. Bakers, in particular, will appreciate its silky surface. Brushed or flamed, they will give a slightly roughened texture to the counter that invites touch. All slate finishes are excellent at repelling the marks of fingerprints, unlike some honed granites, making them perfect for those who want a sharp, matte counter without the extra maintenance of cleaning it.
Red, gray, and purple-toned slate counters are also available, although many fabricators will not carry them for their variability in color and quality.
Slate Countertop Considerations
While slate is a beautiful and exciting countertop, it has its characteristics and considerations. Due to its soft, cleft nature, an eased or rounded edge and radius corners will be required. More challenging corners and more decorative edges are prone to breaking and chipping.
Slate can also show scratches easily. To prevent this, always use a cutting board when using a knife on the counter, and try using trivets underneath pots and other items. Avoid dragging appliances such as toasters over the surface, as this can leave behind permanent marks.
Designing a Slate Kitchen
As with any kitchen design, choosing the counter choice and choosing the real stone to be used is essential. Next, request a sample of the rock from the fabricator and use it to select the colors of cabinets, floors, and backsplash materials.
Slate countertops work well with nearly any style of kitchen and countless shades of cabinet doors, floors, and backsplashes. To help give a slate kitchen a modern feel, try using the slate counter with a large format, honed slate floor in a complimentary color. Bring life and decoration to the kitchen by using the backsplash as a decorative area. Try using a honed waterfall pattern of slate mosaic in a light color such as Desert Gold. Or use a mix of frosted and polished glass mosaics in a bright color to add additional depth to the kitchen.
Try using handpainted ceramic tiles on the backsplash with a natural theme for traditional kitchens. Tiles painted with pine needles, vines, and animals will standoff of a slate backdrop in a complementary fashion.
Rustic kitchens can ensure a tumbled, 4”x4” slate tile on the backsplash and mix in a slate mosaic border of varying colors. Slate borders are relatively inexpensive, as they are often produced from chipped pieces of slate leftover from the tile manufacturing process, making them the perfect choice for budget-conscious homeowners who still want to complete the kitchen.
Slate countertops are thoroughly unique in their coloring, texture, and finishes. Utilize a slate counter in any kitchen design to add interest, texture, and a universal appeal.