Thinking of upgrading your home or outdoor space with a bold, natural finish? Tiling with slate offers a perfect balance of durability, character, and timeless appeal. Whether it’s a bathroom feature wall, a kitchen floor, or a garden path, slate tiles provide a beautiful and practical solution that lasts for decades.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before you start — from selecting the right tile finish to installation tips and maintenance advice — using the finest locally sourced stone from Honister Slate Mine.
Why Choose Slate Tiles from Honister Slate Mine?
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Honister Slate Mine is the last working slate mine in England — and it’s been producing premium-quality Westmorland green slate for centuries. Every tile we supply is cut from authentic mined stone, bringing a unique and natural beauty that simply can’t be replicated by mass-produced imports.
Here’s what makes Honister slate tiles stand out:
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100% natural and sustainably sourced
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Hand-selected and cut on site
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Exceptional strength and resistance to wear
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Timeless aesthetic for both modern and traditional spaces
Wall or Floor? How to Choose the Right Slate Tile
At Honister Slate Mine, we offer a range of handcrafted tiles for both wall and floor use — available in riven and polished finishes to suit your style and practical needs.
🪟 Slate Wall Tiles
Perfect for feature walls, backsplashes, or fireplaces, our polished wall tiles create a clean, reflective surface that enhances light and adds elegance to any room. Whether you’re designing a modern bathroom or a rustic entrance hall, slate on the wall adds lasting visual impact.
🪨 Slate Floor Tiles
For heavy-use areas like hallways, kitchens, or patios, riven slate floor tiles offer excellent grip and natural texture. Prefer a smoother surface underfoot? Our polished floor tiles deliver a sleek finish with the same long-lasting durability.
👉 Browse the full Tiles & Flagstones Collection
Installation Tips: Tiling with Slate Like a Pro
Installing slate tiles is a straightforward process, especially when a bit of planning goes in upfront. Since natural slate varies in tone and texture, it’s a good idea to lay out your tiles in advance to find the most balanced and appealing layout. When it comes to fixing the tiles in place, many projects benefit from a suitable adhesive designed for natural stone, though the choice may vary depending on the surface and setting. Some installers also choose to use sealants to protect the surface and enhance the natural colour of the slate, particularly in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas. Grouting can help finish the look, and darker shades often complement slate well — but again, it all depends on the finish you’re aiming for. For best results, we recommend speaking with your builder or installation team, or getting in touch with our slate experts here at Honister Slate Mine.
Caring for Your Slate Tiles: Long-Term Maintenance
Once installed and sealed properly, slate is incredibly low maintenance — one of the many reasons it’s so popular.
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Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit and dust
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Clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner (avoid acidic products)
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Reapply sealant every few years to maintain colour depth and surface protection
Complete the Look with Natural Slate Walling
Want to extend the slate aesthetic beyond your floors and walls? Consider natural slate walling from Honister Slate Mine — ideal for garden walls, outdoor features, or even indoor statement pieces.
The textures and tones of hand-laid slate walling perfectly complement tiled surfaces, adding a cohesive and authentic finish to your property.
Start Your Slate Tiling Project with Confidence
Whether you're building a cosy cottage-style retreat or a sleek, modern interior, Honister Slate Mine has the right materials to bring your vision to life.
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Need help choosing the right slate?
Our team is here to answer any questions and help you find the best option for your space.