Home Flooring Odyssey (Is a Slate Floor Worth Keeping)

Elite on 17/02/2025 - 15:36

Hi everyone,

Thought to ask our trusted OzBargain community some questions regarding home flooring options and to put a poll on what might help to determine the way forward.

So hoping too, this might be helpful in researching and finding out the best option for our family homes flooring.

Currently we have always had a trusty multicoloured (natural rock tones) natural cleft slate floor on half the floor of our home.

The slate floor has been really great however my other half doesn’t like the slate floors. Fair enough each to their own.

Anyhow just in the knowledge that a Slate floor is so durable and resilient I’ve been really concerned about the prospect of changing it at all.

However having said that I understand there are some advantages for changing it as the slate floor is both very hard to walk on (in non carpeted areas), as well as being an uneven surface as it is with a natural cleft slate floor.

Negatives to a Slate Floor

  • Uneven Surface (we are all getting older)

  • Hard Surface

Really would like to gauge people’s thoughts, and hopefully some informed opinions and maybe get some insight as to the best way forward.

I look forward to hearing from the community, very interested in hearing any advice on another trusted resilient home flooring option for which I have included some in the poll.

Just don’t want to spend a whole bunch and end up going backwards either. What ever happens just want to find a floor product that will last. So I would much appreciate everyone’s (anyone’s) educated or knowledgeable insights because they would be most welcome.

Anyone with experience that can speak to what floor type is best

Thanks heaps for reading and I truly look forward to seeing people’s thoughts.

Need all the help I can muster at the moment as it’s really confusing when trying to find a realistic solution that will match the durability of a slate floor.

Cheers

Poll Options Tue, 25/02/2025 - 00:00

  • 30
    Keep Slate Floor (Re Sealing and Restoration)
  • 5
    Remove Slate floor, install Hybrid Flooring
  • 0
    Remove Slate floor, install Vinyl Flooring
  • 1
    Remove Slate floor, instal Linoleum Flooring
Home & Garden Flooring

Comments

  • stickingly on 17/02/2025 - 15:56

    That could be a very messy and expensive job removing the slate. Depending on how it was installed it may need to jackhammered off and then the floor underneath (probably concrete?) will need to be levelled.
    Do you have a photo?

    • Elite on 17/02/2025 - 16:13
      +1

      Definitely an arduous process that’s for sure but there are professionals who will do it. Had a look on YouTube for do it yourself methods. But the professional outfits have all the equipment for a hopefully more stress free and more dust free approach.

      Here’s a photo of the Slate floor https://imgur.com/a/V8aOoFE

  • Caped Baldy on 17/02/2025 - 16:05
    +8

    Get the other half some very nice slippers.

    • Elite on 17/02/2025 - 16:45

      If only it was that easy 😂

  • Elite on 17/02/2025 - 16:05
    +2

    Here’s a photo of the Slate if that helps https://imgur.com/a/V8aOoFE

    • sammm on 18/02/2025 - 09:37
      +1

      I love the look of slate flooring. get some rugs to cover the hardness. it will also help with the unevenness of the floor. however, i realsie that you cannot do that in the kitchen

  • rompastompa on 17/02/2025 - 16:17
    +6

    Keep the slate floor, but put some nice timber flooring on top of it. Then, add vinyl flooring and finally some nice carpet.

    Over the next few decades, take one layer off and be pleased with the underlying floor.

    • Elite on 17/02/2025 - 16:18

      Sounds great 👍 if only I could convince the other half 🙃

      • blitz on 17/02/2025 - 16:48

        No convincing necessary - the results will speak for themselves

  • Xyzzy on 17/02/2025 - 16:24
    +3

    Keep the slate, but get a large rug to go on it.

    • Elite on 17/02/2025 - 16:28

      We have a carpeted area in the lounge room. I put forward your idea the other day without much success. I was thinking 🤔 along the same lines, of additional carpet. So definitely appreciate your insight.

      • Xyzzy on 17/02/2025 - 16:41

        Our house came with large Italian floor tiling. It was well made but not really our taste. But putting a large furry rug on it really softened it and worked well for us. Worth a try as it's a lot cheaper than replacing all the flooring, and the other half might like it when she sees it (the rug people brought a lot of options to the house to see how they'd look). And if she still doesn't like it, well you won't have wasted too much money.

        • Elite on 17/02/2025 - 16:44

          I wish that was an acceptable option sounds good 👍 inexpensive too 👍

  • JimB on 17/02/2025 - 16:55
    +1

    Usually homes with slate flooring were built in the 70s & 80s.

    Therefore, you may have another option if your home is on stumps and has hardwood flooring.

    Remove the slate flooring and sand back the original floorboards.

    The dark colour and unevenness of slate flooring doesn't do it for me. If you're on a slab, I'd remove and replace with engineered timber. If budget doesn't allow, then Hybrid is practical and looks pretty good.

    • Elite on 17/02/2025 - 17:01

      Slate floor is definitely on a concrete foundation in our case. Timber would be good option but just want something that’s watertight so if an accident occurs there’s nothing to worry about at least with the floor that is. Allot of Hybrid flooring manufacturers say 100% water resistant but also learning it’s about the installation process too. In terms of really establishing a water resistant floor.

      • dtc on 17/02/2025 - 18:04

        I have proper timber flooring all throughout and the only water risks are

        • some huge flood, broken pipe etc. yes a risk but how much risk?

        • around the washing up sink it’s worth quickly wiping the floor after you finish a load. Takes 3 seconds

        Otherwise it’s not really an issue. Remember they make boats out of wood…

  • Protractor on 17/02/2025 - 17:09
    +1

    Keep it. Thermal reasons,aesthetics,health etc.
    Tell the other half Taylor Swift loves slate floors.

    • Elite on 17/02/2025 - 17:18

      That’s assuming their a swifty 😅 wish it was that simple 🙃

      Agree completely Thermal reasons, aesthetics, health etc…

      • Protractor on 17/02/2025 - 17:33

        Swap Swifty out for appropriate worshipped icon.
        Leave the slate in situ and use the money for getting rid of it to get a part time cleaner, so you're other half can redirect her hate for uneven surfaces elsewhere?

    • tenpercent on 18/02/2025 - 08:35

      Keep it… aesthetics

      If you're gong for that 1990s McDonald's public bathroom aesthetic

  • Benoffie on 17/02/2025 - 17:34
    +1

    Age and style of the home?

    Slate isnt really the problem - its the maintenance and the darkness. Nowadays, everyone wants everything white but realisticly, a floor should be hard wearing and not make you feel neurotic about cleaning it.

    In that sense, slate is a winner. It has excellent thermal properties. If you're in an area that has heat fluctuations or extremes, you should keep it.

    In terms of cost, honestly, average flooring is $150-300sqm before installation (tiles, timber, doesn't matter). You then have to question what benefits, aside from aesthetic change, you're gaining?

    • Elite on 17/02/2025 - 17:54

      About a 30 year old brick vernier home, I’ve always loved the Slate floors for all the reasons you’ve stated 👍

      Personally I wish I had some confidence regarding a change, but it’s just difficult when I recognise the value of the Slate floor.

      If I could only find a Hybrid floor (which is what my other half would like) that was well recognised as being almost as durable then I’d probably be a little more confident.

      The supposed benefits are that it’s less rigid underfoot and not a tripping hazard situation when we are older. However I’m not particularly convinced it’ll quite be so bad as all that.

      • Benoffie on 17/02/2025 - 18:22
        +2

        Im not convinced about the tripping either given the slip rating of slate vs timber. Trips and falls generally happen from other things:

        https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/fal…

        So long as there isnt obvious things such as floor level changes greater than 1cm, rugs, lighting is good and you later install appropriate rails, then the slate should be the least of the worries

    • larndis on 18/02/2025 - 08:37

      'Average' tiles cost $150-$300 per sqm without installation? I think we have different definitions of average.

      • Benoffie on 18/02/2025 - 12:12
        +1

        Low end large format (600×600) tiles starts around $75. For decent, $150, for something like Fibonacci or Santamargherita, $220-250+. Just the tiles, not the tiler.

        Timber floors - hybrid obviously more expensive. Then there's real timber. And yes, you can be looking at $300 sqm just for product depending on what you want.

        I ended up fixing and polishing existing boards and going aggregate (aggregate was probably around $330 sqm factoring in slab adjustments, pour, polishing).

        Source - current renovations

        • larndis on 18/02/2025 - 21:11
          -1

          If I look at floor tiles at Beaumont and sort by most popular the prices are around $60 sqm. This is what I would consider an 'average' tile. The fact you can spend more, even a LOT more, is irrelevant. I guess we have different understandings of average.

          Also, Google AI suggests a standard builder's allowance for tiles is $30-$50sqm. I can't vouch for the veracity of this.

          • Benoffie on 18/02/2025 - 21:35

            @larndis: Thats nothing but cheap n nasty, basic and most likely Chinese/Turkish (or maybe Spanish) made.

            Tiles are a 'get what you pay for' venture

            • larndis on 19/02/2025 - 08:39

              @Benoffie:

              Tiles are a 'get what you pay for' venture

              Agree, but just interested in what's considered average. Of course in the absence of data and an agreed methodology this is entirely subjective. It's fine if your average is different to mine.

  • soan papdi on 17/02/2025 - 17:38
    +4

    @Elite You're replying to every suggestion with some variation of "wish it was that simple" or "not easy to convince the other half". Might be easier if you can share what the other half wants

    • Elite on 17/02/2025 - 17:48

      Fair enough the other half wants Hybrid flooring 😉

      • soan papdi on 17/02/2025 - 18:03

        I have laminate floorboards on a concrete slab. I am very happy with it. Hybrid is better but also pricier.

        Why does your partner not want to wear slippers or ugg boots at home? So much cheaper and easier.

      • Protractor on 17/02/2025 - 18:39

        Sure that's not a euphemism?

  • onetwothreefour on 17/02/2025 - 19:17
    +1

    We had slate in our place when we moved in, it was in the kitchen and a downstairs bedroom. I removed the slate in the bedroom with a jack hammer and a grinder but there was a tonne of dust and it was really hard work.

    In the kitchen I just laid some fibro cement sheets over the top of it and then laid laminate flooring as the kitchen is open plan and I didn't want the dust getting everywhere in the house.

    It didn't turn out great and I think one day I will remove it all. I will probably have to remove the subfloor at the same time as it will be easier and cleaner than trying to remove only the slate.

    OP I don't envy you and I feel your pain. good luck with whatever option you choose.

  • Elite on 17/02/2025 - 19:47

    Thanks for sharing 🙂 so would you go back to slate if you had an easy straight opportunity to do so ? At this point I just wish I could find the Holy Grail of Hybrid flooring and then I could at least feel some confidence.

    The question was asked about well how many people would install it and already have it leading to how many would choose it I suppose.

    I wish I could have expanded the poll now to try and ascertain such numbers.

    • Stewardo on 17/02/2025 - 23:47

      Have you considered selling the house a buying something more practical long term?
      Much easier to do it now.

  • rumblytangara on 17/02/2025 - 21:32
    +1

    Having had slate and hybrid, I didn't find slate to be meaningfully more of an "uneven surface (we are all getting older)"

    If anything, the very slight roughness of slate and the cementy stuff gives much better proprioceptic feedback for walking on- I get a much better feel for the ground if I'm in bare feet or socks or slippers than on on something like a smooth laminate (ceramic tiles are the worst).

  • miwahni on 17/02/2025 - 21:55

    I would love to have slate floors. Maybe get some quotes for having it replaced - both for slate removal and new flooring - and see if the other half decides she can live with the slate after all?

    • Elite on 18/02/2025 - 11:06

      Excellent point 👍

  • Darayus on 18/02/2025 - 09:24
    +1

    The slate floor is resilient and durable. Ceramic tiles chip when any hard item is dropped, especially in the kitchen, and if you drop something heavy, it cracks.
    Hybrid flooring is good, but it fades over the years, especially where direct sunlight hits it. It needs to be installed by a skilled person as dirt gets into the gaps and expands the joints over time.
    Carpets are dust and pollen storehouses.

    What I recommend you is to ask some concrete polisher guys if they can polish this tile floor evenly, it will depend upon how thick is your tile and how much uneven, then they will seal it with a fine finisher, and the result will be great.

    thanks

    • Elite on 18/02/2025 - 11:04
      +1

      Thanks for sharing your insights, sounds like a rock 🪨 solid plan 👍 so hope that that’s the outcome, I’ve just been hounest that I can’t in good conscience remove what’s been a blessing in the home. I love the natural textures and beauty of Slate floors. It certainly has been an extremely resilient floor.

      Your wisdom much appreciated 🙂

  • DMWalsh on 18/02/2025 - 11:08

    Best thing I ever did was get rid of my slate floor - it looked beautiful for the 1st 20 years of its life but then started to degrade (flake off) and was gloomy. The slate was removed in a couple of hours along with the old kitchen - amazingly fast - new kitchen went in the next day - the concrete slab did need a small amount of levelling but the new pale hybrid floor is fantastic - durable and easy - best reno money I have ever spent - of course this was pre-covid so was pretty affordable. If you truly value a happy family life - get a hybrid floor.

  • jrvb42 on 18/02/2025 - 16:46

    I had a slate floor. Removed it and replaced with light ceramic tiles. Amazing difference. Ymmv, but I never had regrets. Lightened the entire area, and easy to keep clean.
    Oh, and if you don't know by now that your other half is always right… You have much to learn young Padawan.

  • Elite on 20/02/2025 - 08:28

    Very much appreciative of everyone’s input into the determinations surrounding the discussions of which way to proceed with a Slate floor.

    My concern from the start with any flooring prospect has been, will it stand the test of time and if so will we feel like we are walking on egg shells all the time.

    • If someone accidentally spills something and someone has to move a fridge, dishwasher, table or anything heavy will the floor be scratched, scraped, indented, scarred or warped.

    • If there’s flooding from an unexpected leak in the home, will the floor be water tight and keep sound without getting warped or permanently damaged.

    • In the normal everyday goings on in a home, in moving a chair or needing to move furniture around will the floor be scuffed or scratched as a result of such activities. We have pets too so will the floors be scratched just from them running across the floors.

    Obviously spending what might be many thousands of dollars to change the flooring only to cause even more trouble and stress would be completely detrimental to spending any money at all.

    I’ve been hopeful to find a Hybrid flooring (my other half’s preferred flooring product) solution that might solve this dilemma.

    Even just to hear from anyone who had experience with a Hybrid floor with regards to the concerns above that can vouch that I won’t have to worry about such aspects because a certain or particular Hybrid flooring product will stand out as being resistant to all such concerns.

    Originally it was put forward to me that everyone is going with Hybrid flooring and that people generally don’t even like Slate floors. As if to say that Slate floors are now redundant.

    We have never really had to have any concerns regarding the floor in that regard.

    I’d simply like is to be able to move forward with confidence in whatever happens.

    Again very grateful for everyone’s input into the deliberations. I’d love to be able to move forward with my other half’s yearnings for another type of flooring.

    But not if we are going to end up going backwards and or even worse always having to worry about a floor in just the day to day normal routines in a home.

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