Is natural slate tile worth the price?
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My wife and I are looking at a product called CUPA Slate we found here http://www.abedward.com/cupa-natural-slate/
We were wondering if natural slate is worth the upgrade to say “fake slate”. Also does natural slate fade with time? Any help would be great!
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Replies
Tom,
In your question, you asked about slate tile. The web link goes to a site that features mostly roofing slate. So I need to ask: are you talking about slate flooring or slate roofing?
I don't know what you mean by "fake slate." I have a background as a New England roofer, so in my book, there is no such thing as fake slate. It's either slate or it isn't.
Natural slate won't fade.
I imagine "fake slate" would be something that is advertised as "slate-like" despite not being natural slate--same as any fake or synthetic version of a natural building material, such as this product that Tom is likely asking about: http://www.abedward.com/synthetic-slate-roofing/
Nate,
I am aware of a variety of products that imitate slate. Some products imitate slate roofing; other products imitate slate floor tiles.
My point is that we can't evaluate an alternative product without a brand name.
Tom. Cupa slate looks like a brand name for natural slate roofing. As Martin will tell you, a properly installed real slate roof will last longer than you will. It is very expensive.
If you are considering slate flooring, I can tell you that my ten year old slate floor looks just as good as when it was installed.
Whaaat? No digression into its worth as a thermal mass, or installed over radiant heating? This place is going to the dogs :)