Slate has long enjoyed great popularity as a material for flooring and roofing. But what does slate do in the kitchen? Quite simply: worktops made from this natural stone are hard-wearing and exude purist elegance. Slate worktops adorn designer kitchens and look great in country-style and classic kitchens. What do you need to consider when using slate as a worktop and how do you design your kitchen with slate? We reveal tips and tricks.
Slate is a sedimentary rock that was formed on the seabed around hundreds of millions of years ago. Thanks to its mineral origin, the natural stone is available in many different forms today. The material sometimes has fine glitter particles, which are created by pyrite, for example, and is available in fine and coarse grain sizes.
The typical properties of slate make it interesting for exterior and interior design - and therefore also as a material for kitchen worktops. Slate is characterised by characteristics such as:
The natural stone is also very fine to work with. Design-orientated kitchens with thin slate worktops are eye-catching - and the material scores points with its rough, pleasant feel.
However, slate has a long lifespan - how robust is the material really? A little caution is indeed required when handling:
This raises the question of whether granite is not the better choice for kitchens. Granite is also a natural stone that is scratch, cut and heat-resistant. Thanks to its smooth surface, it is easy to clean and is available in a wide range of colours.
In return, slate offers an extraordinary look and allows for very thin-walled processing.
Among other things, the mineral composition of the natural stone influences the colouring. Anthracite to black colours are among the classics, sometimes with shades of blue on the surface.
Rarer is colour slate, which appears in green, red, red-brown or purple. Several colours within one slate slab are also possible. This allows you to design creative looks with the natural stone - for example with a coloured slate back panel.
The surface of the natural stone can be treated in a variety of ways:
Slate for kitchens mainly comes from India and Portugal, recognisable by its comparatively fine-grained structure. Brazilian slate is also popular and offers a coarser structure.
Tip: The look and feel of slate combined with scratch-resistant, easy-care quality is offered by slate-look worktops.
Whether colourful or classic - slate harmonises with numerous kitchen styles.
The matt hob from BORA combines advanced technology with an irresistible look.
Cleaning slate is easy: like other natural stones, the material is insensitive to moisture. It is usually sufficient to clean the surface with a soft, slightly damp cloth. If necessary, use a mild cleaning agent.
Important
: Avoid acidic cleaners and sponges with a rough surface. They can leave marks in the material.Slate kitchen worktops should be impregnated before first use. The coating prevents stains and should be renewed every one to two years.
