Eco-Friendly Slate Tile Flooring

More and more, homeowners are looking for ways to decrease the amount of resources used when remodeling their homes. In many cases, there are eco-friendly options that make installing new floors easy and guilt-free. Slate tile flooring, while not readily available in recycled form is eco-friendly in its own right.

Eco-Friendly Sealants

Because natural stone is porous, it is important to apply a sealer to your floor to make sure all moisture is locked out. Always check with the manufacturer before applying any sealer to your slate tile flooring. There are eco-friendly sealers available to consumers that are made with non-toxic materials that are safer for the environment and safer for your family.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning

One of the best ways to stay environmentally conscious is clean your slate tile floors with the earth in mind. You should never use acid-based cleaners (even vinegar) on your slate tiles to prevent damage. Use a natural, vegetable-based, mild soap and water solution to wet mop your floors once a week. Slate flooring is also darker than other tiles and hides dirt well, so you won’t have to clean your floors as often as you would other materials.

Remember, just because you cannot find recycled slate as a popular flooring option, does not mean you can’t recycle your own slate tiles. Here are some ideas for what to do with your slate tile floor once you remove it:

-Grind and use as gravel in your walkway or around your flowerbeds

-Use large pieces as chalkboards

-Large pieces can be used as cheeseboards for entertaining

Slate flooring is long lasting, and beautiful, making it a great choice for homes and offices. When installing and maintaining your tile floor consider how you can stay environmentally conscious while enjoying your floor.