Jeff recently reminded us that random multi-color slate flooring is a wonderful choice for a mid-century home. To be sure, I see this floor all the time in homes I visit from the 40s 50s 60s and 70s. It’s usually in porches, breezeways, or foyers — spots that require a very durable, waterproof flooring material.
(But, I do not see this in kitchens and bathrooms. This floor is, I believe, traditionally used as a transition between the outside and inside, rather than a floor you’d want to live on all day long. That said, in a big open concept contemporary in a hot climate, I can see it being used throughout the house.) Jeff is purchasing his at Vermont Slate Depot, where as today, 10 sq. ft. costs $16.75 plus shipping. I also have seen this floor at my big local stone supply store, the same place everyone buys their patio pavers. So, you may be able to get it locally, as well, and save on the shipping. Design tip: That white grout shown in the photo is not what I’d choose. It will show dirt instantly. I’d have to eyeball it, but at minimum would start with medium gray.
Sam says
We had this multicolored slate in more muted tones in the large foyer of the colonial I grew up in in Western Pennsylvania. At the time we lived there (1982-1993), my mom HATED that floor, and I didn’t really care one way or another about the floor or any of the other super cool stuff in that house. Needless to say, I’m now kicking myself.
Diane says
It’s been over 18 years with this floor and we are thinking of painting the kitchen cabinets and putting new counter tops in. Any suggestions on colors with this flooring? Help
Diane says
* are all this slate
* blown away
Diane says
I have this same slate throughout my home. We have a 34 hundred square foot home and most of it is this slate. We built the home in 95′ all 4 bathrooms, well let’s just say all but the bedrooms arm this state. We LOVE it. We have six kids and now 4 grand kids, nothing could be more durable and beautiful than this floor. When we had it installed they told us they have only put this in driveways and around pools. They said if the whole house brown away our floor would still be here and will be long after we’re gone.
Anastasia says
AND…………I’m good! I’ve always loved slate & now you’ve sold me!
donna says
does this come in diffrent color.im looking for vintage flooring for my backporch ,its my washroom.i live a home built 60s
Trish says
Hi. My husband and I have this slate also in irregular pieces in our dining room and entryway. How do I clean it and can I stain it all one color?
pam kueber says
I don’t know the answers to these questions, Trish. I would recommend you talk with a good floor store / stone selling place.
Leonore says
Our 1962 Dearborn, Michigan home has this exact slate floor in the foyer and fireplace. Honestly, I h*** [edited] it. It is so dark and dreary. However, I don’t like removing perfectly good flooring, especially since we don’t have money to replace it with similar quality material. I thought about covering it up with linoleum, but the slate is a tad uneven in places.
How can I make this floor look better? What wall paint colors would complement it and brighten up the foyer?
Bob Connor says
Pam, If I ever get approval from my family to do this remodel I will take pictures and let you know how it comes out. I figure it will actually save money – Solid surface did not exist then and granite was not really around so the Formica should save money. It will have current appliances though, but I am thinking of using a white Kohler sink to break up the stainless steel.
I was also looking at the article about the red refrigerators. We have a Frigidaire refrigerator from the 90s that is bisque (puke?) but I would like to spray paint it to be poppy red like when Frigidaire was part of GM. Has anyone sprayed one poppy? I figure if I screw up, the refrigerator is old anyway.
Bob Connor says
I am so glad I found this! I looked at many tile web sites and I was almost beginning to think this was a figment of my imagination. Actually, Pam I would choose the white grout but because I want to use this as a backsplash. What I want to do is replace the 80s kitchen cabinets to look like it did in 1972 but nicer, with new darker cabinets and a marble look Formica top and this would add color.
My brother works for a company that sometimes does work at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant, maybe sometime I will ride with him to check out this slate place.
pam kueber says
Bob, see all my stories on World of Tile — a time capsule tile store in Springfield, NJ. (Use the search bar.) They are a motherlode of authentic 70s at great prices. If I were trying to do a 1972 kitchen, I would be all over the place.