Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock. It''s main constituents are quartz, chlorite, mica & calcite. Slate is formed when ocean or riverbed sediments are compressed and heated by the earth''s crust.
2
Is your slate suitable for the floor?
2007-12-20 15:02:49
Answer
Slate is a very durable and hard wearing product and is suitable for use on the floor.
3
What do both sides of the slate look like?
2007-12-20 15:03:14
Answer
The back of the slate tile has been machine to either a flat or grooved finish, depending on the factory of origin. The top is a natural-split face surface.
4
How much do the dimensions of each slate tile vary?
2007-12-20 15:03:53
Answer
Slate tile is cut to Metric sizes - the Imperial sizes quoted are purely nominal measurements. Tiles sizes will be as follows. Indian Slate: 12x12 - 300mm (+/- 1mm), 16x16 - 400mm (+/- 1mm). Chinese Slate: 12x12 - 300mm (+/- 3mm), 16x16 - 400mm (+/- 3mm), 24x24 - 600mm (+/- 3mm)
5
Is there a PEI rating for slate tile?
2007-12-20 15:05:03
Answer
The PEI refers to ratings set by the Porcelain Enamel Institute. These ratings were developed for the Ceramic and Porcelain tile industries. There is therefore no PEI rating for slate. However, slate is very hard and durable and can be used where a long-wearing product is required.
6
Is slate resistant to damage?
2007-12-20 15:06:04
Answer
Slate (and any other natural stone that we offer) is highly resistant to damage, as long as it is applied to a solid substrate. If the sub-floor prior to the slate installation is flexible (for example, a thin plywood sub-floor), the slate could crack like any other tile. It is therefore very important to have an adequate substrate prior to installation. If in doubt, you should consult a professional installer about this.
7
What trowel size do you recommend for installing slate tiles?
2007-12-20 15:06:33
Answer
Use at least a 3/8x1/2 notch trowel for the 12x12 tiles and a 1/2x1/2 notch trowel (or larger) for the 16x16 and 24x24
8
Can I install my slate tiles on wood?
2007-12-20 15:07:01
Answer
The only wood surface that is recommended for the installation of tiles is exterior grade plywood.
9
How wide should my grout joints be?
2007-12-20 15:07:36
Answer
It''s a matter of personal taste, but traditionally slate tile has been installed with wide grout joints. We suggest 3/8 for the 12x12 and 1/2 for the 16x16. Due to slight variations in tile size use of tile spacers is not recommended with slate tile.
10
How does buying slate floor tile from BuildDirect work?
2007-12-20 15:08:03
Answer
BuildDirect is a wholesaler with proprietary Internet technology and toll-free customer service to provide incredibly low prices on top quality building products. We fill slate orders in two ways. The first is selling pallet multiples out of warehouses around North America. The second is shipping container orders directly from select manufacturers and delivered to your job site.
11
I need a smaller amount of tile than your minimum – where do I go from here?
2007-12-20 15:08:32
Answer
Please consult your local Yellow Pages for information on retailers that sell in smaller quantities. Look under Stone Retailers or Ceramic Retailers.
12
What slate does BuildDirect sell by the container?
2007-12-20 15:09:28
Answer
BuildDirect sells a wide variety of slate flooring by container from India and China. Our highly qualified logistics experts will oversee the ocean and ground shipment of your container order. Please take a look at the varieties of slate available by container on this Website.
13
How much slate tile does a container hold?
2007-12-20 15:10:03
Answer
Container quantities of slate tile range from 5,000 sq. ft. to 8,000 sq. ft. depending on the tile size and destination. Slate pavers will have a maximum of around 2,500 sq. ft. A BuildDirect sales representative will be happy to help you with the container quantities permitted into your area.
14
Am I restricted to getting just one product in a container?
2007-12-20 15:10:35
Answer
Container orders can comprise any combination of the colors, sizes, finishes and shapes that the factory produces. There is a minimum of one pallet per type.
15
Do I have to be a contractor to purchase from BuildDirect?
2007-12-20 15:10:58
Answer
The prices on our website are the prices we offer to anyone who can meet the minimum order requirements.
16
I would like to see the pallets before I buy them. Is this possible?
2007-12-20 15:11:59
Answer
Unfortunately, we are unable to show you the product at the warehouse. The warehouses we use are third-party facilities and all products are in factory- sealed crates. We suggest ordering a sample and reviewing the graphics on the website.
17
How does the customer obtain slate tile samples?
2007-12-20 15:12:24
Answer
Slate samples can be ordered directly from our website. We ship by FedEx and just charge for the shipping and handling. The sample pieces are approximately 4x 4.
18
Does BuildDirect ship to Europe?
2007-12-20 15:12:48
Answer
At present, we ship container orders (5000 sq. ft. +) to Europe. Shipping small pallet orders from North America to Europe is not cost effective at this time.
19
How much breakage should I expect with an order?
2007-12-20 15:13:09
Answer
It is not unusual to have 2% - 3% of the tile broken to some degree (e.g. chipped edges). Any amount up to 10% is still considered acceptable. These damaged tiles can be used for the cuts you will need to make. If breakage is above 10%, we would ask you to have it noted on the logistics receiving document and take photos. Please make a claim with us within 10 days of receiving the order.
20
Can you tell me an exact date that the container will arrive?
2007-12-20 15:13:46
Answer
Unfortunately, we cannot offer guarantees on container shipment time lines. At this time, most containers take 10-12 weeks from date of order. There is a chance that it could take longer because of factors beyond our control, for example; security measures undertaken by U.S. Customs and Border Protection could possibly delay a shipment.
21
How are residential deliveries made?
2007-12-20 15:14:13
Answer
The product would be delivered on a truck equipped with a lift-gate. The pallets would be lowered to the ground and pulled onto your driveway with a pallet-jack. A residential delivery is considered completed once the product is placed on the driveway.
22
Which forms of payment do you accept?
2007-12-20 15:14:56
Answer
We accept Visa, MasterCard, bank drafts (also referred to as cashier''s checks or money orders) and wire transfers.
23
How are granite slabs sealed?
2007-12-20 15:53:05
Answer
Slabs are treated with resin most commonly in one of two varieties:
.1. Resination with hydro-repellent, a treatment which covers most of small fissures, and helps to brighten the color of the granite. This is the more common variety of sealant. 2. Resination with epoxy: This treatment fills up larger holes and open veins. This variety is generally used with Brazilian stone.
