Slate Tile Over Concrete Under Woodstove?

mattfz

I will be installing some slate tile under a woodstove (was half bricks). The floor is concrete so sturdiness is not a problem. Think I should install backer board as well, or use thin set right over the concrete?

cleveman

Follow the destructions.

Are you talking about tile which looks like slate or just slate?

What's the deal about people asking how to install slate?

mattfz

Natural slate cut into tiles. As an alternative to granite or marble.

I would imagine it is more popular here in PA than in some other areas of the country. Slate is everywhere in PA!!

reveivl

What's the problem? Concrete is a good substrate for stone. Why add backer into the mix? Just do it!

__________________
From where does knowledge come? If you need to know what is in a box, you could ask someone (not reliable), you could pray, (not useful), you can consult with the scripture (not helpful) or you could open the box (science)

Floordude

An anti fracture membrane, may be in order.

__________________
**Education is the key to success. Learn more, earn more.**
http://www.AustinFloorguy.com

finaltouchfloor

Seal the slate before you install, makes grouting easier & faster . No hardie needed, just use a flexbond mortar.

I have slate in my home , designers & decorators here say " travertine is a fad , slate is timeless".

Floordude

http://www.nacproducts.com/

Click on the link and learn about anti-fracture membranes.

They can be the difference in a short lived, or a long lasting installation.

__________________
**Education is the key to success. Learn more, earn more.**
http://www.AustinFloorguy.com

GrasshopperPete

Thinset for smaller pieces...under 12x12 or so.
For suport or pieces over 12x12 or 16x16 user mortar.

Bud Cline

BAH-LONE-E!

Use thinset and do it correctly.

GrasshopperPete

And what did you use before thinset came around?

Mortar/Cement used since before colonial times.

Bud Cline

Don't be an anus grasshopper. Methods change and improve with time. You are going back fifty years or more. Get with it man, update your brain.

If you aren't willing to learn then you aren't living up to the name grasshopper.

Think about how silly that statement sounds.

mattfz

I ended up using 1/4 inch hardie board attached with thinset and tapcons to bring it to the level of the rest of the floor, with thinset on the slate. Worked like charm and it is beautiful

GrasshopperPete

Good catch; Grasshopper is always willing to learn.
In an attempt to help Matt I researched this...I had read mortar somewhere but could`nt remember where, I ran across other proponents including:

Tim "Ask the builder" Carter .

And I did not say I don`t use thinset.. .Mapei or Laticrete.... as unbelievable as it may sound we have this in Chicago.

Had I known about the legendary "Bud from Hastings" I would have waited patiently for your words of wisdom.


And just because someone or something is old is no reason to discard it.

Glad it worked for you Matt

Bud Cline

I'll be patiently awaiting your personal check for the tuition fee.