What?

  • Slate-ish is made from paper-laminate composite materials. These solid core laminates are made from layers of paper and resin, which is heated and pressed. These materials are normally used for countertop applications in residential and commercial projects, and anything from skate board ramps to bathroom partitions. We source scrap material from manufacturers and fabricators to make Slate-ish. The sink cutouts, awkward shapes, or pieces that are too small to be used in normal applications become useful as our raw material.

    A note on the "back" of Slate-ish tile: Because we take in reclaimed material that comes in cut-up sheets, there is sometimes a surface to Slate-ish that is the former "face" of the reclaimed sheets. This former "face" becomes the BACK of our tile. This can be any color, patterned, or even wood grain print, and is smooth to the touch. It does not affect the look or performance of the tile, and is meant to be hidden.

  • Slate-ish tiles come in 1.5" strips, that are roughly 12" long, or hexagons (Soot only) that are 4” tall. The thickness varies from 1/16" to 1/4". Each square foot of Slate-ish weighs approximately .75 lbs. (for comparison, ledger stone weighs 6-10 pounds per sf).

  • Loose Tile Case size: 10sf
    Hex Tile Case size: 8sf
    Loose Tile Corner Case: 8 Linear Feet (approx 8sf coverage)
    Planks Case size: 10SF

    If you need help figuring out what you need, just drop an email to jen@slate-ish.com with details and we'll help!

    Volume Discounts are available, and automatically apply at checkout:
    Tier 1 - 3% off orders over $900
    Tier 2 - 5% off orders over $1800
    Tier 3 - 7% off orders over $2700

  • SOOT, STAGE 1 and STAGE ZERO (INFINITE) are available in Loose Tile and Corners.

    STAGE ZERO is uncoated, and ready for you to customize. You can apply spray paint, roller paint, dry brush, and a huge variety of techniques to make Slate-ish into any color!

Where?

  • YES:

    • Flat, painted surfaces

    • Fireplace surrounds - in SOME cases. SEE MORE

    • TV Wall

    • Dining Room Wall

    • Bedroom Wall

    • Ceilings

    • Bathroom Wall

    NO:

    • Over bumpy, uneven surfaces

    • Some fireplace areas

    • Wood Burning Stove Areas (see below)

    • Outside applications

    • Inside a shower

    • Flooring

    • Areas with food/grease splatter

  • No - with exceptions. Slate-ish is considered combusitble, so we have to recommend caution when installing Slate-ish around any kind of fireplace.

    Loose tiles with Silicone adhesive may be installed around fireplaces that allow for combustible materials. Planks are not suitable for fireplace install areas.

    Slate-ish takes no responsibility for mantel installations or other accessory installs. Please refer to all product safety protocols and consult an expert before placing any potentially combustible materials near open flame fireplaces and/or gas fireplaces.


    More info HERE See this article for more information: https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2023/01/11/code-requirements-for-fireplace-clearances

  • Slate-ish should only be used in dry, interior locations. The color can change with UV exposure, much like it does with wood.

  • Most textured walls are fine - but any texture that has a lot of peaks may prevent your tile from laying flat. Often you can knock down these high points with a trowel.
    The wall must also be flat - if you are dealing with a stucco or plaster type hand-applied finish, this may affect the flatness. you can check for flattnes by holding up a straight board (like a yardstsick or longer level) to make sure your wall surface is flat.
    You can see examples of the different wall textures HERE

  • Tricky quesiton. Slate-ish is a textured tile, which means cleanability can be a major issue when you talk about things like food, hard water stains, and grease splatter. We don't usually recommend Slate-ish for kitchen backsplashes for this reason, though we have had customers use it in light-traffic areas where the above issues aren't a problem.

  • The very best installations for Slate-ish are areas where you already have painted sheetrock. An accent wall in any room. the wall behind your TV, your entry way or stairway. We recommend gloss, semi-gloss, or eggshell finish for the paint. See a few suggestions on our Application page

How?

  • You MUST paint a sheetrock/drywall substrate, ONLY if you are using Silicone adhesive. The paint coat penetrates and solidifies the paper facing and makes a stronger bond.

    You can use Titebond Fast Grab FRP adhesive with a 1/8” or 3/8” V-Notched trowel. If you use our tinting packet, you can skip the wall painting! This tinted mastic will fill gaps between tiles and remove the need for painting.

    You can use nearly any paint (do not use Matte or Flat paint). If you get a dark-tinted primer, you can use just that, without additional paint. Color is not important - have some leftover from another project? Great! As long as it's mid-tone or dark, it will both solidify the backing, and disguise any gaps that may occur during installation.

    For Planks, you do not need to paint your substrate.

  • See our ADHESIVE page!

  • Slate-ish is like a very hard wood - so it can be cut with standard woodworking tools. Carbide tipped blades are best. We use a miter saw for most of our cuts, but you can also use a jigsaw or table saw.

    For our Panels, we suggest a sliding miter saw or a sled on a table saw.

  • You need a pencil, painter's tape, a tape measure, a saw, a level, paper towels, adhesive, and Slate-ish!

    Loose Tiles are our easiest to install, and require little experience. You can even install with no cutting, by overlapping tiles.

    Our Planks require more skill, and more tools, and are recommended for folks with at least an intermediate level of skill.

  • You can use tile edging (like Schluter strip), stagger the pieces back and forth on each row, or cut them into miters.

    We also offer pre-cut mitered corners for faster install. See more info HERE

  • You can use Tile Edging, like Schluter Strip, at the end of an installation area, or at corners for a clean look. You also can use painted base / trim, or even leave the edges exposed. The end of the tile, or cut end, is usually a dark tone, so it is much more noticeable with lighter colors.

  • Slate-ish is very hard, so you need to pre-drill any holes. Make sure you are anchoring your hooks, screws, brackets, etc. to the wall / studs as if the Slate-ish wasn't there. Do not attempt to attach hooks, screws, etc. only to the Slate-ish. Your hanging strength will only be as strong as the adhesive bond between Slate-ish and your wall!

    You can put up your TV bracket to the wall and apply Slate-ish around it. This is our suggested method. Do NOT attempt to only attach it to the Slate-ish tile! Make sure your fasteners go into the stud or use appropriate anchors.

Shipping / Returns

  • In the Continental US, orders are shipped UPS Ground.

  • Shipping outside the US can add up to $5/sf depending on your location.

    If you are outside the US, you can contact us for a shipping quote. Email: jen@slate-ish.com with your address and what you are trying to order.

    If you know how many square meters you need, take that number and multiply by 10.764 to get the correct number of square feet. Please feel free to contact us if you want confirmation that you are ordering the correct amount.

  • Sorry, No returns. We have tried and it doesn’t work. 99% of all need for returns can be solved with proper planning. Heres what to do:

    1. Order SAMPLES first. Colors look different on your computer/phone than they do in person, and in different lighting. Sometimes a lot different.

    2. Ask questions (if you have any) before you order, we answer emails personally and quickly.

    3. Measure twice, check your math. If you need help just contact us and we will double check for you.

    4. Don’t shop while drinking. Drunk ordering at 2am is not a good idea, even though it’s fun.

    5. Sometimes life throws you curve ball and plans change. We can take a return but it’s not without a cost. If something unplanned comes up and you really need to return your Slate-ish send us a note and we will work something out. If you’re cool, we’re cool

  • INFINITE usually ship in 2-4 days.
    STAGE 1 colors ship within 2 weeks.
    SOOT has a longer lead time of up to 4 weeks.
    Planks have a lead time of 4 weeks.