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. The thickness varies from 1/16" to 3/8". Each square foot of Slate-ish weighs approximately 1.2 lbs. (for comparison, ledger stone weighs 6-10 pounds per sf).

12sf / Case, includes Silicone adhesive.
Pro Pack is 15sf/case, and does not include adhesive
Mitered Corner Case: 8 Linear Feet (approx 8sf coverage), inculdes adhesive.

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

SOOT is a solid color all the way through (and is the OG Slate-ish material from 2008!)

All other colors are the same base with a colored coating on the surface.
Available in a range of blacks, grays, and neutrals in both matte and metallic coatings.

We recommend that you order SAMPLES!

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.

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 very 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

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 (we recommend any finish but 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.

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.

If you need to cut a narrow rip along the length of a tile - perhapes to fit up to the ceiling when a full tile is too wide - try this method: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zAERn7mfsRw

You really only need a caulking gun, painter’s tape, and some paper towels. It’s also pretty helpful to have a tape measure, a saw, and a level.

Slate-ish does not require any backer board reinforcement, diamond blades or wet tile saws.

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.

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyC_1F3axxE&t=5s

In the Continental US, orders are shipped UPS Ground.
Some samples may ship USPS.

Shipping is included in all orders!

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.

If you need to return unopened boxes, please email us for authorization.
We will send you shipping labels, but you will be responsible for getting them to an appropriate drop off for UPS.
The refund will be processed after the boxes are received, minus shipping and with a 25% restocking fee.

-Sale items and Custom items are not returnable.
-You can only return up to 90 days after your original purchase.

To avoid returns:

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.

Slate-ish is usually made to order - though we sometimes have available stock. Our lead time for most colors is 4-6 business days days, though SOOT can take up to 2 weeks.
If you need it faster, or to confirm a lead time for a project, email us!

We normally ship on Tuesdays and Fridays.