Poor natural slate flooring! - Tile Advice

[Toneloc72]

Hello all
I’ve had a natural slate floor laid by a tiler employed through our builder. He seemed unsure of the natural slate but carried on regardless. I understand that natural stone isn’t going to be perfect but I was shocked at the final result. He says that’s just what happens with natural slate but it seems some of the tiles are so raised they are a trip hazard. He also insisted we lay a matting beneath the tiles - which cost an extra £350. Am I wrong to be unconvinced by the entire job?
Many thanks for any thoughts!

 

[Time's Ran Out]

I’ve fixed much worse in uncalibrated slate and had encouraging comments.
It is definitely an acquired look using such natural products and one which is not accepted by everyone.
From your pictures they look to have some wonderful colours and the surface seem to be exceceptional flat for riven slate giving a wonderful rustic appearance. My only comment would be that I’d have given a slightly wider joint to alleviate some of the tile thickness differences, perhaps raised some of the lower tiles and certainly not left you to see the job until completed, as it’s often a process in the installation of natural slate that looks better at every stage - especially when grouted!
I’ve shown a couple of pictures of the transformation of a job I undertook a few years ago.

 

[Bill]

Wider joint is a must for ungraded stone/slate.

 

[Simon Dale]

No doubt all of us have laid lots of this back in the day. We always graded the tiles, thickest first bed up the rest bigger joint no problems .

 

[Toneloc72]

Thanks all - it turns out the tiler used a 3mm spacer . I guess my next question is: would we have to get the entire floor relaid, or are we able to replace those individual tiles which have the worst lipping?

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Your obviously a person of wealth with all that money lying around your floor!
Perhaps a picture from distance would provide a better perspective of the project.
Although there are tolerances for such a riven product I’am sure it’s more a question of aesthetics within the overall scheme rather than a few tile edges that could be ‘worn’ to suit your concerns.
Some customers don’t want 5-10mm joints, and some don’t understand the process of natural slate. It may have been more a question of your tiler discussing your expectations prior to starting, as I have personally walked away from 1 contract that I felt the product was not fit for purpose.

 

[hmtiling]

Choosing a riven uncalibrated slate and wanting a flat lip free floor might be a little unrealistic. I would have insisted on a membrane too.
As above, a wider joint would lessen the look of the lips.

 

[Dumbo]

Your obviously a person of wealth with all that money lying around your floor!
Perhaps a picture from distance would provide a better perspective of the project.
Although there are tolerances for such a riven product I’am sure it’s more a question of aesthetics within the overall scheme rather than a few tile edges that could be ‘worn’ to suit your concerns.
Some customers don’t want 5-10mm joints, and some don’t understand the process of natural slate. It may have been more a question of your tiler discussing your expectations prior to starting, as I have personally walked away from 1 contract that I felt the product was not fit for purpose.

Obviously got wealth he's tone loc . Dont you remember " funky cold media " and "wild thing" if you don't just Google it .

 

[Toneloc72]

Thanks everyone for your comments! They’re really useful and much appreciated. I’ve uploaded another pic to put it into context. So from what you’re saying there should at least be wider joints. Can I ask a final question - is it possible to remedy some of the very bad lipping by replacing those particular tiles or do we need to start again (not ideal as the kitchen has been fitted!)? Thanks again. PS I’m not an American rapper!

 

[Dumbo]

Don't believe the last bit . I was tiling at Eric b and rakim's house and they said you had a house over here. Oh and they "paid in full "

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Yes that could have been a great ‘look’!
I think a big more care/experience should have been given and perhaps a decision on its acceptance before the installation of the kitchen.

 

[Wolfie9878]

Can you not chisel the high spots of slate off?
They should split very easily as slate is built up in layers .

 

[Dumbo]

Can you not chisel the high spots of slate off?
They should split very easily as slate is built up in layers .

I have done that but only the odd corner .

 

[Blunt Tool]

Can you not chisel the high spots of slate off?
They should split very easily as slate is built up in layers .

You can but you have to look for for fissures and avoid them or else half the tile will come up. Also you need to consider how the “grain” of the slate runs. Start with a small thin slither from top and work slowly down don’t get greedy.

 

[Dumbo]

Don't believe the last bit . I was tiling at Eric b and rakim's house and they said you had a house over here. Oh and they "paid in full "

Only me @hmtiling Harry old skool hip hop fans to get that then