I recently purchased a home, and I discovered that the master bathroom features full slate walls and floors in the shower, along with slate flooring throughout the bathroom. I was completely unfamiliar with slate maintenance before moving in, and learning about its cleaning challenges is overwhelming me. I've read several posts claiming that a slate setup like this is a bad idea.
Today, I spent a lot of time trying to clean the slate with a natural stone cleaner and seal it, but I noticed that some of the silicone is brittle and breaking off, and there are areas with mold that need attention. As someone with ADHD, the thought of dealing with the texture of slate and the need for regular sealing and meticulous cleaning is stressing me out, which makes me want to give up altogether and just use the guest bathroom instead.
So, I'm wondering if there are any practical solutions that don't involve a complete renovation right now, which isn't feasible for my budget. Are there any ways to cover the slate temporarily to make it easier to use? Maybe I could tile over it or use some kind of liner? I'm open to any ideas as long as it won't lead to more problems, like mold. Aesthetic options are totally on the table, so any advice would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
Instead of stressing about cleaning the slate constantly, another option to consider is DIYing a floor or shower liner that you can easily clean. Some vinyl or PVC options might be ideal since they can cover imperfections without needing a complete tear-out. Plus, they’re usually easier to maintain. Just make sure whatever you choose is mold-resistant, and you might find that it solves your problem for now without breaking the bank!
I've dealt with a similar situation! First, make sure to remove any loose bits from the slate, and check for any crumbling areas. You might find a 2-part epoxy that's meant for stone that can provide a good seal and make your life a lot easier. Just remember, it can get quite smelly, so good ventilation is key! This won’t get rid of the cleaning aspect entirely, but it definitely helps with sealing up cracks and flaking to minimize the maintenance you have to deal with. Just a thought, but you could also consider an acrylic shower insert to cover the slate in the shower while you save for a full renovation—much less hassle!
So, just to clarify, you're suggesting that the epoxy totally covers and seals up the slate? I'd love to have a low-maintenance solution while keeping the look, so if this works, I’m definitely in.