Opinions: Wilsonart Red Label Clift Slate (laminate) Tile

14 years ago

Hi,

Thinking about getting Wilsonart Red Label Clift Slate tile in my kitchen/dining/foyer. I liked it because it resembles slate & it's installed tight without any grout lines so almost looks like stained concrete.

1. Does anyone have this where I could see pictures?? (The brochure colors are not real accurate).

2. Most people are getting the wood look floors, anyone foresee drawbacks for a tile look in the area's I mentioned?

Thanks for your help!

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Comments (6)

User
14 years ago
Why not real slate? It would look much much better, cost about the same, and outperform the fake stuff by a mile.
tyjy
Original Author
14 years ago
I've wrestling with that "fake" thing in my mind for so long...so I hear you! It's what's been making me really drag my feet on this... My better sense tells me anything other than the real thing is just the wrong thing to do...

Why is Wilsonart so expensive if it isn't comparable? Do you really think real slate will look "much, much better"? (& I'm so happy someone here is being honest with me!) Salespeople call it "the cadillac" and "top of the line" and "what they make bowling alleys out of"... It's got a variation of browns and grays which I do like, and it does have a slate-like texture. I've read a little bit about real slate "flaking"...

Anyways, when people buy "wood" flooring that's a laminate, is THAT just as noticeable? Will I look at the Wilsonart every day and see "fake" do you think?!

Thanks again for telling it to me straight. I REALLY appreciate it!
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User
14 years ago
My original 1973 slate entryway is still great looking, even with a bit of a patina. Yes, it's a bit soft, and has a few scratches (that really only show against the light) but it's unmistakabley real. It's also durable (it's rock for goodness sake!), and adds real value to the home. The 1989 laminate counters weren't as old, and weren't nearly as charming with their bit of patina. They couldn't have their scratches sanded a bit and blend in or be "refinished" like real wood could be. They had to junked.

The "stone" laminate floors always looks fake when you really look and touch them. Always. And, even though it wears great for the short term, it won't for the long term. 30-40 years down the road, I can strip off the sealant on my slate entryway and buff it a bit, and it looks brand new. Same with the hardwood in the dining room. No laminate can ever be "refinished". It's a disposable material. And the heck of it is, it sometimes IS more expensive than the real thing!

The only down side to slate is that it's not completely level, and it's a bit soft. If either of those is a concern for you, then a porcelain tile in a slate look alike might be a better choice.
tyjy
Original Author
14 years ago
That is a great point about never being able to "refinish" a laminate! I never thought of that. And I know what you mean about something that's "real" reALLY lOOking REAL! I've got some beautiful granite on the kitchen counters and porcelain tile in my sun room. Never ever does it bug me and THAT's because it's the real thing I think.

My main idea was that I didn't want any grout lines and that Wilsonart is sotight that it almost looks like stained concrete. Of course, there's obviously going to be a "repeat" in the pattern somewhere, and, if you look at different angles in different light you'll definitely see the separation lines in the tiles. It IS tight though like I wanted.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, after a year of putting this off, I thought I'd come to a decision. I KNEW my sixth sense was telling me I'm not yet comfortable with this decision.

Tell me, if you know, is there any sort of weight issue with slate? I'm putting this all on a raised floor (about 2 steps up from the great room level)(long story, this is a remodeled school! haha) Because the floor is raised via a knee wall (floor joists, plywood floor, etc) I'm wondering about weight with slate, ceramic/porcelain, or similar.

Thanks so much for your feedback, live wire oak, and others, this is helping me!
weadoct
14 years ago
Thanks for considering Wilsonart Flooring for your project. I work for Wilsonart Flooring and thought I might be able to give you some additional considerations on behalf of laminate flooring. One thing I really enjoy is that Wilsonart Flooring uses a 'floating floor installation' Â if your subfloor is uneven or cracked, there will be less preparation ahead of installation; stone can require extra subflooring or reinforcement of joists because of its weight. Installation is also less messy and takes less time since thereÂs no grout or mastic involved. Wilsonart Flooring is also easier to live with: simple damp mopping takes care of most dirt, the surface never needs sealing, thereÂs no grout to stain or crack, and our laminate is specially formulated to resist scuffs and dents. You may find slate available for about the same price as Wilsonart, but youÂll want to make sure that it is good quality material and is properly installed.

Sure, real slate is beautiful, but it might not be right for everyone or every lifestyle. If I can answer any questions, please let me know. And, if you are still considering Wilsonart Clift Slate Â I would be more than happy to send you a couple of large samples.

Here is a link that might be useful: High Pressure Laminate Flooring by Wilsonart
tyjy
Original Author
14 years ago
weadoct: Yes, we are still considering this and thanks for reminding me of exactly why we were! ... floating floor...no grout...wanted slate but not the flaking or absorbancy issue (for a kitchen)...

What I REALLY would be interested in is a real live photo of an installation that's already been accomplished! And in the Clift Slate color. Do you think the brochure photo of that living room is close to what it looks like for real? To me it isn't exactly the same.

I am just scared to go for it right now because right now I have 25 year old lighter colored: linoleum in my kitchen adjoining berber carpet from the dining to foyer. I'm thinking of replacing it ALL with this Wilsonart Clift Slate. QUITE a difference in what we're currently used to...in as so much as it's darker, it's a hard floor, and it's something that's not the real thing. I like that it has the "slate like" texture & I like the color even though I think it's a little daring.

So, can you drum up some photo's for me?!! THAT would probably sell me.

PS: What about the problem that folks say about water in a kitchen NOT jiving with a "laminate" floor? What's your thoughts?

THANKS for answering this question on here. I was beginning to lose hope!

(Samples not necessary. I've had samples home from some local stores).

Opinions: Wilsonart Red Label Clift Slate (laminate) Tile

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Opinions: Wilsonart Red Label Clift Slate (laminate) Tile

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