We have a fairly rough slate backsplash (combination of Pennsylvania slate and an imported herringbone pattern insert, also slate much much smaller pieces) and I've had no trouble getting olive oil, tomato sauce splatters, etc. off with just a damp sponge (it was sealed when installed 3 years ago and perhaps once since). Sometimes I need a "soft" scrubbie sponge and once I used 409 because I was in a hurry (and didn't give any thought to how it might affect the sealer). The whole thing has been incredibly low maintenance.

Good question and ansewers. We are planning on a slate backsplash and I have researched sealing on GW, however did not know it needed resealing every so often. Did you all use the slate behind your range, we will have a propane range. Does heat, steam affect the slate in that application? We would like a rustic, natural look, as this is in a cabin, however could put a piece of stainless behind the range. Thank you.

We have a 48-inch rangetop that is offset by 3 inches (so there are several inches of granite between the rangetop and the backsplash) -- the rangetop is propane since we are in the country with no natural gas. The slate is completely impervious (as far as I can tell after 3 years) to any effect from steam, heat.

Here's our backsplash -- looks exactly the same today. I LOVE the ease of maintenance (to be honest, we only resealed it because we were doing the granite anyway... we were told we shouldn't ever have to seal it again unless we "seriously" scrubbed it down with a harsh cleaner.

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Wow, ctlady, I was just going to answer almost the same thing...We brought our 48", propane-fueled rangetop out about 3 or 3 1/2 inches, so have a strip of stainless between it and the slate. I think it helps a lot, so that many spatters and splashes land there instead of going up the backsplash. I only have the slate behind my range, the rest is a small mosaic marble.

Rhome, LOVE your backsplash-- perfect choice. Where did you find it?

Thanks, Morton5! I found the large (4x8") slate on a special order rack with the floor tile at Home Depot for $2.99/sq ft. Couldn't really beat that, even though I had to order more extra than one usually might because of the variety of thickness and colors, and some breakage. It was certainly no fun to grout...But I do like how it turned out.

Just wanted to say "HI" rhome and tell you that I love looking at pictures of your kitchen. It really looks great! OT... looks like we're (DH)is going to tackle building our own cabinets. I'm excited because I can save enough to go back to a separate cooktop and wall oven. That way the cooking run can be built lowered some (seeing yours drives home how great it would be).

Anyway... slate looks AWESOME!

And 'hi' to you, Remodelfla, and thank you. Best wishes on the cabinet-building. It's a longer process, but I hope you get everything exactly the way you want it. I know how fortunate I am with hubby-built cabinets when people have to deal with stock sizes. :-)