I'm embarrassed to admit that when we installed our slate in 2004, I sealed it with the generic tile sealer that Home Depot sold in the yellow gallon jugs. It doesn't shine and seemed to be ineffective until I put on the second coat. Then I could see it was sealing as the second coat didn't soak in as readily as the first. I don't see it in their current lineup. Also embarassing is how rarely we scrub the floor. Between the dog, a really messy bird and me using one room for bike maintenance, it has held up remarkably well. I will need to scrub and reseal it soon and will probably use one of these products: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Custom-Building-Products-Aqua-Mix-Sealer-s-Choice-Gold-1-Gal-AMSC1/202907684#.UnFJCnA_uzM http://www.homedepot.com/p/Miracle-Sealants-32-oz-511-Impregnator-Penetrating-Sealer-511-QT-H/100076375#customer_reviews

I had a hard time choosing my flooring. In addition to your concerns, I wanted something that would be easy on knees and feet,hide a few spots in the kitchen between cleanings and easy care. Tall order but I found the perfect floor for me. There's even a lifetime warranty on the finish. It goes with gray and cream too! with sunlight coming in the window... It was easy to install. My GC did the install but a DIY could handle it. The company (link below) also makes a similar product for HD, it's not as heavy and the finish is not as good. At HD it's called Allure. Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Starloc Flooring

Thanks for your suggestion blonde1125. We were not trying to match the wood, just to complement it, but not sure if a lighter or darker color would work with our countertop and cabinet selection. Yes these are all from Lumber Liquidators. The one you liked was their Bellawood Brazilian Cherry.

Heidi It comes in two other neutrals http://www.porcelanosa-usa.com/products/tile/stonker-porcelain-tiles.html I didn't do patterned encaustic cement tiles because, among other things, ensuring that the thickness of that tile seamlessly transitioned to my hardwood floors was a concern in my 1906 formerly commercial space. I know they require initial sealing but am not sure about ongoing sealing. I avoided ceramic tiles because of durability concerns (chipping). There are other porcelain tiles printed to look like encaustic - not a lot, but worth looking for because they are most durable option. These are $8 sq ft. Only some of the patterns shown are imported into the US. http://www.malinetile.com/tile-vives-vodevil.asp These folks make many patterned tiles, but check the tile composition https://www.somertile.com/