We are considering using slate roofing tiles for our kitchen countertops. Other than the obvious cost advantage, are there any pros and cons that we should be aware of?
Thanks for your input!

Aside from the gauge or thickness of slate tiles v. sale roofing tiles, you need to consider the ease of installation, uniformity of tiles and surface finish. That said, as an avid cook and an engineer who plays with rock properties, I would not use slate for a "working" kithcen countertop, maybe as a backsplash. Slate is relatively porous and will stain; it is somewhat hydrophyllic and will not handle heat as well as a granite; and it is soft and will scratch. Personally, I like the quartz surface countertops: no porosity- no stains; no sealing or waxing - no extra work; it is as hard as steel- so your knives won't scratch it (sapphires and diamonds will); and it comes in a plethora of colors. Cheers!

We recently replaced formica countertops for silestone. They are truly amazing. They look far better than solid surface, because you get the gloss of granite, without the work of sealing it. It is fantastic for rolling out stuff, cause it stays so cool and the color variations are wonderful. Highly recommend it because of its easy care and brillant looks.

We are also considering slate tile for our kitchen countertops. Did you go ahead with the slate? If yes do you like it? I am sure it looks great but how is it to work on?
Thanks.

I had a slate front porch in the past. It was beautiful, but it had a few cracks. Worse than that, it broke in layers. The surface was not smothe because of the sections which had broken off the top. That was fine for a porch, even less slippery.......but I wouldn't want to try cleaning food from the uneven surface!

We have not begun construction yet, but are still leaning towards the slate tile. We have learned that a type of Vermont slate is the most dense and less likely to stain. Also, you would want to get the honed surface which is very smooth and more suitable for kitchen countertops.

I purposely waited to make sure all the comments were in on this post (okay, and maybe a little overkill too). I plan on doing a ceramic tile countertop but with a 2" decorative border made from slate roofing tiles.

I'm trying to balance reasonably functional with extremely low cost. I also value originality. Most of the upgrades in my house are not only things I did myself but even designed myself and this countertop is no exception.

why in the world would you use roofing tiles on a counter application?

They sell slate tile at home depot.
And if you don't like it there go to a real tile shop.

WHOA! Take heade from the previous posters and reconsider using slate tile for a countertop that will be subject to constant use. If you want low maintenance, then choose a harder or less pourous surface. Granite tile can be found at discount prices if you look hard enough. HD had some on sale for $2-$3. sqft. but even at $9.sq ft, the durability will be well worth the cost. Consider this, do you want to replace the slate tile in a few years due to cracking and flaking? If you enjoy spending extra time scrubbing countertops, use slate. Remember the more crevices, etc. the more dirt and grime can cling to the surface. Otherwise, please use something more durable and lower maintenance. You'll appreciate this in the long run.

There is slate that is honed smooth and looks a lot like soap stone. I am considering using these tiles for a countertop. I don't like the shiney look of granite and the honed stuff looks like concrete at granite prices.

If you have your heart set on slate I would recommend a slab instead of tiles. Buy it from a company that only sells slate. They will be able to guide you in your choice. One slate rep told me the maintenance is to coat it with oil until it is saturated, prior to use. One thing I would do is ask them for a few pieces of the slate you are considering. Leave it on your countertop at home and try to use it and abuse it as much as possible so you can see for yourself how it performs.