Forms of Slate

• Van Isle Slate, a Chemainus, British Columbia, company, offers 1- or 2-in. thicknesses. The 1-in. slate wafers are hand split into random shapes. They are very light and work well for vertical facing material such as for the outside of buildings or fireplaces. The thin wafers also can be used for outdoor patios and walkways.
  
  The 2-in. thick and larger wafers are also hand cut into irregular shapes at the Van Isle Slate Company. The thicker pieces are more sturdy.
  
  

Various Slate Uses

• Large slabs of slate can be used to feature a favorite entrance marker, like house numbers or family names. The slabs can enhance a special landscape piece, or for steps to a pool area or door to your house. The large slabs are aesthetically and functionally effective for use as a driveway or walkway. The slate is heat resistant, and the 1-in. wafers can make an interesting outdoor fireplace or barbecue. Ponds and fountains are another popular use for slate and a clear sealant will highlight the slate's iridescent appearance is. Algae can grow on wet slate and make it a slippery surface, so it shouldn't be used where people will walk when slate is wet, around a pool, for example. Some companies manufacture a form of rough, textured slate pieces for this purpose.
  
  Smaller or broken pieces of slate can be used for outdoor crafts or landscaping. They can be attached to concrete walls, flower pots, patio tables and benches or used to line water fountains. Another great idea is to make a garden path with small pieces of slate sunk into soil or cement and surrounded with flowering plants. Creativity and imagination is the key to successful patio and outdoor ideas.