Getting ready to install some African slate on durorock.Any suggestions on dealing with the wild thickness variations? I’d figure wed just have to use a high lug trowel to give us some “tamping” room.I also can see grouting these ruff a cob tiles will be fun.Any suggested sealers to help the grouting proces and maybe cut down on the flaking?The clients dont mind the “wet look”. Thanks
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The variations in thickness are a real pain. I try to buy the type that's ground to a consistent gage if at all possible. It costs slightly more, but the time saved more than compensates.
Failing that, I suggest you sort your slates into groups by thickness. Then you can avoid having to position a real thick one right next to a thin one. Start with the thickest ones set with a minimum of mortar. After all the thick ones are down, start into the next group and use slightly more mortar...and so on.
Some guys cover the face of each slate with masking tape to keep grout out of the surface texture. That works but is a hassle too. I try to encourage my customer to go with a grout color that is very similar to the color of the slate. That way if some remains in the surface, it looks like it belongs there.