I am redoing a kitchen of a house built in 1809. Trying to be true to period. I am looking at fireslate 2 for countertops. Can anyone tell me if they have used it and what the wear is like, staining, maintenance, etc? I do not want granite and am looking for something that looks like slate. I have tested many items that they say does not stain, and am not happy with the results.
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Someone earlier posted a thread about Fireslate and had problems with it. You might try looking in the archives.
Thanks for your response. Do you have any idea when or what issue?
I guess I didn't make myself clear--to look in archives I meant to look in archives at this forum (on line). Scroll down to the bottom of the left hand list of discussions and click on "Search Messages". Then type in "Fireslate" and then it will give them all to you (in random order as far as I can tell). If you need more advice on how to access things on that website, post a question and someone usually will help out. I am fairly new to these forums, so I'm not a lot of help.
Edited 3/2/2005 3:44 pm ET by Danno
Edited 3/2/2005 3:47 pm ET by Danno
Boop, I have a salvaged chemistry lab table made from either Fireslate 1 or 2, not sure which. It's dark, tough, but basically impossible to keep it looking clean. One grain of salt will jump right out at you.
Mike
A friend of mine used it in a spec house and ended up replacing it. As it comes from the factory, it stains. One of the worst stains on that counter was from mashed potatos. Give it a few years, and the stains run together in a patina. Alternatively, it can be sealed right after installation. Then, you'll need to maintain the sealer as per the manufacturer's instructions. And, the sealer will darken the Fireslate. Bottom line is that unless you don't use it, the counter will not remain the color you decided you liked initially. Now, I could live with that. The scars of a house are what give it character, to my mind. Most people don't see it that way though. Other than the stain issue, it's great stuff - strong, heat resistant, and fairly reasonably priced.
Andy Engel
Senior editor, Fine Woodworking magazine
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