Montauk Black Slate Tile

Montauk Black is a deep black slate that splits along its own natural layers, so every piece carries a slightly different texture across the face. All four sizes here are gauged. Gauged means the back of each tile is machine-flattened to an even thickness, so the tiles sit level and are easier to set; the face keeps its natural cleft texture. This page carries 3x6 and 4x12 for walls and backsplashes, and 6x24 and 12x12 for floors and larger wall areas. Around 0.32 inches thick.

Black is decisive underfoot and dramatic on walls, sharpening whites and metallics around it. Keep surrounding surfaces light to let the dark field carry the room. As a mosaic, the joint pattern is part of the design; grout color choice changes the whole read of the sheet.

Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic stone that splits naturally into layered sheets, giving each tile its characteristic cleft texture and deep mineral coloring from charcoal and rust to green and multicolor blends. The textured face provides natural slip resistance, which has long made slate a choice for entries, patios, and wet areas. Color runs through the full body of the stone, so wear does not expose a different tone.

Seal slate at installation; an enhancing sealer deepens its color while a natural-look sealer keeps the matte face. Re-seal roughly once a year in high-traffic or outdoor settings. Sweep regularly, since the cleft texture collects grit, and mop with pH-neutral cleaner. Some slates shed thin flakes at first; this spalling settles after initial wear. Use a polymer-modified thinset and account for thickness variation between cleft tiles when setting.