A Whole New Slate

When given their druthers, most people would want more natural slate in their homes. But small inventories and large expenses mean slate is often foregone in favor of more available materials on even the most expensive homes.

The warehouse of Source Products Group, Inc. of Denver typically carries several hundred squares of slate inventory at a time, making slate a more viable choice for more builders. According to Mark Wennstedt, who co-owns Source Products with his wife, Stephanie, this inventory allows the company to better serve custom builders.

"Availability is rarely an issue for us. We are a direct importer and distributor of slate, making availability always possible," says Wennstedt. "This also allows us to prepare roof mock-ups at the project site and change the colors at will until the blend is right for the builder/client."

The company’s line of roof slate is sold under the trademark of PetraSlate, and has adorned the roofs of many historical renovations and upscale homes throughout the mountain region. The roof pictured here was covered in Plum, China Jade, Oyster Gray and Pacific Green slate imported from China. Two layers of 30-lb. underlayment were applied and then the slate was layered in three-inch headlaps to secure dryness for 75 to 100 years.

Source Products imports slate from China, India, Brazil and South Africa and this amount of exotic stone begs for exotic touches. The New Dimensions product line of slate products offers catalog or custom designs etched into the material. Liner bars, deco tiles and mosaics offer a multitude of design opportunities for entryways, kitchens, wall applications, patios, fireplace hearths and more.

"We don’t interrupt the natural quality of the slate as we turn it into an artistic home or building accent," says Wennstedt of the soft, muted etchings and designs.