Slate, a versatile material, is a popular choice for various applications, from roofing tiles and flooring to unique items like snooker tables and cheeseboards. As environmental awareness grows, the potential to recycle materials like slate in more creative ways becomes apparent.
Here are some inspiring ideas for repurposing the old slate you might have lying around, whether it’s from a project, renovation, or simply leftover.
Think Outside the Box (Literally)
Before considering slate itself, think about reusing the packaging or crates it arrives in. Many customers have transformed Kentdale blue-grey slate crates into planters or even garden furniture.
Reusing wooden crates for storage, shelving, or seats can give them new life. If these don’t fit your aesthetic, post them on Facebook Marketplace and offer them for free—someone else might find creative use for them.
Getting Artistic with Slate
Slate’s durability and natural appeal make it an excellent material for artistic projects such as for message boards or signs. For a rustic and durable look, turn slate pieces into house numbers, door signs, or even a kitchen message board. Slate is ideal for writing with chalk or markers, and a light varnish coat can protect outdoor pieces from wear.
Here are a few ways to turn slate into functional art:
Rustic Candle Holder
Materials Needed: Four pieces of slate, strong glue, or cement, tealight candles.
Instructions:
- Take four equal-sized slate pieces and arrange them into a rectangular or square shape, forming the sides of your candle holder.
- Glue or cement the edges together, leaving the top open for your tealights.
- Allow the glue to set fully before placing your tealights inside. The slate will give a lovely, rustic vibe to any space.
Garden Plant Markers
Materials Needed: Small pieces of slate, chalk or a white marker pen, varnish (optional).
Instructions:
- Clean the slate pieces and let them dry.
- Write the names of your plants or herbs with chalk or a marker.
- If you want a longer-lasting marker, add a coat of clear varnish to protect the writing.
- Place them in the soil near your plants. These markers are perfect for adding a rustic touch to your garden.
Indoor Notice Board
Materials Needed: Flat piece of slate, wall hooks or stand, chalk or chalk pen.
Instructions:
- Clean and dry the slate piece to ensure a smooth surface.
- Attach wall hooks to hang the slate or find a stand if you prefer a freestanding notice board.
- Write reminders, notes, or shopping lists with chalk, and simply wipe clean when needed. This sustainable notice board is reusable and gives a classic touch to your home.
Slate Chessboard
Materials Needed: Large, square piece of slate, white chalk, or chalk marker.
Instructions:
- Clean and smooth out the slate’s surface.
- Draw an 8×8 grid with chalk or a chalk marker for the chessboard squares.
- Use different coloured stones or other small items as chess pieces for a quick, natural chess set. This board can easily be wiped clean for reuse.
Birdhouse Roof
Materials Needed: Wooden birdhouse (either DIY or pre-made), slate tiles, adhesive suitable for outdoor use.
Instructions:
- Measure and cut the slate to match the birdhouse roof dimensions.
- Apply the adhesive to the top of the birdhouse and press the slate pieces onto the roof.
- Allow it to dry thoroughly before placing the birdhouse outside. This adds a unique, natural look and provides extra protection from the elements.
Tran-Slate to the Outdoors
Slate’s natural durability makes it perfect for garden use. Try using leftover slate as a base layer in plant pots to improve drainage or as an edging material for vegetable or flower patches. You can also create pathways, borders, or small patio spaces with recycled slate pieces, giving your garden a unique look. A few more ideas include:
- Water Drainage Solutions – Use larger slate pieces as drain covers or in rain gardens.
- Heat Retention – Slate stores heat during the day, which can help keep your plants warm at night.
Slate in Sustainable Design
As interest in sustainable and natural materials grows, you, as a homeowner, play a significant role in shaping eco-friendly design trends. Slate, with its dark, neutral tone, complements materials like wood, bringing an organic feel to interiors. You might even consider slate for creative indoor uses like a backdrop for plants or as a part of living wall installations to introduce nature into your home.
Embracing the Circular Economy
If you can’t use your leftover slate, pass it on to someone who can. Schools, community art groups, and local builders often appreciate donated materials. By rehoming unused slates, you contribute to sustainable practices and help reduce waste. It also helps you connect with individuals or organisations in need of slate, further promoting the circular economy in your local area and fostering a sense of community responsibility.
UK Regulations and Guidelines
If you’re considering larger-scale slate recycling projects, it’s important to be aware of UK regulations regarding the reuse of building materials. The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) provides detailed guidelines on the reclamation and reuse of building materials, including slate. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before undertaking significant recycling projects.
Inspiring UK Slate Recycling Projects
Across the UK, innovative slate recycling projects are taking shape. In Wales, a community initiative has transformed reclaimed slate into public art installations, while in Scotland, architects have incorporated recycled slate into award-winning sustainable building designs. Keep an eye out for local partnerships or community projects that offer opportunities to get involved or contribute your unused slate to larger-scale sustainable efforts.
Get in touch
For more information on our roofing slate products, feel free to contact us. Or, if you know what you need, add products to your basket online.