Securing a slate hearth

[Ken Sington]

We have got a pretty manky old concrete hearth in front of our range cooker and I need to do something to smarten it up. I was thinking about getting a piece of slate cut to sit on top of it, but how do I secure it? Cement, or something else?

[Agent L]

I've recently made a hearth using real slate tiles. I just used tile adhesive. Pretty sure that would work on a big piece of slate too, can't see any reason why not and it gives a nice spongy layer to get it settled just right too.

[Emsman]

Cement based tile adhesive is your answer.

1 x 20kg bag should do about 4 sq m over a level floor with slate.

Rapid set will be ok to walk on after 4 or 5 hours, 24 hours for a slow set.