Here you’ll find answers to common questions about our slate, projects and working with us.

• What is Norwegian Flagstone?

  Norwegian Flagstone has its roots in a long Norwegian building tradition. In a country of scattered settlements and great distances, people built with the materials available locally. Slate could be quarried with simple tools, carried home on people’s back and used for houses, farm buildings and outdoor surfaces.

  Without machinery to standardise the stone, each piece was shaped by the material itself. Different sizes, irregular formats and natural surfaces were fitted together to make the best possible use of every slab. The result was a distinctive and beautiful pattern that became part of Norwegian building culture.

  Norwegian Flagstone brings this tradition into contemporary architecture — using Norwegian slate, modern craftsmanship and project-specific fabrication to create surfaces that retain the character of the original stone.

• How old is Norwegian slate?

  The geological history of Oppdal slate began around 750 million years ago. Over immense periods of time, layers of sediment were transformed by pressure and geological movement into the dense, strong stone we use today. Its age is more than a story: the geological processes help explain the slate’s durability, natural splitting properties and suitability for demanding architectural applications.

• Why is Norwegian slate so durable?

  Norwegian slate was formed through geological processes involving great pressure over hundreds of millions of years. This created a dense and strong material that can withstand demanding conditions, while its natural cleavage allows it to be split and fabricated into many formats. The exact technical properties vary by slate type and are documented for the selected material.

• Is Norwegian slate frost resistant?

  Selected Norwegian slates are well suited to freeze–thaw conditions and have a long history of use in the Norwegian climate. Their low water absorption helps limit the amount of water available to freeze within the stone. For exterior projects, we specify a tested slate, suitable thickness and installation system for the local climate.

• How does Norwegian slate perform in water and wet environments?

  Selected Norwegian slates have very low water absorption and are used for terraces, entrances, pool surrounds and other exposed areas. Successful performance also depends on the chosen surface, correct falls, drainage, waterproofing and installation system. The solution must therefore be planned for the specific application.

• Is Norwegian slate resistant to acids?

  Norwegian quartzite slate is generally more resistant to acids than calcium-based stones such as limestone and marble. This can be an advantage where the surface may be exposed to acidic food, drinks or environmental conditions. Resistance is not the same as complete immunity: the selected slate, surface finish, cleaner and exposure should always be assessed for the project.

• Can Norwegian slate withstand salt and de-icing chemicals?

  The answer depends on the selected slate, the type and concentration of de-icing chemical, exposure and installation system. We review exterior projects individually and provide the relevant available documentation. De-icing products should not be specified solely on the assumption that all natural stone reacts in the same way.

• Is natural cleft slate slippery when wet?

  Natural cleft slate has a textured surface that can provide good slip resistance, including in wet conditions. Performance depends on the slate, surface finish, direction of use, contamination and maintenance. For entrances, pool areas and other critical applications, the specified finish should be selected using the relevant documented slip-resistance value and local requirements.

• Is Norwegian slate suitable for extreme climates?

  Norwegian slate has been used for generations in a climate with frost, moisture and large seasonal temperature changes. Its suitability for a specific project depends on the selected slate, thickness, detailing and complete installation system. We review these factors together for demanding climates.

• What types of slate do you offer?

  We work with selected Norwegian slate from several quarries, offering different colours, textures and characteristics. Surfaces, edges, thicknesses and formats can be adapted to the project.

• What makes each Norwegian Flagstone surface unique?

  Every slab of natural slate has its own colour, texture, cleavage and shape. During production, the pieces are selected, shaped and fitted into a balanced composition for the specific area. The result is not a repeated industrial pattern, but a unique surface guided by the material and the project.

• Which projects are you best suited for?

  Norwegian Flagstone is particularly suited for premium residential, hospitality and landscape projects where natural character, craftsmanship and a high level of customisation are important.

• What does it mean that Norwegian Flagstone is made for the project?

  Unlike conventional natural stone, which is typically ordered by the square foot or metre, Norwegian Flagstone is produced as a complete, project-specific surface. The stone is laid out and adapted precisely to the dimensions of the project. Each piece is then marked, documented and packed according to its position, so the complete layout can be reproduced accurately on site.

  The customer receives not simply a quantity of stone, but a finished stone surface prepared for the specific project.