Spanish slate accounts for a high percentage of the slates used for roofing projects in the UK and Ireland. As an alternative to traditional Welsh and Cornish slate, Spanish slate equals these slates in terms of both appearance and performance. If you’re an architect or roofing specialist and you want the best slates for your next project, Spanish slates from SSQ are an excellent choice.
SSQ Spanish natural slate comparison
At SSQ, we supply a range of high-quality Spanish slates. Most of our slates are mined in the prestigious slate-producing area of Northwest Spain. Spanish slate is world renowned for its superior quality and our Spanish slates are the premier choice when it comes to roofing materials.
| Slate | Appearance | Usage | Origin | Image |
| Del Carmen View product |
Deep blue-black colour, longitudinal grain, slightly rippled texture | Roofing, heritage properties, conservation areas | Del Carmen quarry, Cabrera Mountains, Northwest Spain |  |
| Domiz View product |
Rich blue-grey colour | Roofing – alternative to Welsh Ffestiniog slate | Cabrera Mountains, Northwest Spain |  |
| Matacouta View product |
Deep blue-black colour, thick cut, naturally riven texture | Roofing, cladding, exposed areas, harsh climates, Scottish architecture | Cabrera Mountains, Northwest Spain |  |
| Del Prado View product |
Black-blue colour, deep texture | Roofing | Cabrera Mountains, Northwest Spain |  |
| Silverstone View product |
Blue-black colour, smooth texture | Roofing, projects requiring a lightweight slate | Orense, Northwest Spain |  |
Why is Spanish slate the superior choice?
Spanish slate is a foliated, metamorphic rock formed over millions of years and of tectonic origin. It is these geological processes that have made Spanish slate the superior material it is and given it its unique attributes when compared to slates from China or Brazil.
Northern Spain has some of the world’s richest slate reserves. The quarries of Orense and the Cabrera Mountains produce vast quantities of slate every year. Spanish slate is used across the world and chosen for its extremely high quality, durability, weather resistance, and attractive aesthetic. A recent survey found that around 90% of the slate used throughout the world today is of Spanish origin.
Spanish slate truly is the premium choice for slate roofs. Durable and versatile, it can be used on all types of roofing installations from the traditional to the contemporary and on both residential and commercial buildings.
Testimonials
The choice of slates was made easier due to the quality of product you provide and the support of Gary Firth throughout the process – which I much appreciate. Gary is a good ambassador for your company.
Pat Murray, Senior Project Engineer, Alvance Group
Testimonials
Everyone liked Sarria: the client was delighted with its appearance and its consistency made it easy to cut and lay.
Gary Lambert, Complete Roofing Contractors
Testimonials
We put forward Riverstone as a cost-effective, yet high quality alternative to Welsh Slate, and it was accepted on that basis. The refurbishment work has now been completed and both the owners and ourselves are very happy with the result.
Keith Hicks Architect at Pave Hall
Testimonials
SSQ Matacouta slate was chosen as the most sympathetic option. Its consistency and competitive price make it a clear winner over indigenous slates.
Historic Scotland
Testimonials
The choice of SSQ Del Carmen was made easier after confirmation that it had gained approval for use in the Welsh National Parks as an alternative to indigenous materials. We were also pleased with the level of technical, design and on-site support we received from SSQ.
The Hafod Renewal Office
Testimonials
The quality and strength were there, the colour was similar to indigenous Welsh slate and its ‘traditional’ look was in keeping with the surrounding community. In fact, as I had used it on my own Edwardian house, I knew it was a good slate!
Julian Bohling, OSP Architecture
Testimonials
Being both high quality and cost-effective, Matacouta slate from SSQ is proving very popular with specifiers and contractors alike for refurbishment as well as for new build projects.
Mr Roy Clark, Baxter Clark and Paul
Testimonials
With the roofs being such a visible feature, the choice of roofing slate was a significant decision. We involved the roofing contractor at an early stage in the selection process and they recommended SSQ’s Del Carmen Blue-black slates. Although it’s not an indigenous slate, it is an excellent match for the originals and, having used Spanish slate on other projects, we know the quality is there.
Richard Thorpe, Ridge and Partners LLP
Testimonials
SSQ Rocaber Blue-grey slate was actually chosen at the initial design-concept stage. A natural slate roof was in keeping with the traditional local architecture.
Tom Ewan, Architect at Model Developments
Testimonials
SSQ Ultra Del Carmen slates come with a 75-year guarantee and that was important. Not only that, the on-site services promised – and delivered – by SSQ enabled a smooth and easy workflow.
Stuart Howes, Architect
Testimonials
It is a very attractive development and we needed something equally attractive and of equally high quality for the roofing material. SSQ Del Carmen slate is top quality, and we liked the colour and texture. What’s more, it is very good value. I’d have no hesitation choosing it again.
Mr Keith Wills, Clancy's Building Manager
Testimonials
With so many ‘interested parties’ the local planners set their minds on a natural slate roof at a very early stage of the project and, from this starting point, we needed something that would satisfy a number of technical and aesthetic requirements – SSQ Domiz blue-grey, was the one chosen for use to compliment the local ‘Shere Green’ colour.
Ben Hunt, Total Project Integration
