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 for pitched roofing.
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, with the majority coming from the north of the country.
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.
Why Choose SSQ Spanish Slate for Your Roofing Needs
At SSQ, we supply the highest quality natural slate for a wide range of applications. Our selection of natural slates are often specified for use in listed buildings and conservation areas. They provide some of the best weather protection available today with a sleek attractive aesthetic, unique to natural slates.
Many of our natural slates come from the renowned slate quarries of North West Spain. Our Del Carmen slates, for example, are chosen by architects from around the world for their unique aesthetic appearance. Del Carmen slates, a kind of spanish slate, have a unique deep blue-black colour. A faint rippled texture and distinctive longitudinal grain sets Del Carmen slates apart from other slates, making them a popular choice for premium roofing projects and aspirational renovations. When it comes to quality Spanish slates, SSQ offers a wide range of options, including the highly sought after Del Carmen Spanish Slate. With its stunning non-fading blue/black colour, this high-quality roofing slate is the perfect choice for any roofing project.
Customisation Options for Your Project
At SSQ, we understand that every roofing project is unique. That's why we offer a range of customisation options to help you create the perfect roof for your project. From selecting the perfect slate size and shape to choosing the right colour variations, we have options to suit every aesthetic and functional requirement, all while meeting our strict quality criteria.
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Selecting the Perfect Slate Size and Shape
When it comes to selecting the perfect slate size and shape, SSQ offers a wide range of spanish slate options. From rectangular to square, rhombus, or round, you can choose the shape that best complements your architectural design. Additionally, Spanish slates, including SSQ Del Prado Spanish Slate, are available in various sizes, allowing you to create a visually appealing roof.
Contact usColour Variations and Their Aesthetic Impact
Spanish slate is known for its elegant black or grey colour, but it also offers a range of natural colour variations. Skilled craftsmen can create these variations by manipulating the surface texture and brightness of the slate. This allows for unique and visually stunning roofing designs, making it one of the most versatile materials for roofing and cladding. Whether you prefer a smooth and silky texture or a rugged and grained appearance, natural Spanish roof slate offers endless possibilities to enhance the aesthetic impact of your roof.
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Project Showcase: Woolwich Works
Woolwich Works, formerly Woolwich Creative District, is a £31 million restoration initiative by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, transforming five Grade II listed buildings on the Royal Arsenal into a major cultural hub. Led by Bennetts Associates, the project includes performance spaces and amenities, and features companies like Punchdrunk. Key renovations use SSQ's Del Carmen Ultra slate, chosen for its quality and durability, vital in preserving the historical and aesthetic integrity of the site.
Contact usProject Showcase: Ty Oriel
Ty Oriel, designed by architects Nic Downs and Carolyn Merrifield for their own residence in Cardiff, skillfully combines modern and classic styles. This angular, open-plan family home uses eco-friendly materials like lime, render, zinc timber, and specially tailored SSQ Del Carmen slate on its roof and walls. The bespoke slate sizes contribute to a rustic aesthetic that complements the home’s sleek design, ensuring it blends harmoniously with its conservative suburban surroundings while maximising natural light.
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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
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
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
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
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
It was an absolute pleasure to meet you today, and I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your time and a wonderfully informative CPD.
The whole team really enjoyed it, and you definitely conveyed your passion and knowledge of your products!
I would say I will keep SSQ in mind for future projects, but they always have been. However, I have definitely left with a need to utilise more slate in my design work!
Michael Clifton BSc ACIAT - Oakbridge Bespoke Homes Ltd
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
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
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
We specified SSQ First Domiz Blue-grey roofing slate for both technical and aesthetic reasons:its strength and quality gives the performance needed and its cold, hard, colour provides a dramatic foil to the rich warmth of the western red cedar walls.
Mark Webber, Architect, Nichols Brown Webber
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
