Q. Slate was used in the house I grew up in. The slate tile seemed to be a random mix of squares and rectangles. I'd like to install this material in my own home. Is that a job a beginner can tackle ...

QDEAR TIM: The house I grew up in has slate tile that seemed to be a random mix of squares and rectangles. I'd like to install this material in my home. Is that a job that a beginner can tackle ...

Dear James: The foyer floor by the front door has taken a beating from the children over the past 10 years. It is stain-resistant and available in a variety of shapes, surfaces and colors. When ...

Q: My front hall floor is trashed from all of the kids’ traffic that comes in and out. I would like to install a new floor but I am not sure what material will hold up best. I am not on a tight budget ...

QDEAR TIM: I have a concrete fireplace hearth. Is it possible to cover it with slate? If so, is that difficult? Instead of slate, should I just install a hearth pad? -- Marianne C., Millis, Mass.

Q I am about to tile the walls and floor of my bathroom. I have read some conflicting information on this matter. What types of tile do you recommend for the walls and floor? Do you recommend cement ...