Welsh slate is synonymous with Quality, performance and prestige. Even from as early as the 18th Century areas in northwest Wales, including the Penrhyn Quarry near Bethesda, the Dinorwig Quarry near Llanberis, the Nantlle Valley quarries, and Blaenau Ffestiniog, were renowned for mining the distinctive hand crafted  roofing slate. Penrhyn, Dinorwig and the Oakeley mine at Blaenau Ffestiniog at the height of the quarries production, were the largest slate mines in the world and slate mined was mainly used for roofing.

Today, eventhough, the Penrhyn Quarry, that was always at the centre of the slates production, is still mining slate its at a much reduced capacity from its heyday at the end of the 19th century.
With the demand overtaking supply and availability,  of the Penrhyn Blue and Penrhyn Heather, inevitabibly the cost of the slates increased.
Greys recognised that there would be a demand to provide a genuine alternative, especially the exclusive colour of the Heather purple, that not only provides a cost saving of around 80% against the natural product, but that is also readily available.  
The texture of our Reproduction Welsh Slates are taken from natural slate originals, providing a surface even at close proximity is difficult to distinguish from the quarried product.
Combining this with a roofing slate that requires no sorting or grading, therefore saving on, on site time and labour, it is a true practical alternative. A slate that truly provides a blend of quality and aesthetics.
The fine edge detail and textured surface combines with realistic colouration to create an attractive alternative to natural slate. 
Greys reproduction roofing slates have been designed in consultation with professional roofers and architects, to achieve an easy to lay and uniform slating format. 
Greys Artslate Roofing Slates are constructed from Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC) producing a strong and durable slate weighing only 30kgm² . 
Their construction allows them to be cut easily without cracking or breaking and looks like slate when cut.

All the slates in our range have been successfully tested for durability, colour, strength, fire and freeze thaw. Many of our competitors use traditional concrete, their slates aren’t protected from the elements, which will expose the aggregate over time. See the example below.

Example of GRC Construction versus none GRC Construction.

In a recent document The International Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete Association recommend that for good quality GRC, ductile lifetimes of at least 60-80 years can be confidently expected in UK weather conditions. (Source: www.grca.org.uk).

We’re confident our product is durable enough and manufactured to the highest of standards that we give a 25 year manufacturer guarantee.

Colour and Efflorescence COLOUR: Stone and Slate colours on this website are subject to the limitations of monitor quality and are for guidance only. EFFLORESCENCE: The phenomenon of efflorescence has been a problem to the construction industry for decades. The cause lies in the basis chemistry of all Portland cements. Efflorescence in Greys Artstone products is a temporary phenomena and will disappear over time.