We just picked up natural Indian Slate from Home Depot...sounded like a special limited deal at $1.69/sq ft...to install in a 9'x18' kitchen. We tore up the linoleum and the top layer of plywood subfloor. We're planning on installing a layer of Hardiback and laying down the tiles with mortar... tightly together with no grouting inbetween the tiles. Does this sound like it will work or is there something more we should be doing with slate?

Should we be sealing the floor when it is done? How should we care for our slate? Heard Indian Slate is softer than other slates.

Thank you!