Reopening of the Welsh Slate Ffestiniog Quarry
Following a decade of closure, the historic Ffestiniog quarry in North Wales has officially resumed production. Sourced from 470-million-year-old Ordovician beds, this premium blue-grey slate is celebrated for its smooth texture and exceptional durability. Available in Capital, County, and Celtic grades, it meets the highest modern standards with a 100-year warranty. Whether for historic restorations or modern architecture, Ffestiniog slate offers timeless Welsh quality.
After being closed for more than a decade, the Ffestiniog quarry is once again open and in full production. Ffestiniog is a beautiful blue-grey slate with a smooth, riven texture. Due to the immense demand for natural slate from Wales, Welsh Slate has decided to reopen this historic location.
Located in the heart of Blaenau Ffestiniog in North Wales, the quarry has been producing natural slate since 1818. The rock was formed by Ordovician slate beds created more than 470 million years ago.
Various Gradings
Ffestiniog slates are available in three thicknesses: Capital, County, and Celtic. The thickness of these three specific gradings is tailored to the diverse requirements of different projects. All three share the intrinsic quality that makes Ffestiniog slate so highly sought after.
While the majority of production focuses on sizes 50×30 cm, 40×25 cm, and 30×20 cm, the exceptional quality of the stone even allows for the production of roofing slates exceeding 1 meter in length.
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Capital: The thinnest variant, with an average thickness of 5.5 mm.
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County: The quarry’s primary production grade, with an average thickness of 7 mm.
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Celtic: The thickest grading, with an average thickness of 9 mm.
Why Choose Ffestiniog?
Choosing between Penrhyn, Cwt-y-Bugail, or Ffestiniog usually comes down to the distinctive aesthetic qualities of the Ffestiniog slates. The stunning blue-grey color combined with a fine, smooth structure results in a magnificent roof suitable for both the restoration sector and modern architecture.
Ffestiniog slates have graced roofs worldwide for centuries. However, modern building regulations demand quality standards that go beyond historical performance.
Key Facts at a Glance:
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Exceeds the requirements of the European standard NEN-EN 12326-1.
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Water absorption of less than 0.3%.
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Highly homogeneous structure, making it resistant to pollutants.
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High resistance to acids, ensuring the natural color is preserved.
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Authentic Welsh Slate quality with a 100-year warranty.
