Most for this slate quarried today is located in large concentrations in coastal regions around Europe. Since the silt and mineral elements have collected here over the centuries once the oceans have receded and enquire of then become exposed to tremendous pressure and warmth. This pressure and heat then forges all aspects together so as to form this naturally durable but very rugged an element.
The sub floor vital for some on the heavier slates may mean a thicker plywood base, if indeed it heading on a wood surface. On cement, obviously, nothing changes anyway. Typically, your 1 1/4" base remains but checking with local codes or even engineering specifications gotten online high-end mosaic tile for luxury homes the actual load of substance is cunning. So, alas, is actually some math involved.
Returning to the Catch Basin, we often see a high lead about 20 feet up a steep mud slope.