Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of marble restoration varies based on the size of the area, condition of the stone, and services needed. We provide free on-site estimates so you know exactly what to expect. Factors that affect pricing include: accessibility, furniture removal needs, current condition, and desired finish level (honed vs. high-gloss polish).

Yes! Most scratches on marble can be completely removed through professional honing and polishing. Light surface scratches are removed during standard polishing. Deeper scratches require more aggressive honing with diamond abrasives, starting with coarser grits and progressing to finer ones until the scratch is eliminated. Very deep scratches or gouges may require filling before polishing. In 28 years, we've successfully repaired scratches that homeowners thought were permanent damage.

Marble etching is a chemical reaction that occurs when acidic substances (lemon juice, wine, vinegar, tomato sauce, certain cleaning products) come into contact with the calcium carbonate in marble. It appears as dull spots or rings on the surface. Unlike stains that penetrate the stone, etching is surface damage. The good news: etching can be completely removed through professional honing and polishing. We can restore the affected areas to match the surrounding stone. To prevent future etching, we recommend our anti-etch protection treatment.

The time required depends on the area size and condition. A typical bathroom floor (30-50 sq ft) takes 2-4 hours. A kitchen countertop takes 2-3 hours. A foyer or living room floor (100-200 sq ft) takes 4-8 hours. Large lobby areas may require 1-2 days. Heavily damaged surfaces requiring deep restoration take longer. We work efficiently while ensuring quality results, and most residential jobs are completed in a single day.

Honing produces a matte or satin finish with little to no reflection. It's achieved using lower grit diamond abrasives and is popular for a more casual, contemporary look. Honed marble shows less etching and is often preferred for kitchen countertops and high-traffic floors. Polishing produces a high-gloss, mirror-like finish achieved by progressing through increasingly finer diamond grits and finishing with polishing powders. It brings out the stone's full color and veining. Many clients prefer polished marble for formal areas like foyers and bathrooms. We can help you choose the right finish for your space and lifestyle.

We use wet polishing methods that virtually eliminate airborne dust. Water is used throughout the process to keep particles contained in a slurry that we continuously vacuum up. We also use plastic sheeting to protect surrounding areas and furniture. Our process is clean enough that we regularly work in occupied luxury apartments, hotels, and restaurants with minimal disruption. After we finish, we thoroughly clean the area—most clients can't tell we were there (except for the beautifully restored stone!).

It depends on traffic and use. High-traffic commercial areas (lobbies, hotels) may need polishing every 6-12 months. Residential foyers and hallways typically need restoration every 2-3 years. Low-traffic areas like master bathrooms may go 5+ years between polishings. Regular maintenance (proper cleaning products, entrance mats, felt pads on furniture) extends time between professional restorations. We can assess your specific situation and recommend a maintenance schedule that keeps your stone looking its best while being cost-effective.

Grout is extremely porous—more porous than most people realize. Over time, dirt, oils, mold, mildew, and cleaning product residue penetrate deep into the grout where household mops and scrub brushes can't reach. Regular cleaning only addresses the surface. Professional grout cleaning uses high-pressure steam, specialized cleaning solutions, and extraction equipment that pulls contaminants from deep within the grout. Even then, some discoloration may be permanent staining. That's when grout color sealing becomes the best solution—it provides a fresh, uniform color while sealing against future staining.

Grout color sealing is a two-step process: First, we deep clean the tile and grout to remove all dirt and contaminants. Then, we apply a specialized colorant/sealer that penetrates the grout, providing a fresh, uniform color while simultaneously sealing it against future stains. You can keep your current grout color or change it completely—we have virtually any color available. The color sealer creates a waterproof, stain-proof barrier that makes grout dramatically easier to clean and maintain. Results typically last 10-15 years with proper care.

Absolutely! Grout color sealing allows you to completely change your grout color without the cost and mess of regrouting. Want to go from dingy white to crisp bright white? Done. Want to change from white to gray, black, or even a bold color? We can do that. Changing grout color can dramatically transform the look of a room. Dark grout hides dirt better and can make tiles pop. Light grout creates a seamless, expansive look. We bring color samples so you can see exactly how different options will look with your specific tile.

In most cases, yes! Color sealing costs significantly less than regrouting (typically 50-70% less), takes less time (hours vs. days), and creates no mess or dust. It's also less risky—regrouting involves removing old grout which can damage tiles. Color sealing is ideal when grout is structurally sound but discolored or stained. However, regrouting is necessary when grout is cracked, crumbling, missing, or has mold growing beneath the surface. We assess your grout condition and recommend the most cost-effective solution.

After professional cleaning and sealing: Use pH-neutral cleaners (avoid bleach, vinegar, and acidic cleaners). Wipe up spills promptly before they can penetrate. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms to reduce moisture and prevent mold. For floors, sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent abrasive dirt from wearing down the sealer. Avoid excessive water when mopping—damp mop rather than soaking. With color-sealed grout, maintenance is dramatically easier because spills sit on top rather than absorbing in. Following these guidelines, your grout will look great for years.

Yes! We offer grout repair services including filling gaps where grout has fallen out, repairing cracks, and partial regrouting of damaged areas. Cracked or missing grout should be addressed promptly because it allows water to penetrate beneath tiles, potentially causing mold, subfloor damage, or loose tiles. After repairs, we can color seal to create a uniform appearance that matches new and existing grout. We also provide re-caulking services for corners, edges, and transitions where grout meets other surfaces.

Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner or plain water with a soft cloth or mop. Avoid acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon, citrus-based products), ammonia, bleach, and abrasive scrubbers—all of these can damage marble. For daily cleaning, a damp microfiber cloth is ideal. For deeper cleaning, use a stone-specific cleaner diluted according to instructions. Wipe up spills immediately, especially acidic substances like wine, coffee, citrus juice, or tomato sauce. Never use generic bathroom or kitchen cleaners on marble—they're formulated for ceramic tile and will damage natural stone.

No! Never use vinegar, lemon juice, or any acidic cleaner on marble, travertine, limestone, or onyx. These stones are calcium-based and react chemically with acids, causing etching (dull spots and surface damage). Even "natural" or "green" cleaners containing citric acid will damage these stones. Granite is more acid-resistant but we still recommend pH-neutral cleaners to protect the sealer. This is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make—vinegar is great for many surfaces but devastating for natural stone.

First, identify the stain type: Oil-based stains (grease, cosmetics): Use a poultice made with baking soda and water or acetone. Organic stains (coffee, tea, food): Use a poultice with hydrogen peroxide (12%). Rust stains: Require special rust removers safe for stone. Water spots/rings: Often mineral deposits that can be polished out. Important: Test any treatment in an inconspicuous area first. Many "stains" are actually etching (acid damage), which requires professional polishing rather than stain removal. If home remedies don't work, call us—we've removed stains that homeowners thought were permanent.

Place doormats at entrances to catch dirt and grit (the #1 cause of scratches). Use felt pads under all furniture legs and replace them when worn. Avoid dragging furniture or heavy objects across the floor. Remove shoes or use soft-soled house slippers. Sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft brush attachment—accumulated grit acts like sandpaper underfoot. Use area rugs in high-traffic paths. For marble countertops, use cutting boards and don't slide appliances or cookware across the surface.

Marble is beautiful but requires more maintenance than granite or quartz in kitchen environments. It's softer and more susceptible to etching from acidic foods. That said, many homeowners love their marble kitchens and find the character (including minor patina that develops over time) adds warmth. If you choose marble for your kitchen: use cutting boards religiously, wipe spills immediately, consider honed finish (shows less etching), and get anti-etch protection. Bakers especially love marble because it stays cool—perfect for rolling dough. Honest assessment: if you want worry-free counters, choose granite or quartz. If you love marble's beauty and don't mind careful use, it can work wonderfully in kitchens.