Here are the questions we are most often asked. Don't see your question answered here? Just contact us.
Maintenance
My floors had a beautiful shine when new. How can I restore that new shine?
If your floor is not deeply scratched, surface polishing may bring back an acceptable shine. However, existing scratches may remain. If your floor has worn badly, a complete restoration is warranted. This decision should be made between you and us.
Why won't the water spots on my marble or travertine clean up?
These are not water spots, but an etch mark in the surface of the stone. This is what happens when an acidic substance comes in contact with any calcium based stone. To get rid of the etch marks, the stone will need to be polished out, much like a gemstone would have to be if it were scratched. If the etching is not too severe, we recommend that you try to resolve this problem yourself first. See our Care Tips and Products page for more information.
Where can I find information about caring for my stone?
Please see our Stone Care Tips page. It provides a wealth of information pertaining to caring for your stone.
Is there routine, daily or weekly maintenance I should be performing?
The #1 culprit of damage to floors is dirt, (grit, sand & dust). The best treatment for your floor is a dry, untreated microfiber dust mop or vacuum, used every day when possible. Damp mopping is recommended on a weekly basis and whenever there are visible spills
I have a beautiful entry rug. Will it harm my stone floor?
Rugs are a good idea to catch dirt and grit. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. It is important to use rug holders designed to go under rugs to keep them in place. Sliding rugs are not only dangerous, they are a constant source of new scratches. Do not use rugs that are backed with rubber or latex.
I have Marble Natural Stone floors in the kitchen. Some vinegar got on the floor and now we have a light spot. I believe that it is the sealer (polyurethane coating?) that got discolored. What is the best way to get rid of these dull spots and bring the normal shine back?
When acid (vinegar) comes into contact with marble (calcium carbonate), it causes a chemical reaction. The result is called etching. Natural stone sealers penetrate the stone and do not prevent this natural reaction. If you do in fact have a polyurethane coat on top of your stone, then you have a different problem altogether. If the stone is etched, we can refinish it.
Service and Pricing
Do you charge an estimate fee?
No. There may be an occasion, under special circumstances, that we may ask for this, but only if we tell you up front.
Installation
How long after you install our tile floors before we can walk on it?
For most installations we recommend that no one walk on a new tile installation for at least 24 hours. This is be
cause the setting material needs to have time to cure.
Restoration
How much dust will be created during the restoration of my floor?
There is no dust created during the restoration process, because we use diamond abrasives and water.
Recently a cleaning firm spilled a cleaner that is obviously acid on my marble vanities. They were sealed, but the damage is still very evident in the form of hundreds of small circles. What would you recommend as the way to repair them, the materials to use, etc? Would it be better to replace the vanities?
Sealing DOES NOT prevent etching. Sealing your stone inhibits staining. You do not need to replace your vanity tops.
My Natural Stone countertops are no longer shiny. How do I get the shine back?
Most of the time when a customer asks us why their countertop is not shiny anymore, it turns out that some sort of film is sitting on the surface. This happens when one does not use the proper cleanser, or when they clean their granite surface with water and dish soap. (This will eventually lead to soap film build up.) Give us a call. We can provide solutions for you.
Stone Care
Where can I find information about caring for my stone?
Please see our Stone Care Tips page. It provides a wealth of information pertaining to caring for your stone.
