Frequently Asked Questions

Do you charge an estimate fee?

No.

What is the "lemon juice" test for selecting stone for kitchen countertops?

Take a piece of the scrap "granite" you wish to test and spill a few drops of lemon juice onto it. If you see that under the drops of lemon it develops very quickly dark spots, it means that it's a very absorbent stone and I would advise you (and anybody else, for that matter) against it. If it takes, say, a minute or so to be absorbed, then you're dealing with a degree of absorbency that's easily manageable with the application of a good-quality impregnator-type sealer. If it doesn't absorb at all, then you have a winner right there

Why lemon juice and not simply water?

Because lemon juice is highly acidic, and, if for any chance, the "granite" you're considering is a mixed stone (with some calcite in it), it would etch. That is, it would have a permanent dull spot where the lemon was sitting, after you clean it up. If that's the case, you do NOT want that stone in your kitchen.

Why don't you price a job by the square foot?

We have found it to be impossible to price a job by the square foot. The cost can only be determined by how long it will take to complete your job. For example , a small floor with borders and inlays can take longer than a simple floor 4 times the size.

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.

Do you offer a basic cleaning package for saltillo?

There is no such thing as basic cleaning for saltillo because there are just too many variables with saltillo, ranging from types of sealers used on the tile to the condition of the tile.

Why won't the water spots on my marble or travertine clean up?

The water spots are really etch marks in the surface of the stone. This happens when an acidic substance comes into contact with any calcium based stone. To get rid of the etch marks, the stone will have to be polished, similar to the process of removing a scratch from a gemstone. Minor etch marks can sometimes be removed using a marble polishing powder or compound that can be found at www.stonecarecentral.com. Severe etches will need to be professionally serviced.

Should I seal my counter tops?

Probably. However, there are different types of sealers on the market. There are water based, solvent and silicone/siloxane sealers. We will determine, upon inspection of the stone, which one will work best in your situation. Often, counter tops WILL NOT be sealed by your fabricator. Always test to make sure. If it is already installed, no worries! If it is not showing any signs of darkening when wet, it may not need to be sealed. If you seal with a good quality impregnator your countertops will be protected for years.

What is Efflorescence?

Efflorescence is a white crystalline or powdery, often fluffy/fuzzy deposit on the surface of masonry materials like concrete, brick, clay tile, etc. It's caused by water seeping through the wall/floor/object. The water dissolves salts inside the object while moving through it, then evaporates leaving the salt on the surface.

Can efflorescence come back?

In some cases, efflorescence will come back no matter how many times you treat it. We are happy to create a maintenance program catered specifically to your needs.

Do you remove or treat efflorescence?

Yes we do. Interior and Exterior.

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.

Do you work with Slate?

Yes we do. Interior and Exterior.

Do you work with exterior stone?

Yes we do.

Do you restore marble?

Yes we do.

Do you work with all granite?

Yes we do.

Do you re-grout?

We offer re-grouting services if we feel that re-grouting is necessary.

Do you restore tile and grout?

Yes we do.

Do you color stain grout?

Yes we do.

Do you offer MSDS info with the products you will use in my home?

Yes, upon your request, we will bring a copy of the MSDS for any and all chemicals we may use in your home or building.

Do you offer regular maintenance programs?

Yes, we will visit your location, look at your surfaces and create a customized maintenance program for your surface needs.