Natural stone flooring is gaining in popularity because of the range of colors and a perception of affluence in facilities that use these types of flooring.Granite is the oldest and hardest stone. Colored flecks contrast with the smooth veins of color found in marble. Marble has varying degrees of density and stone integrity.

Granite and marble care are essentially the same — very high maintenance. To keep them looking good, dust mopping at least two or three times a day in high traffic areas. Also, spot mop with a rayon mop head. Cotton mops hold too much water. Rayon holds less and won’t streak.

We also suggests applying a sacrificial coat of finish. Once a night, auto-scrub with a white pad and a neutral cleaner.

In a bathroom, use a water-base sealer. Petroleum-based sealers can seal dirt and odor into the stone.

If years of abuse or improper maintenance have dulled the stone, marble floors can be restored to their original beauty. We can sand and refinish marble floors to there original luster.

Granite floors are too expensive to restore.

The problem with granite is once it gets worn down the cheapest thing to do is take it out. It’s so dense it requires special equipment to restore. The normal restoration price can be as much as $18 per square foot.

Granite

Very dense, hard and brittle granite stands up well against heavy foot traffic, making it preferable for commercial lobbies and walkways. True granite is the hardest of the polished stones commercially available and is used in high stress situations. Resistant to most chemicals, except oils, which can permeate the stone, granite is also ideal for counters and bar tops. Composed of quartz and feldspar. Should be sealed with an oil-repellant penetrating sealer to prevent staining and reduce soiling. Flamed granite surfaces are very absorbent due to the stress fractures in the stone caused by the flaming process and should be sealed to maintain the original color and appearance of the stone over time. Do not try to polish or hone. NOTE: Some stone marked and sold as “granite” are marble instead – always do an acid resistance test to confirm. Some granite is dyed! Not etched by most acids, but can be etched by hydrofluoric acid! Because granite is quite hard, it can be cleaned at pressures up to 1,450 PSI if the grout is in good condition.

Marble

Available in a wide range of colors, marble is often used for its beauty, but is more porous, softer, and chemically sensitive than granite. Marble surfaces show wear sooner than granite, but can be restored with honing and polishing more easily. Etched by acids, including soft drinks. Absorbs oils and other liquids and is easily stained. Composed of Calcite and Calcium Carbonate. Should be sealed with a penetrating sealer to prevent staining and reduce soiling. Should only be cleaned with neutral pH detergents. Because it is soft, it should never be cleaned at pressures above 800 PSI and then only if the grout is in good condition.