Dull, scratched or etched stone floors can almost always be restored to look as good as, or better than, the day they were installed, without replacing them. The right process depends on your stone. Here’s how marble, travertine, limestone, slate and terrazzo floors are restored, what you can do yourself, and what it costs.
Signs Your Stone Floor Needs Restoring
- Dull traffic paths where the shine is worn away
- Etching (dull spots) from spills or the wrong cleaners
- Scratches, chips and open holes
- Dark, dirty grout lines
- Patchy, peeling or yellowed wax or coatings
Step 1: Deep Clean
Every restoration starts with a deep clean. We use stone-safe cleaners and 350° vapor steam to pull dirt out of the grout lines and the pores and pits of the stone, things a mop can’t reach.
Step 2: Repair
Chips, cracks and holes are filled with color-matched resins. On travertine, we fill the open pits that trap dirt. Missing or cracked grout gets patched.
Step 3: Refinish
This is where the stone itself gets restored, and it depends on the type:
- Marble, travertine, limestone and terrazzo: diamond refinished in multiple steps to remove etching, scratches and wear, then finished to the sheen you choose, from honed matte to high polish. No waxes or coatings.
- Slate, terracotta and Saltillo: old coatings and wax are stripped down to the raw stone, then the floor is enhanced or given a new protective finish.
Step 4: Protect
We seal the stone to protect it from stains. Slate, terracotta and Saltillo can be upgraded to MicroGuard ADSIL, a permanent protective coating. Dirty grout can be color sealed for a uniform, stain-resistant finish.
What You Can Do Yourself
- Clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner, never vinegar, bleach or all-purpose sprays
- Dust mop often, since grit is what scratches and dulls stone
- Use mats at entries and felt pads under furniture
- Wipe up acidic spills right away
Cleaning keeps a floor looking good, but it can’t remove etching, scratches or worn traffic paths. Those need professional refinishing with diamonds.
How Much Does Stone Floor Restoration Cost?
- Marble floors: start around $5 per square foot
- Travertine floors: start around $3 per square foot
- Slate, terracotta and Saltillo: cleaning starts around $2 per square foot, and full restorations with stripping and refinishing run up to $15 per square foot or more
Most marble and travertine floors are done in a day and can be walked on right away. Stripping jobs on slate and terracotta usually take 2 to 3 days. Every quote is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an old stone floor really look new again?
Yes. Because the damage is on the surface, refinishing removes it and brings back the original look, often better than new.
Do you use wax on stone floors?
No. Wax scuffs, yellows and has to be stripped again and again. The shine on a restored stone floor comes from the stone itself.
How often does a stone floor need to be restored?
With proper care, a restored floor lasts for years. Most homes only need a light touch-up every few years.
Can I choose how shiny my floor is?
Yes. Marble, travertine, limestone and terrazzo can be finished anywhere from honed matte to high polish.
Get Your Stone Floor Restored
Prestige Grout has been restoring stone floors across Chicagoland since 2012. See our marble, travertine and limestone and slate, terracotta and terrazzo restoration services, or call or text (708) 582-6904 for a free quote.
