Stone and Tile PROS - Information & Resource Super Site

Welcome

Inspiration. Answers. Resources. That’s Stone and Tile PROS.

Welcome to the most comprehensive resource on the web for everything stone and tile. Whether you are looking for inspiration for designing with it, how to’s for caring for it, tips for selecting it, or need services from prescreened, qualified professionals, you will find it here.

When you come to Stoneandtilepros.com, a service of Surface Care PROS, you are tapping into the collective intelligence of a large network of experts representing multiple facets within the natural stone and tile industry.

Our Chief Technical Director, Fred Hueston (Dr. Fred), is one of the leading authorities in the world when it comes to stone and tile expertise and troubleshooting. He has written countless articles, published many books and is sought after around the world as a consultant, expert witness, and respected authority on the subject.

Dr. Fred’s expertise along with that of our other impressive leaders, and Surface Care PRO Partners, which are comprised of restoration and repair experts, design specialists, fabricators, installers and more ensures that solutions and resources provided within Stone and Tile PROs are rock solid.

Latest Tips and Articles

A Rockin' River

River Rock and Black Mosaic Gold are unrelated in formation, but to gaze upon them, you'll find they are more kindred spirits than dissimilar natural...

Fixing Lippage

Lippage, a condition in which one edge of a stone tile is higher than adjacent edges, is usually caused by poor installation and just a...

Grout Cleaning Tips

Grout is susceptible to staining, can discolor, and attract mildew. When grout troubles begin, it’s time to take action following these simples steps you can...

Super Soapstone

Soapstone won't burn, it doesn’t stain, it will not melt and it is not affected by acidic substances. It is no wonder Soapstone is showing...

Shades of Glory

It took three types of marble -- each with a different shade -- and 40 years to complete this American icon....

Save the Vinegar

See for yourself how strong vinegar can be by placing an uncooked egg in its shell in a glass of vinegar for a week. ...

Quality Craftmanship

A quality installation employing proven techniques and precautions will result in a floor that you will be happy with for many years....

Granite or Quartz?

Quartz is becoming popular, but granite is still the perfect choice for your kitchen countertop. ...

Case Studies

Ask Our PROS

Q. I spilled some silicon lubricant on my flagstone. What product can remove this.

In a case like this, I would reach out to the tech support line at Prosoco. They have a product that removes silicone caulk, so it stands to reason that this might emulsify the silicone. However, unless the stone was well sealed, it probably soaked in. ... [ more ]

Q. We have a Silestone kitchen counter which has developed some "dulling" in a couple of areas. One was due to someone rubbing too hard with a slightly abrasive cloth and the others are due to the sun shining on the counter. Is there anything/anyone who can restore the factory polish shine to Silestone?

A. The good news is, Silestone, which is 94% quartz, can be refinished to remove the dulling spots on your kitchen counter. The process involves using diamond tooling, designed especially for quartz to refinish the countertop and blend the entire surface with quartz-specific polishes.

Be aware that not all stone and ... [ more ]

Q. Do I need to have my granite countertops sealed? I have heard so many conflicting answers.

There is a very simple way to tell if your granite, marble or limestone countertops or floors need to be sealed. Take a drop of water and place it on the stone. Wait about two minutes and blot up the water. If the water left a dark mark, indicating ... [ more ]

TIPS to Remember

Soil and water trapped under potted plants can stain and damage stone surfaces. Make sure to clean under them at least once per week.

Walk off mats placed outside your door will accumulate sand and dirt and will help keep your stone floors looking great longer.

Do not use vacuum cleaners with metal wheels since this can scratch your stone floors.

For best results when mopping your stone floors, do not use a sponge mop. Use only a clean string mop or micro fiber mop wrung out.

It is easy to tell. Take a drop of water and place it on the stone. After a minute or so, wipe the water away. If it leaves a dark spot, indicating that some of the water absorbed, it needs to be sealed.

To help keep dust from accumulating on your stone furniture, try dusting it with a dryer sheet. This will eliminate static.

To keep your stone shower looking new, use a squeegee to remove excess water after showering. This will prevent soap scum build up and keep your shower looking like new. After everyone has showered for the day, spritz on a little stone safe cleaner and wipe down with a squeegee.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners on your stone surface since this can scratch them. This also includes those green and blue abrasive sponges.

Use coasters under drinking glasses, particularly those containing alcohol, soft drinks, citrus juices and those containing any acidic liquids, to avoid etching your polished marble tops. If you do get minor etching, use Stonecare PRO Signature Etch Remover Marble Polish to polish it out (see how to video). Severe etching will require a stone restoration contractor to re-hone and polish.

Dirt and grit being tracked in and walked on is the biggest cause of dulling and scratching marble floors. Dust mop floors frequently and damp mop (not wet) following product descriptions for optimal results.

Clean up spills immediately to avoid staining but to be safe, keep a few of Dr. Fred's Innovative Solutions Stain Sponges on hand to manage most stains. (You can find them at www.stonecarecentral.com)

Apply a premium quality stone conditioner such as StoneCare PRO Signature Condition on your clean shower walls. It will make them look great plus it will provide a protective shield that inhibits soap film from clinging.

To remove streaks from your stone, wipe with a clean dry terry or micro fiber cloth towel.

Listen to Dr. Fred's Radio Show, The Stone and Tile Show
6:00 PM Eastern every Wednesday or listen to previous shows on demand.
www.blogtalkradio.com/drfred

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