STONE BASICS: Natural marble and granite have an elegance that can not be duplicated by any synthetic product. To insure your natural stone products will provide you with a lifetime of aesthetics and utility, proper maintenance is crucial. Natural stone products are porous by nature and require a different maintenance program than traditional ceramic tile.

ROUTINE STONE CARE: Many cleaners acceptable for ceramic tile can stain, damage or dull stone. Natural stone should be cleaned with neutral cleaners. Stone cleaners should never contain acid or bleach. Acids, even a light solution of vinegar and water, will etch and eventually damage natural stone.

RESTORATION: If a marble polish has become dull, scratched or etched, you can restore the natural shine through the use of a marble polish. Some marble polishes are available in kits. The process can be enhanced with the use of floor buffing machines. The process is usually a re-crystallization process to remove fine scratches and restore the original shine and polish to the stone. This is not an application of a topical sealer or wax to cover up damaged or worn surfaces.

A-1 Marble is equipped to handle all of your stone maintenance needs. Call 561-477-0760 for an estimate to have your stone floors or granite countertops professionally restored.

MARBLE FLOORING: Marble flooring can give your home an aura of richness. It definitely has a natural beauty that quite surpasses most other flooring materials. For this reason, Marble is more costly. In addition, it is very heavy and so must be installed by professionals, adding to the cost. Marble should be frequently cleaned and sealed every 12-18 months (depending on wear) by a professional.

Marble is a natural stone product. As such, it is completely biodegradable, making it a favorite among environmentally conscious homeowners. When sealed, Marble is bacteria, allergen and moisture resistant.

Marble is very hard, durable and long lasting. It is more porous than granite, and so it is critical that it is sealed if using in areas that will be exposed to moisture. Marble flooring can stain if not sealed properly.

Marble can be used in kitchens, bathrooms and entryways, due to its resistance to moisture and for its durability. It has to be professionally sealed and cleaned every 9-12 months, depending on the amount of foot traffic it is exposed to.

Marble flooring is relatively simple to clean. Simply sweep well and go over with a damp mop. DO NOT USE ABRASIVE CLEANERS! Not only is it not necessary, but Marble will stain and scratch if you do. Marble is virtually indestructible, hence its high cost. Additionally, it will last a lifetime with proper care.

GRANITE FLOORING: Granite is a natural stone product. As such, it is completely biodegradable, making it a favorite among environment-conscious homeowners. Granite is bacteria, allergen and moisture resistant (when sealed).

Granite is not as porous marble, so it does not have to be sealed if using in areas that will not be exposed to moisture. Granite flooring can still however, attract stains. Granite flooring is much harder and more durable than marble, as well as more stain resistant.

Aside from the regular cleaning needed depending on foot traffic, Granite flooring is relatively simple to keep clean. Simply sweep well and go over with a damp mop, but do NOT use abrasive cleaners! Not only is it not necessary, but Granite will stain and scratch if you do. Granite is virtually indestructible, hence its high cost. Additionally, it will last a lifetime with proper care.