FREquently asked quesitons
About the company
What does Mr. Marble and Stone specialize in?
1
Mr. Marble and Stone specializes in marble restoration, marble polishing, marble floor restoration, and marble countertop restoration in Vancouver, along with full stone refinishing services for granite, quartz, limestone, and travertine. Services also include stone repair, sealing, quartz installation, epoxy flooring, tile and grout cleaning, and hardwood refinishing, delivering complete surface solutions for residential and commercial properties.
What level of experience is behind the work?
2
With over 30 years of experience in marble restoration and stone services, projects are handled with advanced knowledge of natural and engineered stone, including proper polishing, repair, and installation techniques. This experience ensures consistent, high-quality results across marble, granite, quartz, and other stone surfaces.
What is the company’s approach to projects?
3
A restoration-first approach is prioritized, meaning marble, granite, and other stone surfaces are restored whenever possible instead of replaced. This approach preserves the original material, reduces costs, and delivers long-lasting results using professional polishing, refinishing, and sealing methods.
Why choose restoration instead of replacing stone surfaces?
4
Marble and stone restoration is typically more cost-effective than replacement, allowing damaged or worn surfaces to be refinished instead of removed. Professional restoration can eliminate scratches, stains, and dullness while preserving the original stone and achieving a like-new finish.
Are you licensed, insured, and committed to building code compliance?
5
Yes. Our company operates with full professionalism, working with licensed trades and ensuring all work is completed in accordance with local building codes, permit requirements, and safety standards. This protects both the integrity of the project and the long-term value of your property.
Getting Started & Consultation
What happens during the initial consultation?
1
The consultation begins with a detailed evaluation of the space, including surface types (marble, granite, quartz, tile, concrete, hardwood), current condition, and project goals. Whether the project involves restoration, installation, epoxy flooring, tile and grout work, or full surface upgrades, clear recommendations are provided to achieve the best result.
What information helps speed up the quoting process?
2
Providing photos, measurements, material type (if known), and a brief description of the project—such as damage, wear, or desired upgrades—helps streamline the process. This applies to everything from marble restoration and stone repair to epoxy flooring and new installations.
Can you help with design choices and material selection?
3
Yes, guidance is provided on material selection (marble, granite, quartz, tile), finishes, and overall layout to ensure the final result aligns with both aesthetic preferences and functional needs.
How early should I involve you in my project or renovation?
4
The earlier, the better. Bringing in expertise during the planning stage allows for better decisions around material selection, layout, finishes, and budgeting, especially for projects involving stone installation or multiple surface types.
What are the most common mistakes people make before starting a project?
5
Common issues include using the wrong cleaning products, delaying maintenance, or assuming surfaces need replacement when they can be restored. Proper evaluation early on helps avoid unnecessary costs and mistakes.
Marble services
Why does marble lose its shine and start looking dull over time?
1
Marble naturally wears down due to foot traffic, daily use, improper cleaning products, and exposure to acidic substances, which gradually damage the surface and reduce its shine. Over time, this leads to visible dullness, light scratches, and etching. Professional marble polishing and restoration removes this damage and restores the original finish.
What does professional marble restoration actually involve?
2
Marble restoration is a multi-step process that includes deep surface grinding to remove scratches and uneven areas, polishing to bring back the desired finish, and sealing to protect against future damage. The process is customized depending on the condition of the marble and whether the goal is a high-gloss, honed, or satin finish.
Can heavily worn or damaged marble floors be fully restored?
3
Yes, even marble floors with deep scratches, etching, stains, or uneven tiles (lippage) can typically be restored rather than replaced. Through grinding and refinishing, the surface can be leveled and brought back to a uniform, like-new appearance, making restoration a cost-effective alternative to replacement.
What is marble etching, and how is it properly removed?
4
Etching occurs when acidic substances such as cleaners, food, or liquids react with the calcium in marble, leaving dull or cloudy marks on the surface. These marks cannot be cleaned off—they must be professionally grinded and polished to remove the damaged layer and restore the finish.
Can marble countertops and vanities be restored instead of replaced?
5
Yes, most marble countertops and vanities can be fully restored, even if they have scratches, stains, or etching. Restoration involves refinishing the surface and applying a protective seal, bringing the marble back to a clean, smooth, and refreshed condition without the cost of replacement.
Granite SErvices
Does granite need maintenance and polishing?
1
Yes, although granite is more durable than many natural stones, it still benefits from professional maintenance, polishing, and sealing over time. Daily use, residue buildup, and improper cleaning products can gradually reduce its natural shine.
Can chipped granite countertops be repaired?
2
Yes, chips, cracks, and edge damage can often be professionally repaired and blended to closely match the original granite surface. Repairs help restore both the appearance and structural integrity of the countertop.
Why does granite become dull over time?
3
Granite can lose its shine due to surface wear, cleaning product residue, moisture exposure, and lack of sealing. Professional polishing removes buildup and restores the stone’s natural clarity and gloss.
Does granite need sealing?
4
Yes, sealing granite helps reduce moisture penetration, staining, and long-term wear, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-use areas.
Can outdoor granite surfaces be restored?
5
Yes, outdoor granite can often be cleaned, polished, repaired, and resealed depending on its condition and level of weather exposure.
quartz services
What are the benefits of quartz countertops?
1
Quartz countertops are highly durable, non-porous, low-maintenance, and resistant to staining, making them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and modern living spaces. They also offer a wide range of consistent colors and patterns.
Can quartz countertops be repaired if damaged?
2
Yes, chips, cracks, seam issues, and certain surface imperfections can often be professionally repaired or improved depending on the severity and location of the damage.
Does quartz require sealing like marble or granite?
3
No, quartz is a non-porous engineered material that generally does not require sealing. This makes it easier to maintain compared to many natural stones.
Can quartz countertops lose their shine?
4
Yes, improper cleaning products, surface wear, and buildup can reduce the appearance of quartz over time. Professional refinishing and cleaning can help improve the finish and overall appearance.
Is quartz better than marble or granite?
5
Each material offers different benefits. Quartz is low-maintenance and consistent in appearance, granite is highly durable and natural, while marble provides a timeless luxury aesthetic with unique veining and character.
Engineered stone services
What is engineered stone and how is it different from natural stone?
1
Engineered stone is a manufactured surface made from crushed natural stone combined with resins and binders. Unlike natural marble or granite, engineered stone offers a more consistent appearance while still providing durability and a modern finish for countertops, walls, and other surfaces.
Can engineered stone surfaces be repaired if damaged?
2
Yes, chips, scratches, dullness, seam issues, and minor cracks in engineered stone can often be professionally repaired and refinished depending on the severity of the damage.
Does engineered stone require sealing?
3
Most engineered stone surfaces are non-porous and generally do not require sealing like marble, limestone, or granite. However, proper maintenance is still important to preserve the finish and appearance.
Can engineered stone lose its shine over time?
4
Yes, improper cleaning products, heat exposure, and everyday wear can affect the surface finish over time. Professional refinishing and restoration can help improve clarity and restore the appearance.
Is engineered stone suitable for kitchens and bathrooms?
5
Yes, engineered stone is commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms because it is durable, low-maintenance, and available in a wide variety of modern styles and colors.
Travertine services
Why does travertine require special maintenance?
1
Travertine requires special maintenance because it is a naturally porous, soft sedimentary limestone that is highly vulnerable to staining, etching, and physical damage if not treated with specialized care. Unlike harder stones like granite, travertine's calcite-based, spongy structure behaves differently and can easily degrade without consistent, specific upkeep.
Can travertine holes and pits be repaired?
2
Yes, travertine holes and pits can be repaired, and this is a common maintenance process to restore a smooth surface. It is done by filling the voids with color-matched travertine filler, epoxy, or grout, which can be done as a DIY project or by professionals.
Can worn travertine floors be restored?
3
Yes, travertine floors can often be honed, polished, filled, and sealed to restore their appearance and improve durability.
How often should travertine be sealed?
4
Sealing frequency depends on traffic and moisture exposure, but porous natural stone should generally be resealed periodically for long-term protection.
What is the best finish for travertine?
5
Honed and matte finishes are popular for travertine because they provide a softer, natural appearance while helping reduce the visibility of wear.
limestone services
Why is limestone considered a delicate natural stone?
1
Limestone is considered a delicate natural stone primarily because of its softness, high porosity, and sensitivity to acids. While durable enough to be used as a building material for centuries, its characteristics make it prone to damage in everyday household settings like kitchens and high-traffic floors.
Yes, limestone floors and walls can be fully restored to their original appearance, even if they are heavily scratched, etched, stained, or cracked. Professional restoration, which often includes honing, grinding, and polishing, can remove the damaged top layer of the stone to reveal a fresh surface underneath.
Can limestone floors and walls be restored?
2
Is limestone suitable for high-traffic areas?
3
Yes, but proper sealing, maintenance, and periodic restoration are important to maintain the appearance of limestone in busy spaces.
Does limestone need sealing?
4
Yes, sealing limestone is extremely important to help reduce moisture penetration, staining, and premature wear.
What cleaning products should be avoided on limestone?
5
Acidic and abrasive cleaners should never be used on limestone because they can damage the surface and dull the finish.
terrazzo services
What is terrazzo flooring?
1
Terrazzo is a durable composite flooring material consisting of aggregate chips—such as marble, granite, quartz, glass, or shell—mixed into a cement or epoxy binder. Poured in place or precast, it is ground and polished to a smooth, shiny finish, popular for its high durability, low maintenance, and eco-friendly design versatility.
Can old terrazzo floors be restored instead of replaced?
2
Yes, old terrazzo floors can often be professionally restored instead of replaced, providing a durable and cost-effective solution while preserving the original character and design of the flooring. The restoration process typically includes diamond grinding, crack and chip repair using color-matched materials, polishing, and sealing to remove years of wear, dullness, and buildup while bringing back the terrazzo’s original shine and finish.
Why does terrazzo become dull over time?
3
Heavy traffic, improper maintenance, scratches, and surface wear gradually reduce the shine and clarity of terrazzo flooring.
Yes, cracks and chips in terrazzo can often be professionally repaired using specialized color-matched epoxy or cement-based materials designed to blend with the original surface and aggregate. The process typically involves cleaning and preparing the damaged area, carefully filling and leveling it, then grinding and polishing the surface to create a smooth, durable, and seamless-looking finish.
Can cracks and chips in terrazzo be repaired?
4
Yes, terrazzo is highly suitable for commercial spaces and is considered a premium flooring option for high-traffic environments. It is commonly used in airports, hospitals, schools, restaurants, retail spaces, and office buildings because of its exceptional durability, low maintenance requirements, and wide range of design possibilities.
Is terrazzo suitable for commercial spaces?
5
Quartzite services
What is quartzite and how is it different from quartz?
1
Quartzite is a natural stone formed from sandstone under intense heat and pressure, while quartz is an engineered material made from crushed quartz and resins. Quartzite offers the natural veining and luxury appearance of marble with greater durability and heat resistance, making it a popular choice for high-end countertops and feature surfaces.
Is quartzite more durable than marble?
2
Yes, quartzite is generally harder and more resistant to scratching and etching than marble. This makes it a strong option for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-use areas where durability and natural stone aesthetics are both important.
Does quartzite require sealing?
3
Yes, quartzite is a natural porous stone and should be professionally sealed to help protect against staining, moisture absorption, and everyday wear. Proper sealing helps maintain the appearance and longevity of the surface.
Can quartzite countertops be polished or restored?
4
Yes, quartzite countertops and surfaces can be professionally restored through polishing, refinishing, stain removal, chip repair, and resealing depending on the condition of the stone.
Can quartzite crack or chip?
5
Although quartzite is highly durable, heavy impact or structural stress can still cause chips or cracks. In many cases, these areas can be professionally repaired and blended to improve the appearance and integrity of the surface.
tile and grout services
Why does grout become dark and dirty over time?
1
Grout is porous and absorbs moisture, dirt, oils, soap residue, and bacteria over time, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and high-traffic areas.
What does professional tile and grout cleaning include?
2
The process typically includes deep cleaning, stain removal, sanitizing, grout restoration, sealing, and minor repairs where needed.
Can cracked or damaged grout be repaired?
3
Yes, damaged grout can often be repaired or replaced without removing the tile itself, helping improve both appearance and durability.
Is grout sealing necessary?
4
Yes, sealing grout is strongly recommended for most tile installations as it helps protect against stains, moisture penetration, and mold growth, especially in moisture-prone areas such as showers, kitchens, and high-traffic floors. While grout sealer does not make the surface completely waterproof, it provides important stain resistance and helps make routine cleaning and maintenance much easier.
Can old tile surfaces be restored instead of replaced?
5
In many cases, yes. Professional cleaning, grout restoration, sealing, and surface refinishing can dramatically improve the appearance of existing tile surfaces.
epoxy services
What is epoxy flooring?
1
Epoxy flooring is a durable, high-performance coating system applied over concrete surfaces, made from resin and hardeners that chemically bond to create a seamless, thick, and highly resistant finish. It is commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces because of its exceptional durability against chemical spills, heavy traffic, moisture, and impact.
Where is epoxy flooring commonly installed?
2
Epoxy flooring is commonly installed in garages, basements, warehouses, retail spaces, commercial buildings, showrooms, and modern residential interiors.
What are the benefits of epoxy flooring?
3
Epoxy flooring offers exceptional durability, strong resistance to chemicals and stains, and a seamless, low-maintenance surface that is ideal for residential floors, garages, workshops, and commercial spaces. It is a long-lasting and cost-effective solution that helps protect concrete, improve light reflectivity, and can be customized with a variety of colors, finishes, and textures to achieve a modern, polished appearance.
Can damaged concrete be repaired before epoxy installation?
4
Yes, cracks, chips, uneven areas, and surface imperfections are repaired during the preparation process to ensure proper adhesion and a smooth final finish.
With proper installation and maintenance, epoxy flooring can last many years even in high-traffic residential and commercial environments.
How long does epoxy flooring last?
5
countertop services
What countertop materials do you install?
1
Installation services include quartz, granite, marble, engineered stone, laminate, butcher block, and custom countertop surfaces for kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and commercial spaces.
Can existing countertops be removed and replaced?
2
Yes, old or damaged countertops can be professionally removed and replaced as part of a renovation or upgrade project.
Do you provide custom countertop fabrication?
3
Yes, custom fabrication includes sizing, edge detailing, sink cutouts, polishing, and finish selection to ensure a proper fit and refined appearance.
Choosing the right countertop comes down to balancing budget, maintenance preferences, durability, and overall lifestyle needs, with quartz often being one of the most popular options for its durability and low maintenance. High-use kitchens typically benefit from durable materials such as quartz or granite, while surfaces like marble or butcher block may require more regular care and upkeep. Countertop options can range from more budget-friendly materials like laminate to higher-end natural stone surfaces such as marble and exotic stone.
How do I choose the right countertop material?
4
Are countertop installations available for commercial spaces?
5
Yes, countertop installation services are available for offices, retail spaces, restaurants, hotels, and other commercial environments.
hardwood services
What does hardwood refinishing include?
1
Hardwood refinishing typically includes sanding, stain application, sealing, and protective finishing to restore worn wood floors.
Can scratched or faded hardwood floors be restored?
2
Yes, scratches, dullness, discoloration, and everyday wear can often be removed through professional refinishing.
Is refinishing hardwood better than replacement?
3
In many cases, refinishing is more cost-effective and less disruptive than replacing the flooring entirely.
Can hardwood finishes be customized?
4
Yes, a variety of stain colors and finish types are available, including matte, satin, and higher-gloss finishes.
How long do refinished hardwood floors last?
5
With proper maintenance and care, refinished hardwood floors can maintain their appearance for many years.
commercial services
Do you handle large-scale commercial projects?
1
Yes, services are available for hotels, office buildings, retail spaces, restaurants, strata properties, commercial lobbies, and high-traffic facilities requiring professional surface restoration and maintenance.
Can projects be scheduled to reduce business disruption?
2
Yes, scheduling can be coordinated to minimize downtime and reduce disruption to daily operations whenever possible.
Do you provide ongoing maintenance programs?
3
Yes, regular maintenance services help preserve polished finishes, extend surface life, and reduce long-term wear in commercial environments.
Do you work with property managers, strata corporations, and building operators?
4
Yes, services are frequently provided for strata buildings, property management companies, commercial building operators, and maintenance teams requiring reliable long-term surface solutions.
What commercial surfaces require the most maintenance over time?
5
High-traffic marble floors, grout lines, polished concrete, terrazzo, and natural stone surfaces typically require the most regular maintenance due to constant foot traffic and daily wear.
porcelain services
What are the benefits of porcelain tile?
1
Porcelain tile is highly durable, moisture-resistant, low-maintenance, and suitable for both residential and commercial spaces. It is commonly used for floors, walls, bathrooms, kitchens, and high-traffic areas because of its strength and wide range of design options.
Minor chips, cracks, and grout issues can often be repaired depending on the severity and location of the damage. In some cases, individual tiles can also be replaced without redoing the full area.
Can damaged porcelain tile be repaired?
2
Is porcelain tile suitable for high-traffic commercial spaces?
3
Yes, porcelain tile is one of the most durable flooring materials available and performs very well in commercial environments with heavy foot traffic.
Can porcelain tile floors be professionally cleaned and restored?
4
Yes, quartzite countertops and surfaces can be professionally restored through polishing, refinishing, stain removal, chip repair, and resealing depending on the condition of the stone.
Most porcelain tile itself does not require sealing, but grout lines often benefit from sealing to help reduce staining and moisture absorption.
Does porcelain tile require sealing?
5
Shower & bathroom services
Can old showers and bathroom surfaces be restored instead of replaced?
1
Yes, many showers and bathroom surfaces can be professionally restored through tile and grout cleaning, sealing, stone refinishing, caulking replacement, and surface repair instead of full demolition.
What causes bathroom grout and tile to deteriorate over time?
2
Moisture exposure, soap buildup, mold, improper ventilation, and everyday wear can gradually cause grout discoloration, cracking, and deterioration.
Can mold and mildew be removed from tile and grout?
3
Yes, professional cleaning and restoration can remove mold, mildew, and deep buildup while improving the overall appearance and cleanliness of the space.
Do bathroom marble and stone surfaces require sealing?
4
Yes, sealing is highly recommended in moisture-prone areas such as showers and bathrooms to help reduce staining and water absorption.
Can shower floors and walls be refinished?
5
Yes, shower walls, stone surfaces, tile, and natural stone flooring can often be professionally restored and refinished depending on the material and condition.
fireplace & feature wall services
Do you install stone fireplaces and feature walls?
1
Yes, custom stone fireplaces and feature walls can be installed using marble, quartzite, granite, porcelain slab, and other natural or engineered stone materials.
What materials are best for modern feature walls?
2
Popular materials include marble, quartzite, porcelain slab, limestone, and textured stone finishes depending on the desired aesthetic and level of maintenance.
Can existing fireplaces be resurfaced or upgraded?
3
Yes, outdated fireplaces can often be resurfaced, refinished, or upgraded with new stone, tile, or slab installations.
Are stone feature walls suitable for commercial spaces?
4
Yes, feature walls are commonly used in hotel lobbies, offices, restaurants, retail spaces, and luxury residential interiors to create a premium focal point.
Can stone feature walls be customized?
5
Yes, layouts, finishes, slab sizes, textures, and edge details can all be customized to match the design and style of the space.
Outdoor stone services
Can outdoor stone surfaces be restored and sealed?
1
Yes, outdoor marble, granite, limestone, travertine, concrete, and stone surfaces can often be professionally cleaned, repaired, polished, and sealed depending on their condition.
Weather exposure, moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, dirt buildup, and improper maintenance can all contribute to outdoor stone deterioration over time.
What causes outdoor stone surfaces to deteriorate?
2
Is sealing important for exterior stone surfaces?
3
Yes, professional cleaning and restoration can remove mold, mildew, and deep buildup while improving the overall appearance and cleanliness of the space.
Do bathroom marble and stone surfaces require sealing?
4
Yes, sealing is highly recommended in moisture-prone areas such as showers and bathrooms to help reduce staining and water absorption.
Can shower floors and walls be refinished?
5
Yes, shower walls, stone surfaces, tile, and natural stone flooring can often be professionally restored and refinished depending on the material and condition.
Stone Repair & Surface DamagE
Can cracks and chips in natural stone be repaired?
1
Yes, chips, cracks, edge damage, holes, and minor structural issues can often be professionally repaired using color-matched materials and refinishing techniques.
In many cases, yes. Professional stain removal treatments and refinishing can help improve or fully remove stains depending on the material and severity.
Can stained stone surfaces be restored?
2
What causes natural stone to crack?
3
Heavy impact, structural movement, improper installation, moisture issues, and stress over time can all contribute to cracking in stone surfaces.
Can broken grout or loose tile indicate larger problems?
4
Sometimes. Loose tile or recurring grout cracking may indicate movement, moisture issues, or substrate problems that should be properly evaluated.
Is it better to repair or replace damaged stone?
5
In many cases, repair and restoration are more cost-effective and less disruptive than full replacement while still achieving excellent results.