Q. I'm totally confused and need help. I'm looking to redo my bathroom and getting different answers on the use of stone tiles for the bathroom and shower. I have been told everything from it is very easy to seal and should only to be... Read More

I personally recommend Grout Perfect (www.groutperfect.com) though there are many out there. It is a superior product, easy to use ,and has benefits that go beyond just looking pretty, such as constant acting mildewcides and more. Fred Hueston... Read More

Q. We live in San Francisco and are refurbishing our town house. We would like to use marble on our kitchen floor, but are concerned it may crack during an earthquake. Is there any way to install it that would minimize the cracking?   A. There are... Read More

Q. The resin coating of our Knoll Saarinen marble top table has been cracking and peeling for the past year. We don't know what to do. Any advice?   A. Some manufacturers use resins to create a topical polish, which look amazing... at first.... Read More

The best way is to seal this space with silicone or acrylic caulking. Run a bead around the perimeter of the base. When you are done with the job the caulking should easily peel off or you can leave it in place. CAUTION If you use silicone caulking... Read More

Steam can be used effectively on stone surfaces but be careful if you use any chemicals such as alkalies. Rinse the surface throughly if using alkaline cleaners. TIP Another good method for removing caulking, tar or chewing gum from granite surfaces... Read More

The marble tile was most likely improperly installed. Before you grind a floor you should sound the floor by tapping on each tile with a broom handle. If you hear a hollow thud sound then there is a strong chance that the tile has no setting material... Read More

The are several reasons why the grout may have cracked. The installer may have used too much water when he mixed the grout causing it to crack or there may be movement in the floor causing the cracking. To repair the grout you can overlay a thin coat... Read More

Staining from silicon can be very difficult to remove, but not impossible. First remove all the silicone caulking; removal of the stain will require the application of a poultice and a strong solvent such as methylene chloride. Several applications... Read More

The condition you are describing is called compression cracking. It is caused by movement of the substrate to which the granite is attached. If the granite tile is set over a plywood floor supported by joists, movement in the floor may be responsible... Read More