Q. We are considering using a large format marble tile on a kitchen wall. The tile is 7 1/2" X 24" X 3/4". Is this size tile too heavy to use on a wall? Is special thinset needed? Currently the wall is lathe and plaster (100+ yr old home), should... Read More

First of all, don’t waste too much time in applying poultices to large areas if it would be easier and cheaper to replace the material. Here are some suggestions for applying poultices to large areas: Use multiple poultices and work in... Read More

Q. Help!!! I have honed crema marfil marble. I had a plumber relocate my sink, which required the destruction at least 4 tiles. I purchased tiles to replace the four, however, they are much lighter than what has been already installed. Is there any... Read More

Q. I am going to be hiring a tile setter. What kinds of questions should I ask them? By the way, I am in California.A. Here is what a consumer should ask a prospective tile setter:1. Verify the contractor has a C-54 specialty license, along withÂ... Read More

To repair chips in marble tiles, use a polyester resin and color match to the existing material. If the chip is shallow, the polyester may not stick. It may be necessary to make the chip bigger. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fred Hueston is the author of  Stone... Read More

Q. My fireplace surround is a honey colored marble which has become stained black from what I assume is smoke/soot from building fires in it. These stains appear to be below the surface, that is to say that the marble retains its sheen and most of... Read More

Q. Hello, I have a 2'x3' piece of white marble and some black marbling in it along with what looks like shiny glistening stuff in it. It is not shiny for it's in its natural state. It has been out in the weather for a long time. It... Read More

Q. Hello - I'm a handy homeowner looking to repair what appears to be wrong leaning material etching (and kids toothpaste "misses") from my 18 month old crema marfil vanity top. I looked at several of your products and it looks like I need one... Read More

Q.  I have a new home (1 year old). I chose to have crema marfil marble installed in the master bath. The entire floor and the walk-in shower are crema marfil. Neither the installer or the contractor gave me any warning about care of the stone and... Read More

Q. I recently washed the mirrors about the marble or granite tiles with vinegar. Now there are spots on the tiles. Is there a way to remove these? It feels a little rough on the top of the spots as if the coating came off a bit. What can I do? A. The... Read More