AI in Stone Restoration: What PROS Should Know
By Frederick M. Hueston
If you have been in this trade long enough, you have seen plenty of so-called game changers come and go. New machines, new pads, new sealers, and every year someone is selling the magic bullet that will supposedly make restoration easier, faster, and more profitable. Most of us roll our eyes until we have tested it on an actual job. Now along comes the buzzword that is everywhere: artificial intelligence. And yes, it is making its way into our industry too. So what does that actually mean for us as stone restoration pros?
Where AI is Already Showing Up
You may not realize it, but AI is already creeping into some of the tools we use.
- Smart equipment: Manufacturers are experimenting with polishers that adjust speed and pressure automatically based on the stone type.
- Sealant testing: Some sealer companies are using AI-driven testing to predict how products will perform on different stones.
- Estimating software: AI is starting to generate quotes, track margins, and create maintenance schedules.
On the inspection side, imagine snapping a photo of a countertop or floor and an app identifying etching, lippage, or spalling with recommendations on grit progression and repair steps. That is not science fiction. Several startups are already working on it.
The Good
Let us be honest, anything that saves time on the job can put money in our pocket. If AI can cut down on misdiagnosis, recommend the right starting grit, or predict when a surface will need maintenance, that is useful.
Other benefits include:
- Helping with record keeping and reporting for commercial accounts.
- Reducing time spent on paperwork.
- Allowing more time for family and life outside of work.
The Not So Good
There is always the other side. Technology cannot replace hands-on experience. AI might suggest starting with a 200-grit diamond, but it does not feel the drag of the pad on a marble floor the way you do. It cannot look a client in the eye and explain why their stone is not going to look brand new after 30 years of neglect.
Other concerns include:
- AI is only as good as the data it is fed. Garbage in, garbage out.
- Risk of devaluing expertise if clients believe an app can replace skilled pros.
- Poor work still damages stone—and pros will still be called to fix it.
What This Means for Us PROS
Instead of resisting it, smart contractors will learn to use AI as another tool. Think of it like a laser level or a moisture meter. It does not do the work for you, but it gives you better information to make decisions.
If you embrace it, you can market yourself as not just experienced, but forward-thinking. That builds trust.
At the same time, do not let the hype fool you. The craft of stone restoration is still in your hands, on the floor, with the machine, slurry flying. No app or robot is going to replace that anytime soon.
Specific Examples of AI Tools in Our Field
Here are some practical applications already being tested:
- Estimating apps that use photos to measure surface area and generate instant quotes.
- Commercial maintenance platforms predicting when polished surfaces will lose shine based on foot traffic and cleaning schedules.
- Machine sensors monitoring pad wear and automatically adjusting RPMs for consistent polishing.
- Sealer companies using AI models to predict product performance on various stone types before market release.
Moving Forward
AI in stone restoration is coming whether we like it or not. It is going to change some things, mostly around efficiency, reporting, and diagnostics. But it will not replace skill, judgment, or reputation. If anything, it will make those qualities even more valuable. The contractors who blend their hard-earned experience with the best of what AI can offer will come out on top.
