Diversifying Into Historic Stone and Tile Restoration
Image Courtesy of Classic Marble & Stone Restoration, Philadelphia PA | Project: Marble Restoration St. Joseph the Worker Church in Williamsport, PA
By Frederick M. Hueston
If you’ve been in the stone restoration industry for a while, you know how rewarding it can be to breathe life back into natural stone surfaces. But have you considered expanding your services into historic stone and tile restoration? Not only is it a growing market, but it’s also a chance to work on projects with incredible history and character—something that can set your business apart in a competitive industry.
Why Consider Historic Restoration?
Historic stone and tile restoration isn’t just about making surfaces look good—it’s about preserving a piece of history. These projects often involve delicate, older materials like hand-crafted tiles, limestone, or marble that have weathered decades (or even centuries) of wear. Property owners, architects, and preservation societies are always on the lookout for skilled professionals who can restore these surfaces without compromising their integrity or historic value.
Diversifying into this niche allows you to take on more specialized work, often with higher price tags. Plus, it’s a way to build a reputation as an expert in a field that requires both technical know-how and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship.
What You’ll Need to Know
Restoring historic stone and tile isn’t the same as polishing a modern marble countertop. You’ll need to understand the materials, the construction methods used at the time, and the most effective techniques for repair and restoration. For example:
- Some historic tiles were fired differently than modern tiles, making them more fragile.
- Certain cleaning products and sealers that work on modern surfaces can damage older materials.
- Matching replacements for missing tiles or stone elements may require custom fabrication or sourcing reclaimed materials.
Education is key. Study up on historic architecture styles, attend restoration workshops, and, if possible, partner with a mentor who has experience in the field.
Tools and Products for Historic Work
Historic projects often demand specialized tools and products. For example:
- Gentle cleaners and poultices that won’t damage delicate materials.
- Non-invasive methods, like steam cleaning, for removing old waxes or residues.
- Custom grout mixes to match the original look and composition.
Investing in these tools and learning how to use them effectively can make all the difference in achieving results that preserve the historic integrity of the project.
Building Relationships in the Historic Market
Getting into historic restoration isn’t just about having the skills; it’s also about building relationships. Network with historic preservation societies, architects, and property managers who work on older buildings. Offering free consultations or hosting educational workshops can position you as the go-to expert in your area.
Challenging but Rewarding and Worth It!
Diversifying into historic restoration can be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding. You’ll get to work on one-of-a-kind projects, build your reputation as an expert, and expand your business into a lucrative niche. Take the time to learn, invest in the right tools, and build relationships, and you’ll find this new path both profitable and fulfilling.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re serious about expanding into historic stone and tile restoration, dive deeper into the details by checking out the Historic Stone and Tile chapter at www.sr-manual.com. It’s packed with tips, techniques, and case studies to help you hit the ground running.
Or take the eLearning course Historic Preservation at the Surfaces Learning Institute (https://learning.surfacecarepros.com/courses/historic-preservation). With the course you will get support, resources, and when you complete the course you will earn a certificate and badge for your website and collateral material.
