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. We had mosaic marble tiles installed in our bathroom about a month ago and recently noticed the tiles about 12 inches around the toilet were a darker gray color than the rest of the floor due to a leak in the wax seal when the toilet was replaced... 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

How to Prevent Urine Stains on Marble Floors In men’s restrooms with marble floors, urine stains and odors can be a real problem. Since marble is porous, marble floors in men’s restrooms should be sealed to inhibit staining. The sealer... Read More

Marble Floors Are Not Ideal for a Restaurant Environment Marble floors are not typically recommended for use in restaurants because they can be easily scratched, stained, and damaged by spills, heavy foot traffic, and dropped items. Marble is a... Read More

The "Orange Peel" Effect on Marble Working with marble polishing powders is both an art and a science. Improper use of polishing powders can result in what is known in the stone and tile industry as "orange peel," that is, marble that has a dull and... Read More

When recrystallization is used on Thassos marble, yellowing can occur. The yellowing is probably caused by a reaction of the chemicals in the recrystallization product and the iron in the marble. Not all recrystallization products cause this... Read More

When poulticing a rust stain on a marble floor, the stain can become darker and more wide spread. What is happening? Chances are the source of the rust is under the tile. A nail or metal object may have been left behind when the tile was installed.... Read More