Q: Is it worth it to restore stone?

• <div><p>In many cases, it&rsquo;s worth it to restore stone. Stone restoration generally costs less than replacing the stone entirely, helping to save on the cost of your project while still giving your home&rsquo;s stone a polished appearance. However, if your stone is very cracked or crumbling to the point of compromising the structural integrity of your home, you may want to consider replacing it. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/natural-stone-flooring.htm">Stone flooring costs</a> range from <b>$6 to $20 per square foot</b> on average.</p></div>

Question 1

What is better than sandblasting?

Accepted Answer

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The best cleaning method to use for your project will depend on the specifics of that project. However, sandblasting does come with the risk of damaging the surface you’re trying to clean. One safer alternative to sandblasting is laser cleaning, which can remove many of the same contaminants with a lower risk of damage and a lower overall cost.

Question 2

Is it worth it to restore stone?

Accepted Answer

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In many cases, it’s worth it to restore stone. Stone restoration generally costs less than replacing the stone entirely, helping to save on the cost of your project while still giving your home’s stone a polished appearance. However, if your stone is very cracked or crumbling to the point of compromising the structural integrity of your home, you may want to consider replacing it. Stone flooring costs range from $6 to $20 per square foot on average.

Question 3

Can stains on granite or marble countertops be removed?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, stains can often be removed using a poultice paste that draws out the stain. The paste is applied, allowed to dry, and then removed, lifting the stain from the stone.

Question 4

Can chipped or cracked granite be salvaged?

Accepted Answer

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In most cases, chipped or cracked granite can be salvaged, but it depends on the size and scope of the damage. For example, a pro can smooth out small chips on the edge with polish pads or an angle grinder, but a crack that runs through the stone's surface has little-to-no chance of being fixed easily.

Question 5

Can you make granite countertops darker?

Accepted Answer

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You generally cannot change the color of the natural stone, such as making granite countertops darker or lighter. Some people claim that certain chemicals will lighten or darken granite, but those will damage the stone and not provide uniform, expected results, so it’s better not to try. Similarly, some people ask whether they can stain over granite. Granite is beloved for its stain-resistant finish, so you probably won’t get the best outcome if you try to stain over granite to make it darker.

Instead, consider honing, painting, or applying another material over the top of the granite to make it appear darker.