Natural stone adds beauty and function to any home. However, it occasionally develops problems that require repair such as stains, scratches, chips and etching or dulling of the finish. The cost of restoring stone floors or countertops to their original finish ranges from $403 and $1,169 with the average homeowner spending $772. The full cleaning, polishing and sealing project generally ranges between $5 - $8 per square foot. The cost can vary depending on a number of factors, but its a worthwhile investment, as professionally refinishing your natural stone extends its life by up to 15 years.
Adding stone floors allows homeowners to include a natural addition to their homes while enhancing the aesthetic quality of their indoor space. Marble, granite, terrazzo and travertine are just a few of the popular natural stone materials that homeowners use in their home renovation projects.
On This Page:
- Prices Per Square Foot
- Flooring & Countertop Stone Types
- Cost Factors
- Prevention Tips
- DIY Tips & Tools Needed vs. Working with a Pro
Stone Floor Restoration Cost Calculator
National Average
$772
Typical Range
$403 - $1,169
Low End - High End
$195
-
$2,175
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Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 785 HomeAdvisor members in .
When a stone surface loses its luster or is particularly dirty, restore it to a like-new condition using a combination of cleaning, polishing and resealing. All three cost about $5-$8 per square foot. If applying to a small area or an oddly shaped countertop, the company you hire may charge per hour. Labor costs $50-$75 per hour.
Cleaning - $0.50 - $1.50 per square foot
Professional restorers clean the area first. Basic cleaning is included in the cost of the refinishing project. For particularly dirty floors, pros use a penetrating chemical that loosens oil and grime that has soaked into the stone and then remove it with a specialized vacuum. Expect to pay $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot for this level of cleaning.When cleaning the stone yourself begin by sweeping up any dirt or debris. Then focus on any stains on the floor or counter. The cleaning technique depends on the source of the stain. Sometimes the color of the stain helps pinpoint its cause. For example, oil-based stains like grease usually darken the stone. Wipe these types of stains gently with a liquid cleanser or ammonia. Remove biological stains, like mildew, with a diluted combination of water and bleach or ammonia.
Polishing & Refinishing - $1 - $7 per square foot
Particularly damaged or worn floors and countertops should be professionally polished or refinished. This consists of using a combination of sanding disks, polishing pads and abrasive chemicals to remove a thin layer of stone to create a like-new look. Pros use different types of polishing depending on the amount of damage and the type of stone.| Method | Best Used On | Crystallization |
|---|---|---|
| Grinding, Honing, and Polishing |
| $5 - $7 |
| Buffing with Compounds |
| $3 |
| Diamond Polishing |
| $3 |
| Powder |
| $2 - $3 |
| Crystallization |
| $1 - $2 |
Resealing - $0.50 - $2 per square foot
The price of resealing costs $0.50-$2 per square foot. Professional restorers finish the project by adding a sealer to the floor or counter. The sealant helps prevent future stains and protects the shine. It may need multiple coats, but this depends on the condition of the stone and the instructions included with the sealing product. Dry each coat fully before applying another coat.Hire a Pro for Cleaning, Polishing & Sealing Stone
Some stones, like granite, can chip or need full replacement when damaged. Marble floors often cost more to repair than travertine or other soft limestone. Restorable stone varieties are travertine, slate and terrazzo.
| Type | Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Marble | $2 |
| Granite | $3 |
| Terrazzo | $3 - $7 |
| Travertine | $1 - $2 |
| Slate | $2 |
Marble
Used when countertops or as tiles on floors and shower walls. The price of polishing marble is $2 per square foot. Acidic liquids stain and etch it, especially on countertops where such liquids are often used. A deep cleaning process removes stains using a process that involves professional grade penetrating chemicals and a specially designed vacuum. This type of cleaning costs $0.60 per square foot.Granite
The cost of adding granite countertops to a kitchen or bathroom runs most homeowners about $3,000. While less common, the stone is also found on floors as tile. Polishing costs $3 per square foot. It resists etching but can stain if not kept properly sealed. Reseal every one to two years at the price of $0.75-$1.50 per square foot.Terrazzo
A composite material consisting of cement with embedded chips of natural stone that surface after polishing. It is used almost exclusively for terrazzo flooring and is extremely durable and stain resistant, although high traffic can dull some areas, requiring polishing, which ranges from $3-$7 per square foot.Travertine
Often mistaken for marble, because it is also a limestone, but is softer and therefore harder to keep polished to a perfect shine. Some choose to finish it with a honed appearance which is more matte than the shine of other natural stones. Scratches and dulling occur more easily, and this type of stone may need more polishing unless you like the lived in look. Polishing costs $1-$2 per square foot.Slate
Employed in tile form for slate floors, it wears down to a dull finish by heavy foot traffic. Slate countertops are also gaining in popularity. Polishing the surface to a high sheen costs $2 per square foot.Cultured Marble
A man-made material made from stone particles bound together with resin. Installed on counters, cracks may develop, particularly around a heavily used sink. Refinish cultured marble with a new coat of resin at an average price of $18 per square foot. You cannot polish cultured marble because of the resin that bonds the stone together.Work with a Pro to Inspect Your Stone before Polishing
Other Factors that Affect Cost
There are several variables that have a direct impact on the cost of restoration. In addition to the labor costs that vary across the country, consider the other factors explained below.Level of Grime
The level of cleaning and build-up is a key factor in figuring out the cost of the overall project. For floors that have gone decades without restoration, the cost will be higher than the cost associated with restoring a floor that is in new condition and is only a couple of years old. Countertops that have not been sealed regularly and have multiple areas of staining will be more expensive to clean than those that are stain free to begin with.Level of Wear
Floors with high traffic and counters that see a lot of use usually have more wear and therefore require more steps to restore. The more steps needed to polish the stone to a smooth surface, the pricier the job will be.Lippage
This refers to a joint between two tiles where one tile is higher than the other. To correct this, the technician grinds down the higher tile to match the lower one. The service company will add a fee of $1 per square foot for each area treated with this process.Slab or Tile Replacement
In some cases, a tile may crack or chip to the point where restoration is difficult, and it makes more sense to replace it. The specialist that assesses your restoration will let you know which tiles should be replaced and the extra cost associated with that work. If the countertop consists of a slab that is damaged beyond repair, budgeting for the installation of a new countertop may be necessary.Prevention Tips
To avoid the expense of restoring stone floors and the considerable time commitment associated with restoration, there are several steps that homeowners can take to reduce their likelihood of having to restore their floors.- Frequently sweep floors to remove abrasive sand and dirt
- Add mats at entrances for wiping shoes
- Clean spills quickly
- Use coasters on counters and tables to prevent damage from acidic beverages
- Use trays for health and beauty products stored on bathroom counters
- Use cleaners specifically designed for the stone
- Avoid abrasive cleaners
Maintenance
Wash stone floors periodically with neutral pH cleaners, specifically cleaners that do not have soap to avoid causing streaks or film build-up. Seal the floor according to the manufacturer's instructions. Using the proper sealer can help prevent further staining. If a homeowner notices a spill, he or she should immediately wipe up the surface.Likewise, reseal stone countertops regularly according to instructions. Use mild soap and water for regular cleaning and wipe spills up quickly.
In some cases, floor tiles and countertops may be under a limited warranty after installation. The warranty will cover defects in the manufacturing or installation of the product, but will not cover normal wear, stains, chipping or breakage due to improper use. Since surface restoration is usually due to everyday use, a warranty does not cover it.
Hire a Professional Stone Restoration Expert
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Do not use topical finishes or coatings to try to produce a shine because they tend to dull and discolor stone over time. The alkalinity of these products increases the need to maintain floors. Instead, homeowners should use products specific to their stone type.DIY Kits & Tools
To restore a stone surface yourself, there a few things you will need.- Polishing compound or powder
- Sealant
- Polishing wheel with a backer to attach to a polisher or grinder
- Power polisher or grinder
There are kits available that include all the materials, not including the power tools. These kits are $80 to $100 and will polish a 200 square foot area. A power polisher will cost between $100 and $200.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
For small restoration jobs or ones that only need a little polishing, doing it yourself may be a possibility. The materials are not expensive. It is the labor that adds to the price, so you may save a lot. However, for large areas or heavily worn or damaged surfaces, it is recommended that you hire a flooring pro. They have equipment as well as specialized knowledge that will allow them to do a better job.
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