| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| rust stains on brand-new bluestone path | 5/5/2008 |
Q: I noticed rust-stains on 2 pieces of bluestone immediately after they were laid in my new path last ...
A: Cindy, This is a difficult problem to solve and we are getting many requests for information for ...
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| problem with dark streaks running down limestone seatwalls | 5/5/2008 |
Q: We have a problem and thought maybe you could give us some pointers.We have a large patio that has ...
A: Roger, Sorry for the delay. My vacation schedule was not apparently set correctly for this site. I ...
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| marble flooring | 4/16/2008 |
Q: I want to use full slabs (5'*9'). I would like the floor to look seamless. The method of ...
A: Mike, Every contractor has different methods they use. I suggest you interview several who look at ...
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| marble flooring | 4/16/2008 |
Q: I want to use full slabs (5'*9'). I would like the floor to look seamless. The method of ...
A: Mike, While it is visually more attractive to install full slabs, it is not practical due to the ...
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| Keeping a Granite kitchen countertop clean. | 4/15/2008 |
Q: Just installed a light color granite countertop in a kitchen. I need to know the best way to keep it ...
A: Gerry, The best option is using a good sealer. I suggest HMK StoneCare products: ...
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| Cutting bluestone for undermount sink | 4/11/2008 |
Q: I have to say they look great and Jeff Craig from Vic Intl is great. Now for my questions. The ...
A: Deidre, It is possible to cut a hole for an undermount sink. I suggest you call Jeff Craig at Vic ...
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| Bluestone patio thickness | 4/11/2008 |
Q: I am going to replace a wooden deck with a 300 sq.ft. bluestone patio set in either stone dust or ...
A: Sorry for the delay, i just returned from a business trip. If you wish to set stone in sand or stone ...
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| "Aging" my brand new bluestone floor | 4/10/2008 |
Q: We just had a new bluestone floor intsalled in our conservatory attached to my 80 year old Tudor ...
A: Janine, You can use a product like HMK S35 Matte Finish Sealer that will enhance the color and also ...
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| how to clean a slate shower | 4/9/2008 |
Q: Tad, We recently remodeled and put a slate shower in the master bath. I am wondering how to keep it ...
A: Sarah, I have used and recommend HMK StoneCare products for more than 25 years. I suggest HMK P24 ...
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| Changing concrete color | 4/4/2008 |
Q: My contractor colored the cement patio he installed last week using a powdered pigment. It hasn't ...
A: Janet, the powdered pigment used must have been to sparingly spread or simply the wrong color. these ...
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| Travertine pool patio | 4/4/2008 |
Q: We have a very large pool deck project (3100 sq. ft.) The area around the partially installed pool ...
A: JT Fiore, This is a complicated issue and as you indicated, there are differing opinions. My ...
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| Stains on Bluestone | 3/29/2008 |
Q: Tedd, yet another Bluestone question for you: Attempted to use some weed killer (as I've done in ...
A: James, Have you tried washing areas with warm water and dish soap? This may help. If not you can try ...
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| white streaks in mortar in limestone patio | 3/25/2008 |
Q: we had an outdoor patio done this past summer made out out of what we call in Austin, Texas Austin ...
A: Elaine, This is called efflorescence. It is caused by salts reacting with moisture in the mortar bed ...
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| natural stone countertops | 3/21/2008 |
Q: We are in the process of installing natural stone/slate tiles on our kitchen countertops. We know we ...
A: Jamie, I suggest that once the grout has dried and cured (at least one week) that you seal the ...
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| Traventine & Marble in tube shower Installation | 3/18/2008 |
Q: I am remodeling a tub surround. I had water problems with builder using green board and a window ...
A: 1. tight joint is ok, but needs to be grouted with non-sanded grout. travertine will not grow unless ...
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| Traventine & Marble in tube shower Installation | 3/5/2008 |
Q: I am remodeling a tub surround. I had water problems with builder using green board and a window ...
A: Terry, You should caulk the bottom joint between tub and stone with a silicone caulk (colored) to ...
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| Cracks in Marble Tile Wall. | 3/4/2008 |
Q: We undergone a full bathroom renovation over a year ago. Our general contractor has recently ...
A: Patrick, Did these white lines show up during the repair process? Or have they been there all along? ...
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| Cracks in Marble Tile Wall. | 3/4/2008 |
Q: We undergone a full bathroom renovation over a year ago. Our general contractor has recently ...
A: Patrick, I am a bit confused by your question. You indicate that the cracks are in the wall and have ...
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| Bluestone | 2/5/2008 |
Q: Tad, I have a project that's just over 1000 square feet. It's a patio that's already poured and I ...
A: George, sorry for the delay, I was out sick the past few days. The price range you indicate is quite ...
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| Travertine shower | 2/4/2008 |
Q: This summer I had a travertine shower installed where a soaking tub had been originally. The shower ...
A: The only time that caulking the vertical joints is usually necessary, is when the underlayment is a ...
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| flagstone on dry cement | 2/3/2008 |
Q: We are laying a flagstone patio and have heard from several sources that instead of laying the ...
A: This is not an acceptable method. You have two choices: 1. Dry sand set, spread 3-4 inches of sand ...
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| Travertine shower | 2/2/2008 |
Q: This summer I had a travertine shower installed where a soaking tub had been originally. The shower ...
A: Marilyn, Sorry for the delay. I have been out sick. The "stain" sounds like moisture. What method ...
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| Uneven Travertine walls in shower | 1/21/2008 |
Q: We hired a contractor to remodel our bathroom. He suggested using travertine in the shower on the ...
A: Shawn, I am sorry to hear you are having issues with your new shower. I am assuming when you say the ...
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| bluestone | 1/13/2008 |
Q: I recently had bluestone set in mortar in a large area in front of my house. When it is wet, it is ...
A: Maxine, I am sorry for the delay. We had an electrical fire in our showroom on Thursday and I have ...
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| Installing travertine in Lanai | 1/2/2008 |
Q: I am going to have travertine installed in my lanai (screened patio), but I want to know what the ...
A: Patricia, Your tiles will need to be set with either thinset mortar or mud set. Thinset mortar can ...
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| Installing travertine in Lanai | 1/1/2008 |
Q: I am going to have travertine installed in my lanai (screened patio), but I want to know what the ...
A: Happy New Year Patricia! You can have what you wish for. Assuming your concrete is in good stable ...
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| marble floor installation | 12/16/2007 |
Q: 1. does harde floor need to be screwed vs nailed and mortered in place. sub floor is 3/4 pine t&g ...
A: 1. screwing is always better than nailing, but nails are acceptable. Subfloor should be mortared ...
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| Polishing Bluestone | 12/13/2007 |
Q: I recently purchased Bluestone from Pennsylvania for my countertops in my kitchen. I'm looking for ...
A: Yes it can be polished using wet polishing equipment available from Vic International, Grand Quartz, ...
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| Polishing Bluestone | 12/12/2007 |
Q: I recently purchased Bluestone from Pennsylvania for my countertops in my kitchen. I'm looking for ...
A: Deidre, I assume that you are saying that the slabs have saw marks on the face of the stone? Did you ...
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| bluestone stains | 12/11/2007 |
Q: i have a 2'x2' penn. bluestone interior floor that is developing some darker staining around the ...
A: Jason, It sounds like a moisture problem. You said the bluestone had been sealed, but was the grout ...
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| rust stains on blue stone | 12/9/2007 |
Q: I had a brand new blue stone step installed in front of my house in Sept. Its beautiful! In Oct I ...
A: Christine, Sorry for the rust problem, but it can be cleaned using the dilute acid from HMK (see ...
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| 1/2" bluestone | 11/28/2007 |
Q: i have a suspended slab that I would like to cover w/ bluestone, but due to weight, I can only use ...
A: Dirc, When you say you have a suspended slab, are you saying you have a concrete suspended slab? If ...
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| Problems with traverine tiles 18x18 | 11/12/2007 |
Q: I run into a big problem with travertine tiles of 18x18. Is about a year ago that I installed ...
A: Boris, The only thing that comes to mind is the possibility that the thinset mortar has salt ...
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| Thickness of Travertine over Pool Deck | 11/6/2007 |
Q: We presently have a concrete Kool pool deck. We wish to know if the thick Travertine stone tiles or ...
A: Brenda, When you say thin, I assume you mean the 3/8" thick tiles. And thick likely is referring to ...
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| marble | 10/17/2007 |
Q: Dixon, I have a fairly polished marble floor of approximate 1000 sqr ft of crema marfil I have been ...
A: Are you certain that the stone was never sealed or re-polished? If a company re-polished using the ...
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| marble | 10/17/2007 |
Q: Dixon, I have a fairly polished marble floor of approximate 1000 sqr ft of crema marfil I have been ...
A: Ed, this sounds very strange. If you are sure you did not see this before, then it may be caused ...
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| Porcelain or travertine over stanied concrete | 10/1/2007 |
Q: I am looking at installing large (18x18 or 20x20) travertine or porcelain tiles over stained ...
A: Scott, If you know what product was used to stain and or seal the concrete, you need to use the ...
|
| slate that is bleeding | 9/13/2007 |
Q: We recently remodeled a lower level bathroom. We used ceramic tile 12x12 on the shower wall and ...
A: Laura, I do not know why your slate is bleeding rust, but I would suggest cleaning it with HMK R55 ...
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| slate shower | 9/11/2007 |
Q: We moved into our home 1.5 yrs and the slate shower has white streaks on it, appears to be hard ...
A: Sandi, I suggest cleaning with HMK R65 Terra Cotta cleaner to completely clean the build up (test in ...
|
| Ceramic tile installation | 9/4/2007 |
Q: We are having our basement finished, including the addition of a full bathroom, and have a question ...
A: Mary, Assuming the concrete was installed correctly (dirt compacted and 4" thick concrete poured) ...
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| montauk black slate | 9/2/2007 |
Q: I am buying a little desert getaway condo and I'm thinking of using guaged montauk black slate ...
A: Susan, I am not familiar with this particular color of slate. I do know that other colors are very ...
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| bluestone pool apron | 9/1/2007 |
Q: i have obtained several estimates/ideas for doing a pool apron in bluestone. one person suggested ...
A: Alex, dealing with freeze-thaw cycles is an important issue anytime you are around water. I highly ...
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| bluestone pool apron | 9/1/2007 |
Q: i have obtained several estimates/ideas for doing a pool apron in bluestone. one person suggested ...
A: Alex, When you say pool apron, are you referring to the deck around the pool, or the pool edge ...
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| Marble floor | 8/29/2007 |
Q: I had a contractor install marble tiles in the bedroom. Durock and cork were used on a base on ...
A: John, tiles installed over concrete usually are set directly over concrete with thinset mortar. What ...
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| Condensation due to black stone? | 8/28/2007 |
Q: My landscaper replaced pavers in an existing covered walkway in the rear entrance of the house, ...
A: Pilar, It sounds like the stone has been sealed with a sealer that does not breathe. Check with your ...
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| travertine installation | 8/25/2007 |
Q: I had ceramic tile in an area where I am planning to travertine (in a various-shaped pattern of ...
A: Garrett, Sorry for the delay. I was at a staff retreat until today. Yes, you can spread a thin layer ...
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| Patio/pool surround materials | 8/21/2007 |
Q: We live in Kentucky (cold winters, hot and wet summers) and have a covered patio and are planning to ...
A: John, Bluestone and Limestone are great materials that have been used in this type of environment ...
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| bluestone or slate over concrete | 8/21/2007 |
Q: i have been reading how to install bluestone or slate ontop of concrete. what kind of mixture of ...
A: Harry, I suggest a 3/4" thick paver or thicker. It is more expensive as you go thicker, but it will ...
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| bluestone or slate over concrete | 8/18/2007 |
Q: i have been reading how to install bluestone or slate ontop of concrete. what kind of mixture of ...
A: Harry, You do not indicate the slate or bluestone thickness? Is the concrete free of cracks or ...
|
| travertine tiles | 8/14/2007 |
Q: I am setting 16 x 16 travertine tiles through three rooms, on plywood over joists. The client has ...
A: Robert, Sounds like you have quite a project. First question? what material do you plan to use to ...
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| installing stone | 8/9/2007 |
Q: we are installing a flagstone like stone (blue shalimar) on the face of our house. Is mortor what we ...
A: Ernie, Yes you do use brick mortar, but you also need to use brick ties (masonry clips) these are ...
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| Replacing marble floor with limestone | 8/5/2007 |
Q: After having an existing floor removed the contractor came in and floated the floor too high. It ...
A: I am sorry for the delay in responding to your question. If a stone floor is prepared in the ...
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| bluestone patio | 7/27/2007 |
Q: We recently had a bluestone patio installed. There were marks around the edge of each stone (like a ...
A: Mardi, I am getting many inquiries regarding bluestone lately. It must be very popular in your area. ...
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| bluestone countertops in kitchen - care and long term protection from stains and scratches | 7/12/2007 |
Q: We are about to install PA bluestone countertops in our modern home and have heard some concerns ...
A: David, Bluestone is a wonderful countertop material, but like most natural stone products, it does ...
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| Cleaning Bluestone | 7/9/2007 |
Q: We just had and in-ground pool built in our backyard, the coping around the pool is bluestone. The ...
A: Suzanne, I am sorry to hear of your bird problem. The solution would be to use HMK R55-Intensive ...
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| travertine tiling | 7/6/2007 |
Q: I am installing travertine tiles on to wooden floor what size of notched trowel do you recommend and ...
A: Martin, I would suggest you install a 1/4" underlayment such as hardibacker or wonderboard. There is ...
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| Bluestone stain | 6/26/2007 |
Q: Shortly after having a Pa bluestone patio installed, dark purple stains appeared on two adjacent ...
A: Bob, I assume you do not know what caused the stain. It may be some organic material leaching out ...
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| General Contractor- no work started after 6 months | 5/25/2007 |
Q: My aunt (69 years old)paid a general contractor back in 11/2006 to have some cement work done to the ...
A: I am sorry you have had to deal with this. I suggest you contact your state contractors license ...
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| Rust & Water stains on bluestone | 5/18/2007 |
Q: I would love your help on this. We have a bluestone fireplace sill that was supposedly sealed. ...
A: Sally, HMK R59 will clean both the rust and the residue. It is a mild acid that may change the look ...
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| Cleaning bluestone | 5/10/2007 |
Q: We have numerous small spots (definitely not water - acid rain?) occurring on our bluestone terrace, ...
A: If the spots are white and chalky, it is probably efflorescence, which is salt crystals migrating up ...
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| granite countertop | 3/31/2007 |
Q: My husband install a granite countertop using granite tiles to remove the inconsistancies in the ...
A: Any time granite is sanded, the only way to restore the shine is to re-polish it. Are you talking ...
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| Bluestone power wash marks | 3/19/2007 |
Q: We really messed up and in an attempt to remove some grass stains from our brand new bluestone patio ...
A: Laurie, It sounds like the spray tip was too narrow and cleaned in a narrow stream. Most power ...
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| Travertine tile | 3/6/2007 |
Q: Tad, I am installing travertine on a wood subfloor in a house that was built in 1972. I plled up ...
A: Jason, You can install travertine over this self leveling mortar as long as you follow the ...
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| working with porcelain | 2/16/2007 |
Q: It's Randy again. I’ve laid some tile, natural stone and ceramic, but this time will be my first ...
A: Randy, porcelain does require a special thinset. Make sure you get the type that specifically says ...
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| Porcelain tile | 2/14/2007 |
Q: I have a potential new client on the hook, but the job is so small that by sq. ft it's hard to ...
A: Randy, I am sorry for the delay in responding, I was out of the state visiting my newest ...
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| countertop materials | 11/28/2006 |
Q: Tad, Thanks for your speedy responses about countertops. I found granite tiles for 14$ per square ...
A: Amy, Most tile installers who set granite tile polish the edge, and cut a 1-2" strip that sits flush ...
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| cleaning leaf stains off bluestone steps | 11/26/2006 |
Q: Tad--we installed new bluestone steps this summer(06). Lately I've noticed stains on the steps from ...
A: I would first suggest R55 Intensive Cleaner from HMK StoneCare. You can order online at ...
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| countertop materials--what am I forgetting | 11/21/2006 |
Q: Okay, thanks and since I can ask other questions-- If I can find marble cheaper than granite, should ...
A: Amy, Marble is another classic counter material. It has been used in Europe for centuries. It does ...
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| countertop materials | 11/21/2006 |
Q: I was so glad to see an expert in this category. I have a ton of questions for you, but I'll try to ...
A: Amy, Soapstone is a classic material that is very beautiful. It does however require frequent oiling ...
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| Black Honed Slate | 11/12/2006 |
Q: I really like the Montauk Black Honed Slate and am considering using it for a kitchen floor in a ...
A: Shantam, Black slate is a classic floor material. It is durable and easy to take care of. It will ...
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| stains on bluestone | 11/10/2006 |
Q: Yes, we had cleaned the stains off with an oxalyic acid product, and they keep coming back. No- it ...
A: Angie, If the deck is an above ground deck with air underneath, then sealing it (once it is ...
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| stains on bluestone | 11/10/2006 |
Q: We have rust stains on our blue stone. I have heard rust (iron) can "bleed out"? Is this ...
A: Angie, Do you know where the rust is coming from? Are you suggesting that the rust is bleeding out ...
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| Travertine over ceramic tile | 11/8/2006 |
Q: Good evening, I saw where you mentioned that you *can* install travertine tile over ceramic tile, ...
A: Several factors are at play here. Is your existing tile floor over a concrete slab or wood subfloor? ...
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| cleaning/sealing bluestone | 9/15/2006 |
Q: WE HAD A NEW YORK BLUESTONE WALKWAY INSTALLED 2 YEARS AGO (LIVE IN LONG ISLAND NEW YORK) WE HAVE ...
A: Jackie, Yes you can pressure wash bluestone, but there are different tips that can be put on to ...
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| installing travertine | 9/8/2006 |
Q: I am getting bids to install travertine on a concrete slab foundation for our new home. One ...
A: Using a "slip-sheet" is a very wise investment. concrete is very prone to cracking, and the cracks ...
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| installing stone around new fireplace | 9/3/2006 |
Q: Yes, our home is stud frame. The stone is apx. 1" thick, called Oklahoma Rainbow Patio. We will be ...
A: You can use a latex modified thinset, but you should also use masonary clips or brick ties to anchor ...
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| 16 inch Travertine breaking | 8/28/2006 |
Q: Tad, I'm using a 3/8 trowel and white thinset morter (Acrylpro). It's when I am trying to set one ...
A: If it breaks while setting it, you are either using too much pressure to press it in place (do not ...
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| 16 inch Travertine breaking | 8/27/2006 |
Q: Hey Tad, I'm 'trying' to install 16 inch travertine on my bath floor, but the plumber left concrete ...
A: Eric, It sounds like you are not using thick enough mortar bed to account for the humps in the ...
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| Honed Black Absolute | 8/22/2006 |
Q: I am trying to decide whether to use a honed black absolute granite countertop in my 1813 home or ...
A: Bonnie, Honed black granite is an attactive surface, but does show fingerprints and spills easily. ...
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| Bluestone damage | 8/22/2006 |
Q: I am a painting contractor and I recently got latex paint on bluestone. My solution was to pressure ...
A: Scott, Using a pressure washer on Bluestone will affect the finish of the stone by opening up the ...
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| installing travertine | 8/13/2006 |
Q: After laying and grouting the tile what do you recommend i do next. I have gotten to this point and ...
A: I would recommend the following process: Clean floor with HMK R55 Intensive Cleaner to remove excess ...
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| Vermont Verde Antique Re-Surfacing | 7/6/2006 |
Q: I will find out, my current understanding is that he did not use a particular type of epoxy with the ...
A: Kate, If the marble was true Vermont Verde Antique then it would not require epoxy thinset like the ...
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| Vermont Verde Antique Re-Surfacing | 7/6/2006 |
Q: My contractor did not install my beautiful Vermont Verde Antique kitchen tile correctly. Apparently ...
A: Kate, I need to know what chemical you are talking about, and what installation products and method ...
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| Travertine Tile | 6/28/2006 |
Q: I am having Meandros Travertine Antique Pattern Ligh installed. I want to be sure the person really ...
A: The most important thing to insure a quality installation is to use a licensed and insured ...
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| Adding Color to Cement | 6/22/2006 |
Q: I have several small concrete projects to which I would like to add color, terra cotta and others. ...
A: You can purchase inexpensive pigment powders from masonry supply centers. They come in 5# boxes. ...
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| travertine | 4/29/2006 |
Q: Dixon, Hope all is well. PLEASE let me know if it is okay to install travertine tile 18x18 over ...
A: You can install travertine over ceramic tile assuming the ceramic tile is properly installed and is ...
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| Natural stone slate 12 | 3/6/2006 |
Q: Is it possible to install natural stone slate in a shower area? I wold like to do the entire shower ...
A: Neil, The tiles should come clean from the supplier. To aid in the clean up, you can seal the slate. ...
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| Natural stone slate 12" x 12" | 3/6/2006 |
Q: Is it possible to install natural stone slate in a shower area? I wold like to do the entire shower ...
A: Yes, slate makes a great shower surface. You do need to install cement board. Make sure you have a ...
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| can i install my travertine... | 1/29/2006 |
Q: can i install my travertine tile on the floor without joints. ie can i just but the tile together ...
A: You can install tiles with no grout, the problem is that grout helps hide tiles that are out of ...
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| Marble on a fireplace | 1/16/2006 |
Q: I've installed a zero-clearance, wood burning fireplace that has a metal facing. I would like to ...
A: Heat will not harm marble, the question is how to attach it to metal. There are some heat resistant ...
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| STEPS | 10/14/2005 |
Q: I have a 90 year old house in Baltimore City and I need new front concrete steps. The area is like ...
A: You indicated that you do want the sidewalk secured to the house, and drilling holes is standard ...
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| Horizontal Cracks in marble wall tiles in shower | 3/9/2005 |
Q: Tad: I just bought a new condo. My bathroom tile is marble (floor and shower). I noticed hairline ...
A: If the house was setling enough to cause marble tiles to crack, then your drywall would have ...
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| marble resurfacing | 2/17/2004 |
Q: we are building a new church. We were given about 400 sq ft of dark green marble. We are going to ...
A: Ken, The simplest way to get the shine back is to use spray lacquer. This will not harm the marble, ...
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