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Construction & Contractors/Questions Answered by Expert Torin Dixon
| Subject | Date Asked |
| bluestone chemical sealer | 7/1/2011 |
| Q: I installed bluestone on my porch and i put a sealer from Euclid chemical called "luster seal 350". ... A: Benjamin, I am sorry to hear about your trouble with your Bluestone. This stone is very porous and ... | |
| granite anchor | 5/5/2011 |
| Q: Could you help with the best and cheapest method to install an eye bolt into new england granite, ... A: Mark, Not knowing what kind of load you intend to place on the anchor, the simplest answer is to ... | |
| Bluestone over concrete | 5/4/2011 |
| Q: I am going to lay 1" bluestone on a covered concrete porch. The porch has no cracks and is in ... A: Kathy, I would suggest acid wash and thoroughly rinsing before setting bluestone. If the thickness ... | |
| Patio | 4/23/2011 |
| Q: I'm getting ready to have my contractor install my granite and bluestone patio around my pool and he ... A: Mike, This is a very important question that many people fail to properly assess prior to ... | |
| Concrete dusting | 1/4/2011 |
| Q: Our home was built in 1976. we bought in 2002. Basement floor continuously dusts. Everytime we ... A: Sharon, The concrete was not mixed correctly and is failing if you are getting this kind of ... | |
| Travertine shower leak | 10/22/2010 |
| Q: I had my shower completely remodeled to all travertine as well as travertine wainscot and flooring ... A: Kim, This sounds like there may be more going on than the joint between the shower and the wainscot. ... | |
| Marble table is cracked | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: My Aunt's marble table top is cracked, and it's not a small crack either. I have called around, but ... A: Brianne, Your local marble installers should be able to fix the table top. It will need to be glued ... | |
| Blue stone stains | 9/2/2010 |
| Q: After cleaning mortar joints on radius cut blue stone seating wall caps, a light rust colored ... A: Michael, We have received numerous questions over the past few years regarding Bluestone and rust ... | |
| Bluestone deck causing staining | 8/26/2010 |
| Q: We have a raised bluestone deck that is causing staining on the stucco wall. The staining is ... A: OK, then the only solution is to minimize the water infiltration through the stone, joints and all ... | |
| Bluestone deck causing staining | 8/26/2010 |
| Q: We have a raised bluestone deck that is causing staining on the stucco wall. The staining is ... A: I think the problem may be the "compacted mud bed". I assume that means compacted dirt? If this is ... | |
| Bluestone deck causing staining | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: We have a raised bluestone deck that is causing staining on the stucco wall. The staining is ... A: This is a very interesting problem. I would need more info to determine the cause. How long has ... | |
| Bluestone mortar stains | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: I had Bluestone installed on our front porch with mortar. Especially on the step risers, their is ... A: Andy, Please see the following from www.hmkstonecare.com The products are available at ... | |
| Patio | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: I have a 4" concrete patio with 2 control joints that have cracked along the joint. My house was ... A: Matt, Sorry for the delay in replying. I am in Brazil buying granite blocks for my importing ... | |
| Citronella Candle Stain on NY Blue Stone | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: We have a 14 x 14 patio, %26 my husband dumped out a water logged Citronella candle onto an area of ... A: Kathleen, Sorry to hear about your unfortunate situation. You did not indicate if the bluestone was ... | |
| Terrazzo marble | 3/16/2010 |
| Q: we have some dispute with respect to wording for flooring specification in one of our project. it ... A: Vivek, Terrazzo is a product made from chips of marble mixed with cement and colored pigments. it ... | |
| marble shower care and grout cracks | 2/13/2010 |
| Q: My 4 month old new home crema marfil marble steam shower has some cracks in the grout at the ... A: James, This is not uncommon, but if the marble was not set on a mortar bed (mud set walls) then the ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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: ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| "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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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? ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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, ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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) ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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? ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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, ... | |
Construction & Contractors
Answers by Expert:
Torin Dixon
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Questions concerning Natural Stone Fabrication and Installation including: Marble, Granite, Limestone, Slate, Soapstone, Bluestone, and Travertine in Slabs and Tiles. Expert in natural stone cleaning, sealing, protection and restoration. Distributor of HMK Stone Care Products; Sealers, Cleaning Products, Stone Maintenance. Expert in stone and tile flooring, sealing and maintenance issues. Stain removal from stone. Importer and Distributor of slab stone for residential and commercial applications. Stone carving Stone restoration
Experience
I have worked in the Dimensional Stone Industry since 1977.
California Contractors License 1989
Former owner of Prestige Marble & Tile (So. Calif.)
Current owner of Elegance in Stone (Missoula, MT)
Current Owner of Montana Stone Gallery,LLC Missoula, MT
Owner of Stoncareonline.org Distributor of natural stone maintenance products
Organizations
Missoula Building Industry Association
Montana Building Industry Association
Flathead Building Association
National Association of Home Builders
Member of the Marble Institute of America
Former member of the National Tile Contractors Association
Publications
Slippery Rock Gazette-Stone Industry Publication
Education/Credentials
Journeyman Marble Mason, Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Union #2
California Contractors License 1989-1997
Montana Contractors Registration #42969
Importer of natural stone slabs. Owner-Director of Montana Stone Gallery a regional Importing and Distribution company located in Missoula, MT
Past/Present Clients
Thousands of commercial and residential installations of stone slabs and tile in bathrooms, kitchens, showers, flooring, fireplaces over a 34 year professional career.
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