Does limestone need to be replaced when it scratches?

Rarely. Soft limestone scratches easily, but the scratches grind out easily too, and resealing leaves an even surface.

How much does limestone restoration cost?

About $2.50 to $20 per square foot in the GTA, versus $100 to $190 to replace.

Will sealing stop limestone from staining again?

No sealer makes limestone stain-proof. A sealer that soaks into the stone slows how fast spills sink in and makes cleanup easier.

Can outdoor limestone be restored?

Often, yes. Entries, patios, and surrounds can be cleaned, smoothed where needed, and sealed. Before quoting, we check weathering and how slippery it gets when wet.

Restore vs. replace

Restore or replace limestone?

Limestone is soft and absorbs liquid, so it scratches and stains, but it also smooths out and reseals easily. Restoration costs about $2.50 to $20 per square foot; replacement costs $100 to $190 per square foot plus tear-out. Restore it unless the stone is cracked through or badly flaking.

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The short answer

Restore in most cases. Soft limestone smooths out and reseals well.

Scratches and traffic wear grind out of soft limestone, and stains respond to cleaning and a sealer that soaks into the stone. Replacement is rarely worth it unless the bed the tiles sit on has failed or the stone is flaking apart.

Disruption

How long each option takes.

Restore: usually 1 to 3 days for floors and entries, often a section at a time in occupied homes. Replace: tearing out tile, redoing the bed beneath, and laying new stone, which commonly closes the entry or bathroom for 2 to 4 weeks or more.

How to decide

When to restore limestone and when to replace it.

Restore when

Scratches, etching, and traffic wear
Stains where the sealer is thin or gone
Dull, tired floors and vanities
You want to keep the stone's natural, aged look
You need the entry or bathroom back within days

Replace when

Deep flaking, or cracks right through the stone
The bed under the floor tile has failed
You're redesigning the space

Estimate your project Read the cost guide Residential restoration

Typical jobs

What restoration can do for limestone.

Stained agglomerate marble elevator lobby

Agglomerate marble tile (marble chips bound into tile) outside a building's elevators, stained and dulled by daily traffic. Cleaning, honing, and sealing can bring back an even floor while the building stays open.

How we treat this

FAQ

Common questions about restoring or replacing limestone.

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Not sure about your limestone?

Send photos of your limestone. We'll tell you whether to restore or replace it, and what each would cost.