Is it cheaper to restore or replace marble?

Restoring, almost always. Marble restoration in the GTA costs about $2.50 to $20 per square foot; replacement costs $110 to $220 per square foot before tear-out and disposal.

Can etched or stained marble really be saved?

Yes. An etch is acid damage to the polish, and grinding back and re-polishing removes it. A poultice draws out most stains. Neither needs new stone.

How disruptive is marble restoration vs replacement?

A counter usually takes a day, a floor 1 to 3 days. Replacement means tear-out, a wait for the new slab, and installation, normally 2 to 4 weeks without a kitchen or with part of a lobby closed.

Will restored marble look like new?

Yes. Re-polished marble has an even shine that matches the stone around it, and there's no risk of a new slab that doesn't match.

When should I replace marble instead?

Only when the slab has failed structurally, the cabinet or base under it has collapsed, or you're changing the layout. Etching and dullness can be restored.

Restore vs. replace

Restore or replace marble?

Restore marble in most cases. Etching, stains, dullness, and chips sit in the surface and can be refinished in place for about $2.50 to $20 per square foot. Replacement costs $110 to $220 per square foot plus tear-out, and only makes sense if the slab is cracked through or what's under it has failed.

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Restored marble countertop with original veining preserved

The short answer

Almost always restore. Etched, stained, or chipped marble can usually be refinished in place.

Acid dulls marble's polish and foot traffic wears the shine away, but the slab underneath is usually fine. We grind back and re-polish the surface, draw out stains with a poultice, and fill chips with epoxy. You keep the original slab and its veining at a fraction of the cost of replacing it.

Disruption

How long each option takes.

Restore: usually a day for a counter, 1 to 3 days for floors. Replace: tear-out ($1,200 to $2,800 or more for a home counter), a new slab measured and cut, and installation, usually 2 to 4 weeks and longer for commercial spaces that must stay open.

How to decide