Restoring Victorian Quarry Tiles at St. Mary's Church, Far Cotton

The following job was a bit different from the kitchen and hallway restorations we normally get asked to do, in fact this request came from the vicar of St. Mary's Church in Far Cotton who wanted us to restore some beautiful old Quarry tiles which lead up to the main aisle. The church dates back to 1885 and given the wear on some of the tiles I can only assume they date back to the same Victorian period; the church is a really welcoming, community-focused place, so it was a pleasure for me Read more...

Stained and Discoloured Marble Fireplace Rejuvenated in Bedford

As you may know already, Tile Doctor aren't limited to the maintenance and restoration of tiled floors. Our expertise covers all different types of tile and stone cleaning, meaning we are even able to clean and restore stone fireplaces. A good example of this is a polished Marble fireplace I recently restored in Bedford, which is the county town of one of England's smallest counties, Bedfordshire. Marble is reputed in the international market for its premium quality, toughness, and Read more...

Victorian Tiled Floor Cleaned and Sealed in Ulverston

Ulverston is one of several historic market towns in Cumbria which has some excellent views of Morecambe Bay and the Southern Lake District. It is also home to some lovely old properties, including one that I visited recently to provide some repairs, cleaning and sealing for a Victorian tiled floor. Although the floor was in good condition overall, the tiles were starting to loosen in some areas because the grout had come adrift and needed to be replaced.In fact, several tiles had broken as Read more...

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Brazilian Slate tiled cellar floor in Urmston, Manchester

This beautiful Brazilian Slate tiled floor was installed in the cellar of a house in Urmston, Manchester; the slate has never been sealed as so as you would expect it dirt soon became ingrained into the pores of the tile and it lost its appearance. Cleaning slate Floor Tiles I gave the floor a good deep cleaning using a dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-clean which is an alkaline cleaner safe to use on natural stone such as Slate; I should mention this is an industrial strength product and it's very good at removing general dirt, grime and even grease. I let the product soak into the tile for five minutes before scrubbing it into the slate using a black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary machine. Pro-Clean was also used along the grout lines to get them clean, although this had to be scrubbed by hand with a stiff brush. Finally I gave the floor a through rinse using hot water to make sure that no chemical remained on the tile before sealing and then left for the evening so the floor could Read more...

Contact Us

Why not take advantage of our free local survey service and arrange for us to visit you at your home or premises where we can listen to your needs and use our knowledge and experience to put new life into your tiles. Remember prevention is cheaper than the cure so do talk to us about grout sealing and regular maintenance. Complete the form below or call us on 0845 652 4652 and we will be in touch. Other Tile Doctor Web Sites Read more...

How to Refinish Limestone Tile Countertops

Refinishing a limestone tile countertop is an easy process which will bring the original look and appeal of the limestone back to its original state. Limestone is a very soft substance that takes a little extra care when working upon, and since it stains fairly easy, it has to be cleaned before it can be coated with a sealant.

What You'll Need:

• Flour
• Mild dishwashing soap
• Water
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Plastic wrap
• Rubber spatula
• Limestone sealant
• Soft paint brush
• Soft clean rags
• Limestone sealant remover
• Limestone filler

Step 1 - Clean any Stains

Before even attempting to refinish a limestone tile countertop be sure that the surface is clean and that all of the stains are removed. Depending upon the type of limestone that you have, remove the stains by applying a paste made from flour, dishwashing soap, and water or flour, water, and hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste over the top of the stain and cover it for 24 hours with a piece of plastic wrap. When taking it off, scrape it up with a rubber spatula, making sure that you do not scratch the surface. After all the stains are removed in this fashion, wash the entire countertop with a good quality limestone cleaner. Use a clean soft rag and very little pressure.

Step 2 - Apply Limestone Sealant Remover

Once again, depending upon the type of limestone that you have installed, apply the sealant remover and follow the directions upon the specific type that you are using. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the limestone. It is necessary to use a clean, soft rag when doing this, but be sure not to press down too hard upon the rag, and if you feel any particles of dirt between the rag and the limestone countertop, stop immediately and remove them before proceeding.

Step 3 - Apply Limestone Filler

If the countertop has a lot of swirls or scratches within it, or even some small chips or cracks, apply a thin coat of limestone filler in order to smooth the surface out. Once again follow the directions given for the specific product that you use. The filler should effectively fill in any minor scratches or chips, but if the countertop has some serious issues it would be a good idea to have it resurfaced before continuing onto the next step.

Step 4 - Apply the Limestone Sealer

Apply the limestone sealer, after the other chemicals have dried, with a soft brush. Apply the sealant in even coats, using a motion that covers one section at a time. Begin at the back of the counter, and brush forward in one even stroke, and then back up in a line next to it. Work as quickly as you can so that the sealant does not begin to dry as you apply the next row. This will ensure even coverage as well as preventing any lines from forming that will be seen after the sealant dries.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Cleaning Terracotta Kitchen Tiles in Didsbury

This Terracotta tiled floor was in the kitchen of a house in Didsbury near Manchester. The tiles had never been sealed before and so had become ingrained with dirt making them very difficult to clean. Cleaning Terracotta Tiles To get the Terracotta tiles clean I soaked tiles in a dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean and left it to dwell for ten minutes. Then using a large 17inch black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary machine and a stiff grout brush proceeded to work the cleaning solution into the tile and grout. This process soon turned the cleaning solution dark with the dirt that had been released from the tile and this was removed using a wet vacuum. The floor rinsed down with water and stubborn areas retreated, finally once happy with the condition of the floor the tiles were thoroughly rinsed to remove any trace of cleaning product prior to sealing and the floor left to dry overnight. Sealing Terracotta Tiles I returned the next day to seal the floor testing it first with a damp Read more...

Green Indian Limestone Patio Treated for Heavy Staining in Windermere

This patio, at a house in Windermere was made of fantastic Green Indian Limestone that despite sounding exotic is widely available in tile shops and building yards. But while it is a very good quality stone, it doesn't always make for a good patio tile. Tiled patios are rarely easy to keep clean, especially if they are made of a sensitive stone, like Limestone. Over time, damage from weather and other environmental elements can leave these sorts of patios in really poor shape. The area at Read more...

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Marble Entrance Hall Restored Through Burnishing in Congleton

A fantastic Marble tiled entrance hallway is the first thing you see when you open the door to this property in Congleton. Unfortunately, polished stone does need regular maintenance to keep its appearance, especially in high traffic areas such as this vestibule which had lost their shine, leaving them looking dull and unexceptional. Needless to say, the property owner was keen to get the floor restored to its former glory. That's where I stepped in. Cleaning and Burnishing a Marbled Tiled Read more...

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Mouldy Shower Cubicle Refreshed in Northampton

A common problem with bathroom and shower cubicle tiles is the appearance of mould on the tile, grout and silicone which if not tackled on a regular basis will spread and threaten to severely damage the appearance of the tiles, along with the silicone. This problem is usually due to inadequate ventilation however the good news is that with early intervention with Tile Doctor Mould Away spray the problem can be reversed. The two photos below show a bad case of this very problem at a property Read more...

Dealing with Grout Haze on a New Black Limestone Floor in Wixams

Believe it or not the pictures below show a brand-new installation of black Limestone tiles in the kitchen and dining room of a house in Wixams which is a new town right in the centre of Bedfordshire. The tiles looked terrible and on closer inspection I could see that they were heavily covered with grout haze. The customer thinks the tiler was in a hurry to get the job finished, unfortunately if not washed off immediately and allowed to dry before sealing grout haze can become a real Read more...

Ceramic Tiled Bath and Shower Tiles Refreshed in Hale Village

We commonly encounter customers who are struggling to keep their Ceramic tiled shower cubicles clean. Since most people use their showers every day, the tiles and grout inevitably come into contact with shampoos and soaps that can cause staining, discolouration and mould. In fact, it's not uncommon for property owners to completely give up on trying to clean the tiles, especially as many everyday cleaners are ineffectual, and this allows the situation to worsen over time. This customer, who Read more...

Restoring Victorian Tiles at the Salford Town Hall

This original Victorian Tiled floor was uncovered at the Grade 2 listed Salford Town Hall in Salford, Manchester. This public building which built around 1827 was the former Salford Town Hall and Magistrates Court; it's currently being turned in to luxury apartments and this amazing floor is located in the main entrance hall. The floor was only recently re-discovered during the conversion works after being hidden for many years and was in surprisingly good condition. The company remodelling the building are maintaining the historic features so we got the call to go in and clean and seal the floor. Cleaning Victorian Tiles Cleaning the floor was fairly straight forward and involved the application of a dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which was left to dwell on the tile for around ten minutes before being worked into the Tile and Grout using a rotary machine fitted with a black pad. The dirty solution was removed using a wet vacuum and the whole floor rinsed down three times to Read more...

Shower Cubicle Refreshed in Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria

Grange-over-Sands is a quaint little town on the Morecambe bay, roughly halfway between Barrow-in-Furness and Kendal in Cumbria. I was recently contacted by a property owner in the area who had heard about Tile Doctor services and was keen to have us restore their tiled shower cubicle which, as you can see from the photos below, had staining and mould on the ceramic tile, grout and silicone sealant. The shower cubicle was looking far from inviting and well in need of a good deep clean. I Read more...

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Polished Travertine Tiles with Pitting Issues Restored in Oundle

Although at first glance this Travertine tiled floor in Oundle appeared to be in decent condition, upon closer inspection however it became very clear that it was suffering from significant pitting issues and had become very dull for a polished stone. While they can't necessarily be seen in the photographs, the floor had hundreds of small holes across the entire area, along with a few hairline settlement cracks in a few particular tiles. It is natural for Travertine to become pitted and for Read more...

Stained and Damaged Sandstone Patio Restoration in Rushden

Lichen, moss and other plant-based staining is a common sight on patios exposed to the UK climate. For many property owners, it's a very difficult task to keep patios looking great in the face of the natural effects of the environment. However always happy to help Tile Doctor is available to provide the professional cleaning and sealing needed on a regular basis. This Sandstone tiled patio in Rushden was certainly a prime candidate for restoration. Not only was it completely covered in Read more...

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Portfolio of Tile Cleaning work completed by Andrew Robb Read more...

Damaged Travertine Tiled Floor Repaired in Oldham Conservatory

The photographs below probably don't do this job justice but in summary recent high winds had dislodged tiles from the roof adjacent this conservatory at a house in Oldham causing them to smash through the glass roof and damage the Travertine Tiles on the floor below. Cleaning, Filling and Polishing Travertine Tiles The first job was to wash the floor down with Tile Doctor Pro-Clean to give it a general clean and remove any surface dirt and grit from the floor. Travertine is a very hard stone so to restore the finish it needs to be cut back and polished using of a set of diamond encrusted burnishing pads fitted to a rotary machine. You start with a coarse pad with a little water, then a medium pad, fine pad and finish with a very fine polishing pad, this takes some time but the effect it quite transforming, it does build up slurry on the floor so it all needs to be washed down again at the end. I use a wet vacuum to remove the liquids from the floor and this also gets the floor Read more...

Colourful Original Victorian Tiled Hallway Restored to New in Bedford

When you discover an old Victorian tiled floor underneath carpet, the first question that will probably pop into your mind is: can it be restored? The answer, in the majority of cases, is yes. In fact, Tile Doctor has completed hundreds of Victorian tiled floor restorations. Victorian tiles have a timeless quality about them and are still popular for residential use even in the twenty first century. What you can usually expect upon lifting your carpet is for the tiles to be covered in Read more...

Portfolio

Portfolio of Tile Cleaning work completed by Heidi Taylor Read more...

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Grouting Wood Effect Porcelain floor tiles in Homes Chapel

I thought I would do a quick post on this request I received to finish off the grouting of these wood effect Porcelain floor tiles at a house in Homes Chapel. The owner is a DIY enthusiast and had been making some renovations to the property including the laying of this long format distressed wood effect tiles which are really realistic. Grouting a Porcelain Floor The owner had done a good job laying a level floor but was unsure how to apply the grout so put in a request for some Read more...

350-Year Old Original Quarry Tiles Salvaged and Restored in Ringstead

It's not every day that I get to work on a 350-year old property, however, not too long I was contacted by a client who was in the process of renovating one in the village of Ringstead, complete with an original Quarry tiled floor. After removing the old flooring in the property, the client had discovered a broken-up screed of concrete covering the original tiles, the remnants of which can be seen in the photos below. He proceeded to manually scrape the screed off over the course of several Read more...

Old Victorian Tiled Floor Brought Back to Life in Bedford

This customer from Bedford, the county town of one of England's smallest counties Bedfordshire, called me out because they have bought a house and, upon lifting the glued down carpet, had discovered a beautiful Victorian tiled floor. They decided to call me in to see if this original feature could be restored to its former glory having already tried household products to remove the glue and clean the tiles with limited success. We often find customers who discover old tiles under carpet or Read more...

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Recently Laid Travertine Tiled Floor Cleaned in Didsbury

Incredibly this Travertine tiled floor had been laid just two weeks prior and unfortunately the tiler had not cleaned the floor prior to sealing thus trapping in dirt and dust that were present on the floor and now the tiles looked dull and dirty. Sealing floors can be a minefield and it's possible the dirt was not that obvious and by sealing the floor it magnified the issue literally; whatever the reason the only solution would be to strip the floor of its sealer, clean the floor and then reseal. Maintaining Travertine Tiles To strip the floor of the sealer and clean it requires the application of a set of diamond encrusted burnishing pads which are fitted to a rotary machine in a set sequence and run over the floor lubricated with a little water. There are four pads in the set, you start with a coarse pad which will remove ingrained dirt and sealers before moving on to the medium, fine and very fine polishing pads which are a much finer grit and restore the polished finish of the Read more...

Polishing and Repairing a Limestone Office Floor in Maulden

The following photos show a modern Limestone tiled floor that had been damaged by the office cleaner. Bit of a long story but basically the cleaner had inadvertently placed a bottle of a strong cleaning chemical which was leaking in a bin liner, that then proceeded to leak onto several areas of the floor as he walked around the office. The chemical soaked into the Limestone tiles unnoticed causing damage and acid etching. These close-up photos below show the damage, which couldn't be Read more...

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Cracked Travertine Tiled Kitchen Floor Maintained in Didsbury

This Travertine tiled kitchen floor had been laid around five years previously in a house in Didsbury and now most of the sealer had worn down making the floor difficult to clean effectively. This resulted in the tiles looking continually dirty and a few of the tiles had cracked which you can see in the photograph below. Maintaining Travertine Tiles To start off with i scrubbed Tile Doctor Pro-Clean into all the grout lines with a stiff brush in order to get them as clean as possible followed by a rinse with water which was extracted using a wet vacuum. The next step was to strip the Travertine of any remaining sealer and dirt using a set of four Diamond encrusted burnishing pads which come in a number of grades and are applied from coarse to extra fine with a little water to help lubricate. I used the first three pads from coarse to fine rinsing between each pad to restore the polished finish of the stone but stopped before applying the final pad so I could fill all the cracked Read more...

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Portfolio of Tile Cleaning work completed by Philip Vissian Read more...

Colourful Terrazzo Tiles Cleaned and Sealed in Bosley

This post is from the small Cheshire village of Bosley where I had received an enquiry from the owner of the old station master's house. The house was quite old and the owner had been modernising it whilst keeping many of the original features. This includes some fantastic Terrazzo kitchen tiles which unfortunately were not looking their best due to an abundance of ingrained dirt. The floor was well overdue to be restored by a professional, so we were called in to get the job done. Terrazzo Read more...

Terracotta Tiled Kitchen Floor with Severe Grout Haze Problem Treated in Cogenhoe

This newly installed Herringbone-style Terracotta tiled floor in a refurbished kitchen was heavily covered with patches of grout haze. The customer, who lives in the town of Cogenhoe, Northampton informed me that the tiler had supposedly sealed the floor before grouting. If this was true, the grout haze should have been very easy to remove. However, the tiler had clearly not been entirely truthful as, when I arrived at the property to carry out a test clean, I found very little evidence of Read more...

Rough Chinese Slate Kitchen Floor Revitalised in Cheadle

This small rough Chinese Slate floor in the kitchen of a house in the village of Cheadle near Stockport in Greater Manchester had not had any sealer put on it for many years and was very grubby (dishevelled as described by the customer) looking even after the customer had tried to clean it. Sealers do take a lot of punishment, especially in a high traffic area such as a small kitchen and will wear off over time and once this happens the floor will start to lose its appearance as dirt becomes ingrained in the stone and it can no longer be cleaned effectively. Cleaning the Slate Tiled Floors As we have to apply a liberal amount of water with this sort of work, the first step was to remove the Kicker boards at the bottom of the Kitchen units and silicone the Kitchen units that were fixed; this stops water seeping in and blowing the MDF allowing us to concentrate on cleaning the Slate without causing any damage. I started the cleaning process by applying a strong dilution of Tile Read more...

Professional Terrazzo Kitchen Floor Restoration

This post is from the small Cheshire village of Bosley where I had received an enquiry from the owner of the old station master's house. The house was quite old and the owner had been modernising it whilst keeping many of the original features. This includes some fantastic Terrazzo kitchen tiles which unfortunately were not looking their best due to an abundance of ingrained dirt. The floor was well overdue to be restored by a professional, so we were called in to get the job done.


Terrazzo is a very hard wearing and affordable material that was quite common in many public buildings so I suspect this floor was original.

Burnishing a Terrazzo Tiled Floor

Terrazzo is very hard wearing so we find the best method to clean them is to treat them like a Marble or Travertine and use a process we have developed called 'burnishing'. This process cleans and polishes the tiles using a system of four 17" diamond-encrusted burnishing pads of varying grits in conjunction with a little water as lubrication. We started by applying the Coarse 400 grit pad to grind away the stubborn ingrained dirt, a little water is used to lubricate and then the floor is rinsed to remove the slurry that is generated. We then worked our way through the system to a Medium 800 grit pad, Fine 1500 grit pad and finally a Very Fine 3000 grit pad each one applied in the same way. This process carefully refines the polish of the surface of the tiles, restoring shine and lustre while ridding the stone of ingrained dirt. Once the burnishing had been completed, we gave the floor a thorough rinse to remove dirty water and soil residue the floor. It was then left to dry overnight.

Sealing a Terrazzo Tiled Floor

The floor had dried by the next day, so the tiles were ready to receive a fresh seal to protect against ingrained dirt and make them easier to keep clean in the future. Our choice of sealer for this floor was Tile Doctor Colour Grow, it’s an impregnating sealer that’s specially formulated to enhance the natural colours in the tiles. As an impregnating sealer, Colour Grow fills the pores in the stone to act as a barrier against muck.


Before we left the customer to enjoy their newly restored Terrazzo tiles, I made sure to use a rotary machine fitted with a white pad to gently buff the floor and make sure the finish was pristine.




Source: Terrazzo Tile Cleaning and Restoration Service in Cheshire

Ceramic Tiled Shower Cubicle Refreshed in Wigan

Shower cubicles can be the most difficult of tiled features to keep clean. Most are exposed to various acid-based soaps and shampoos on a daily basis, allowing mould and general muck to quickly build up along the grout lines and silicone. This leaves the entire area looking quite unappealing. In some cases, the grout lines become stained beyond a point where they can be restored to their original condition, so property owners will typically request to have the grout cut out and replaced however a faster and cheaper method is to have the grout completely recoloured. Such was the case with this Ceramic tiled shower cubicle at a house in Wigan. It would take a lot to get the cubicle looking great again, having not been cleaned properly for a long time. The property owner decided to contact me for a professional refresh, including cleaning, new silicone sealer and recolouring of the grout. Cleaning a Ceramic Tiles Shower Cubicle I started the refresh by applying Tile Doctor Mould Away Read more...

Dark African Slate Tiles Rejuvenated in Mickleton

African Slate has a striking realism to it and its natural mix of light and dark shades is difficult to compare to anything else. This example of an African Slate tiled floor was installed in the kitchen of a property in Mickleton, Gloucestershire, a town which is best known for its tradition of vegetable gardening. The floor was laid 15 years ago, but the owner had not maintained the sealer which would have protected the porous stone from dirt becoming ingrained. As a result, the floor was Read more...

Burnishing Travertine Tiles To Restore Lustre in Staverton

Travertine is a highly coveted and popular choice for tiled floors - and it's easy to see why. At peak condition, it's one of the most beautiful and eye-catching types of tile that is available. However, the appearance of the stone tends to suffer heavily from a natural process of corrosion know as pitting, which results in small holes developing that easily fill up with dirt and muck over time. This ingrained dirt is particularly difficult to remove with domestic, supermarket-quality Read more...

Century-old Victorian Tiled Floor Rejuvenated in Finedon

Finedon is a small civil parish in Northamptonshire with a big history. At the time the Domesday Book was complete in the late 11th century, the town was, in fact, a large royal manor held by the wife of Edward the Confessor. In subsequent centuries the town has experienced a rich history and many of the current houses were built during the Victorian period (1837-1901). It came as little surprise to me, then, to get a call from a customer in the town who had recently found an original Read more...

How to Hone Travertine Tile

Travertine tile floors and surfaces are sedimentary and solid natural stones that may need to grinded, honed or polished to bring back the natural beauty of the finish. This type of material is ideal for most flooring applications, as well as kitchen and table countertops. You only need simple household tools and cleaning products to get the job done safely and efficiently. You may choose to hire a professional to hone or polish your travertine tiles, but you can save lots of money if you decide to do it yourself.

Wear and tear may be evident on travertine floor and counter tiles due to age, scratches, stains and heavy foot traffic. Hone and polish the finish of travertine tiles with these simple steps.

What You'll Need:

• Variable speed orbital sander
• 400-grit resin bond attachment
• 115-grit diamond resin attachment
• 220-grit carbide stone
• Sealer
• Cotton towel or rag

Step 1 – Clean the Surface Thoroughly

Use water and mild household detergent to thoroughly remove stains, dirt and other contaminants from the surface. Use a sponge or bristled brush to safely loosen and remove excess dirt.

Step 2 – Hone the Surface

Use a variable speed angle grinder with the 400-grit resin bond attachment to hone the surface of the travertine tile. Apply water to the entire surface of the tile and work the grinder on the surface on a small area at a time. Start at the edge and work your way towards the entire surface. Apply more water as needed to provide lubrication for the angle grinder attachment. Use a circular, side to side motion to efficiently polish the surface and avoid concentrating the grinder on a specific area for an extended period of time as you sand the finish. Add more water as you move on to other parts of the surface.

Step 3 – Change the Attachment

Change to a 115-grit diamond resin attachment and repeat the procedure as stated in Step 2. This attachment is less harsh than the 400-grit resin bond and will produce a smoother finish. Remember to constantly add water to the surface as you sand the travertine tile. Work with a small area at a time to produce a better result.

Step 4 – Sand the Surface with 220-grit Carbide Stone

Use a 220-grit carbide stone attachment to further polish the travertine tile. Refer to the above-mentioned steps when doing further polishing. Remember to constantly apply water over the surface as you polish the tile. Allow the entire surface to dry thoroughly.

Step 5 – Apply Sealer to the Travertine Tile

Use a soft paint brush to apply stone sealer to your travertine tiles. Adding sealer to marble or travertine tile surfaces will help protect the finish against minor cuts, scratches and stains, as well as add beauty and luster to the surface. Let dry for at least 2 to 4 hours.

It is easy to hone and restore the appearance of your travertine tiles. Keep in mind that proper safety equipment such as hand gloves and goggles are required when working with power tools.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Encaustic Cement Tiles Burnished and Sealed in Stockport

I'm often asked if you should seal a tile before grouting and the answer is a definite yes, and this Encaustic Cement tiled bathroom floor installation in Stockport is a great example as to why. The tiles had not been sealed before grouting and then, once the tiler went to grout the newly installed tiles with a grey grout, the colour ran into the tiles, staining them and leaving them looking grubby and dirty. Had the tiles been sealed it would of made the process of removing the grout from the surface of the tile much easier. If you haven't come across them before Encaustic cement tiles are often hand painted and are available in a range of beautifully artistic patterns, so it was a real shame that these tiles were allowed to be spoilt by an avoidable mistake. As you can imagine, the property owner was keen to have the tiles professionally restored, and she contacted me to get the job done. I took some photographs but I'm not sure that they do justice to the problem. Burnishing and Read more...

Contact Us

Why not take advantage of our free local survey service and arrange for us to visit you at your home or premises where we can listen to your needs and use our knowledge and experience to put new life into your tiles. Remember prevention is cheaper than the cure so do talk to us about grout sealing and regular maintenance. Complete the form below or call us on 0845 652 4652 and we will be in touch. What Our Recent Customers Have to Say Click here to read more feedback Other Tile Doctor Web Sites Read more...

Shower Cubicle Cleaning and Re-Colouring in Dane Bank

Shower and bathroom mould and soap scum growth are probably the most common, annoying and frustrating tile-related problems. Wet and high humidity areas with poor ventilation provide the perfect breeding ground for mould and stains. Soap residue and body oils also create a food source for soap scum, mould to grow. My customer in Dane Bank had the exact problem with dirty and mouldy grout lines in her shower cubicle. She had tried scrubbing the grout lines herself with a toothbrush and standard supermarket cleaners but never got the result she wanted. Fortunately she was lucky to find Tile Doctor from the internet and I was asked to pop over and take a look to see what could be done. I was confident we could make a big difference so I went through the options with her and give her price for the job. She was happy with the price and we agreed a date for me to return and complete the work. Cleaning a Ceramic Shower Cubicle For grout lines cleaning I used Tile Doctor Grout Colorant Read more...

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Portfolio of Tile Cleaning work completed by Tony Olmet Read more...

White Tumbled Marble Tiled Floor Refreshed in a Hampton Kitchen

This White Tumbled Marble tiled floor at a house in Hampton had been installed throughout the kitchen and dining area ten years back and was now in desperate need of a deep clean and seal to remove dirt that had accumulated in the pores of the stone. Once the dirt gets into the pores it makes it difficult to keep clean which is exactly the problem the property owner had experienced. The 'tumbled' effect on the Marble is achieved by tumbling the tiles in drums to soften and age the edges and Read more...

Renovating Old Victorian Floor Tiles at a Lancaster Garage

We don't get many requests to clean garage floors but this particular floor was quite old and tiled in black and red Victorian tiles. Many would have just washed it down with a hose pipe however this garage in the city of Lancaster housed a classic British built AC sports car which doesn't like getting dust in its Carburettor's and as a result the owner was keen to have the floor restored. You can see from the photograph below the floor was in quite a state and as such the whole floor Read more...

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Victorian Tiled Hallway Restored in Bedford

Recently I was contacted by a man in the town of Bedford who was worried that he had damaged his Victorian tiled hallway as a result of dragging a piano across the floor. I went round to the property to get a better look at the problem and, on closer inspection, realised that the tiles were actually fine; however, the piano had torn through the old surface seal. The 150-year old tiles, dating back - as the name suggests - to the reign of Queen Victoria, had been poorly sealed and Read more...

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Dull Limestone Tiles Brought Back to Life with Burnishing in Peel Green

This beautiful Limestone kitchen tiled floor at a property in Peel Green was only a year old and, while it wasn't in too bad of a state, the customer told me the floor had not been sealed properly due to issues with retaining moisture. The lack of an adequate sealer had allowed the Limestone to become duller over time after exposure to dirt and muck. It also had some more obvious marks and stains in some place and needed some grouting to be done around the corners and edges of the room. I Read more...

Welcome to the Gloucester Tile Doctor

We are your local specialist for tile cleaning, stone cleaning, grout cleaning and tile, stone and grout sealing covering the restoration of all types of stone and tiled flooring including Ceramic, Limestone, Marble, Porcelain, Quarry, Sandstone, Slate, Terracotta, Terrazzo, Travertine and Victorian tile. Were professionally trained and have the equipment and experience to solve any problem, were also part of the largest specialist tile and stone cleaning network in the UK that enables us to Read more...

Improving the look of Marble Flooring

This White Tumbled Marble tiled floor at a house in Hampton had been installed throughout the kitchen and dining area ten years back and was now in desperate need of a deep clean and seal to remove dirt that had accumulated in the pores of the stone. Once the dirt gets into the pores it makes it difficult to keep clean which is exactly the problem the property owner had experienced. The 'tumbled' effect on the Marble is achieved by tumbling the tiles in drums to soften and age the edges and surface of the stone. However, it was difficult to appreciate this interesting style as the presence of dirt and staining was quite overwhelming and the owner was now keen to restore it back to its original condition.

Cleaning Tumbled Marble Tiles

I started the restoration by applying a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean. This high alkaline cleaning product was spread across the floor and left to dwell for a short period, before I then worked it deep into the pores of the stone using a heavy duty rotary scrubbing machine. Next, some of the stubborn, more deeply ingrained stains were scrubbed by hand, along with the grout lines, which were also particularly dirty. The resulting slurry of water and cleaning solution was then pressure rinsed away and soaked up with a wet vacuum. The floor was then inspected and areas that needed more attention were retreated using the same process followed by a final rinse with water. The wet vacuum was then used again to extract as much moisture from the floor as possible before leaving the now clean floor to dry off fully overnight ready to accept a fresh coat of sealer the next day.

Sealing Tumbled Marble Tiles

I returned to the property the following day and took a few moisture readings to ensure the Marble had dried off completely overnight. This is critical because even a small amount of excess moisture can damage the performance of the sealer. Once I was satisfied that the tiles were dry I proceeded to apply two coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow, a sealer which impregnates the pores of the stone, therefore protecting it from within. It also enhances the natural colours in the stone at the same time, hence the name 'Colour Grow'! The new sealer will now make it easy for the customer to maintain the floor and avoid the build up of dirt over time in the same way that it had before. It will also protect the stone against spillages. Overall I think it's fair to describe the result as a complete transformation. The tiles are bright and clean - and now they will stay that way! Certainly, the customer was pleased with her newly restored White Tumbled Marble tiled floor.

Source: Marble Tile Cleaning and Restoration Service in Middlesex

Old Victorian Tiled Floor Brought Back to Life in Bedford

This customer from Bedford, the county town of one of England's smallest counties Bedfordshire, called me out because they have bought a house and, upon lifting the glued down carpet, had discovered a beautiful Victorian tiled floor. They decided to call me in to see if this original feature could be restored to its former glory having already tried household products to remove the glue and clean the tiles with limited success. We often find customers who discover old tiles under carpet or Read more...

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Cleaning a Travertine Tiled Shower Cubicle in Newton Heath

This is a follow-up post from last week where I detailed the restoration of a beautiful polished travertine floor that had been installed on most of the ground floor and bathroom at a property in Newton Heath. After cleaning, polishing and sealing the floor tiles the owners asked if I could apply the same treatment to their Travertine tiled shower cubicle which was not looking its best and had become stained over time. Cleaning Travertine Shower Wall Tiles First I successfully cleaned the Read more...

Contact Us

Why not take advantage of our free local survey service and arrange for us to visit you at your home or premises where we can listen to your needs and use our knowledge and experience to put new life into your tiles. Remember prevention is cheaper than the cure so do talk to us about grout sealing and regular maintenance. Complete the form below or call us on 0845 652 4652 and we will be in touch. What Our Recent Customers Have to Say Click here to read more feedback Other Tile Doctor Web Sites Read more...

How to Stain a Slate Kitchen Floor

A slate kitchen floor is a high-trafficked area; it will eventually look dull and lifeless after years of water and oil spills, and shoes or furniture abrasion. Although a slate tile is a natural stone, it can be stained to revive its luster or enhance its color.

What You'll Need:

• Oxygen bleach
• Detergent
• Acetone Stripper
• Floor Mop
• Floor Scrubber (You may rent this) or a scouring pad
• Nylon bristle brush
• Waterbase Acrylic Stain
• Penetrating Sealer (preferably Silane)
• Paint Brush
• Grit Sandpaper
• Neutral Ph stone cleanser
• Distilled water

Step 1 – Clean the Area
Remove furniture, electrical appliance, rugs and other items that cover the surface area of the slate kitchen floor. Vacuum the floor. Mix water and detergent. Use an electric floor scrubber or a scouring pad to remove grime, and oil. Remove suds using a mop dipped in clean water. Afterwards, prepare oxygen bleach solution. Wipe the entire are with oxygen bleach to remove deep seated dirt, remove last traces of oil, eliminate molds and mildews and disinfect the floor.

Step 2 – Strip-Off Old Sealer

Cleaning and scrubbing the area may remove the old sealer applied on the floor, but it is only by using a sealer stripper that sealer may be removed completely.

Prepare the acetone stripper, apply the solution using the floor scrubber, and begin the stripping process. If you will be using a nylon bristle brush to scrub away the sealer, apply the solution with a paintbrush, let the solution stand for a few minutes, and then begin scrubbing. Concentrate on less-trafficked areas where the old sealer is still intact. Use sandpaper grit on these areas.

Step 3 – Neutralize the Stones

Treat the clean and sealer free slate floor with a neutral Ph stone cleanser. Remember that a slate tile is a natural metamorphic rock; the chemicals that have been used to clean and strip it of sealer can cause a chemical reaction and make the stone brittle. Rinse the area with distilled water before moving on with the staining process. Remember when rinsing (or the last rinse during cleaning process), always use distilled water. Minerals in tap water can cause spots and discoloration on natural stones like slates.

Let the floor dry for an hour.

Step 4 – Color Stain

Apply a waterbase acrylic stain in the color of your choice using a paintbrush. A slate stone is porous and it absorbs waterbase stains quickly, so apply the stain with several thin coats to achieve the desired color instead of one thick application. Let the stain dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 5 – Apply the Sealer

Use a penetrating sealer, preferably Silane, and apply it with a paintbrush. Apply several coats in intervals specified by the sealer’s manufacturer. Let it dry thoroughly before putting the furniture and other items back in place.

Sealer works like a waterproofing agent by sealing the pores on the stones, thereby protecting the stones from water, grease and oil. Also, it increases the absorption and adhesion of waterbase stains, specifically sealers containing Silane, which increases stain adhesion by 400%.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Burnishing the Polish Into Travertine Tiles in Didsbury

While popular and highly coveted due to its natural brown colouring, Travertine is not as tough as other types of natural stone and thus needs regular maintenance if you wish to keep it looking good. Without it the polish can quickly dull, and can suffer from erosion over time if acidic cleaning products are used often resulting in small holes or pitting appearing. This house in the Manchester suburb of Didsbury had a particularly large area of Travertine tiles which had proven to be very Read more...

Restoring a Victorian Tiled Bathroom in Horncastle

The owner of this Victorian tiled bathroom floor in Horncastle had tried scrubbing and scraping these tiles will little to show for it, in the end after spending hours on this cold floor and trying lots of different products he was fed up and it still looked less than satisfactory. The tiles were very old and dirty and had remnants of glue stuck around the edges indicating they had previously been covered by something else such as lino, fortunately Victorian tiles are our bread and butter Read more...

Customer Testimonials

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5 Limestone Tile Design Tips

Limestone tile is made of a sedimentary rock that contains calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. Most of the lime stones have granular and rough texture with tiny pieces of fossil animal shells. The limestone may have a unique color ranging from white to golden brow, but bones, oatmeal, coffee or flint in the stone can give different color to a tile. Consider the following tips as you plan to use limestone tile in your home.

1. Mosaic

If you want a uniquely designed tile made from limestone, you can opt to have a mosaic design. This is made by putting together several pieces of tiles in different or symmetrical shapes to come up with a picture or an abstract design. You can have the mosaic customized to your taste and desire, giving you a one-of-a-kind limestone tile design.

2. Pure White

If you are designing a tile for your bathroom, you can go for the classically designed bathroom in all white. With this design, you will never go wrong even after several decades have passed. An advantage of having a pure white tile design is that you will not have a hard time matching up your bathroom accessories with your tile color. You can easily add bright hues as a contrast to the stark whiteness of your bathroom.

3. Checkerboard

A common style tip for your tiles is to mimic the checkerboard with the help of two colors. Though this style type may be common, you can add a twist of your own personality by choosing color combinations that match your tastes. For a classic look, you can stick with black and white, or for a modern look, you can choose bright blues and greens.

4. Two-Toned Bathroom Wall Tile

It is now common to see bathroom wall tiles that have two different design or color. Usually, the color of the tiles for the bottom wall is of a darker hue than the tiles on the top part. You can mix and match colors by picking colors of the same hue but with different shades for your bathroom wall or two completely different hues that you think are appealing to the eyes.

5. Mix and Match

A lot of modern bathrooms or rooms sport differently patterned, shaped and colored tiles. You can find fat rectangular tiles mixed with thin rectangular tiles in a single room. This gives a room a much appealing look, making it a bit livelier than to boring and monotonous tiles. Do not be afraid to mix and match differently sized tiles in one room. You can also experiment with different colors and designs.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Stained Quarry Tiled Porch Cleaned and Sealed in Middleton

It's not uncommon for us to hear from customers who have decoration work undertaken, only for the builders to leave plaster and paint stains all over the floor. These types of stains can be particularly difficult to remove from tiles - especially if you rely on using everyday, supermarket quality products. This was a problem for this customer from the town of Middleton, who had just had a new porch built and in the process the Quarry tiled floor had become very noticeably stained. Read more...

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Ceramic Tiled Bathroom Refresh in Cheltenham

This Ceramic Tiled bathroom was at a house in the historic town of Cheltenham on the edge of the Cotswolds. As you can see from the photograph below the grout between the Ceramic tiles was very stained and had attracted black mould. Refreshing a Ceramic Tiles Bathroom To get the tile and grout clean I sprayed on Tile Doctor Mould Away and left it to soak in for ten minutes before giving it a scrub with a stiff brush. The resultant slurry was rinsed off and then the process repeated once Read more...

Poorly Sealed Limestone Kitchen Tiles Restored in Bridgwater

Bridgwater is known to be one of Somerset's liveliest towns. With a history dating back over 1000 years, it has many traditions, including a carnival which happens every November, and is hailed as the world's largest illumination procession. What wasn't looking lively, however, was this Limestone tiled kitchen floor at a house in the town. It had been laid five years previously but at the time of laying hadn't been sealed with adequate amounts of sealer. As a result, the Limestone had Read more...

Brick Driveway Pressure Washed and Sealed in Pertenhall

While most of our work involves the restoration of interior tiles, our equipment is also suitable for exterior stonework, including driveways and patios. Here's a quick example of a brick driveway I restored recently in the old parish of Pertenhall, famous for its old Norman-age church, near Bedford. The driveway hadn't been cleaned in a long time and had a serious problem with overgrown weeds and dirt. Needless to say, the property owner was keen to give it a new lease of life and this is Read more...

Dirty Quarry Tiled Floor Transformed in Hale

We are very often contacted by customers to restore tiled floors they didn't even know existed. Usually, the tiles will be hidden away underneath either carpet or, in some cases, linoleum. And, once the tiles are discovered, the likelihood is that the property owners want to have them restored to their original condition which is understandable as original features definitely add value to a property. Here's an example of this sort of work that I recently undertook at a property in the Read more...

Riven Slate Tiles Rejuvenated by Deep Clean and Seal in Boston

While fantastic to look at, Riven Slate tiles can be particularly difficult to keep clean. The natural unevenness of the stone causes dirt to become more easily trapped and more difficult to remove. Over time, heavy buildup of ingrained dirt can have the effect of dulling the colours in the stone. This was the case with this large area of Riven Slate tiles at a very busy farmhouse in the Lincolnshire port town of Boston, the original namesake for the perhaps more famous city in Read more...

Cleaning, Polishing and Sealing Travertine Floors in Newton Heath

This customer in Newton Heath, just outside of Manchester, used to have a beautiful polished travertine floor on most of the ground floor and bathroom but over time it was getting duller and duller as the polish became worn down, not helped I might add by their choice of cleaning products which were not appropriate for this type of floor. Additionally, numerous cracks and holes had appeared in their floor and worried it was going to get worse they decided to call in some professional help Read more...

Victorian Hallway Tiles Restored Following Renovation Works in Gloucester

If you've even undertaken a property renovation, you'll know that building works can take a very heavy toll on your floors if not properly protected. Not too long ago I was called to a house in Gloucester to see what could be done to restore the appearance of the tiles after the Victorian tiled hallway had been left in a sorry state following renovation work. Upon arriving at the property, I also discovered that there was a row of tiles missing under one doorway. These would need to be Read more...

Heavily Soiled Quarry Tiles Deep Cleaned and Sealed in Bedford

What causes a tiled floor to become dull and discoloured? Typically, it's a combination of heavy soil build-up and an ineffective approach to cleaning and maintenance. Such was the case with this heavily soiled Quarry tiled hallway floor in Bedford. A further problem was that the tiles were very pitted and at some point, in the past they had been filled with grout, additionally, when I took a closer inspection of tiles, I established that there was a wax sealer present on the floor that has Read more...

Restoring the Appearance of Victorian Floor Tiles in Gloucester

If you’ve even undertaken a property renovation, you’ll know that building works can take a very heavy toll on your floors if not properly protected. Not too long ago I was called to a house in Gloucester to see what could be done to restore the appearance of the tiles after the Victorian tiled hallway had been left in a sorry state following renovation work.


Upon arriving at the property, I also discovered that there was a row of tiles missing under one doorway. These would need to be replaced before any cleaning could take place. The renovation work had left very dirty and riddled with minerals salts and old grout smears.


If you have never been Gloucester it’s well worth a visit, dating back to the roman times it is in fact the country’s most inland port boasting some fantastic architecture include the historic docks and many period buildings.

Cleaning a Dirty Victorian Tiled Floor

Fortunately, I was quickly able to source matching replacements for the missing tiles to not disturb the original character of the floor. I took it upon myself to install these, fixing them in place and then grouting them. While the grout on the new tiles was drying, I began the cleaning process using a strong solution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean. This is a high alkaline cleaner which we use reliably on most types of natural stone, including Victorian, Quarry, Slate, and Sandstone. The product was mixed with a small amount of water, and the solution was worked into the tiles using a black scrubbing pad fitted to a heavy weight rotary machine. This dealt with most of the thick dirt and staining that had been left over by the builders. The soiled cleaning solution was then rinsed away with water and extracted using a wet vacuum. After the first stage of cleaning, I washed the floor down with Tile Doctor Acid Gel, which is a blend of phosphoric and hydrochloric acid in gel form designed to remove any mineral salts and old grout smears.

Sealing a Victorian Tiled Floor

Once the cleaning process had been completed, I left the floor to dry overnight. Typically, it’s good to give a tiled floor at least 24 hours to dry in order to ensure no moisture was left over, because even the slightest quantity of moisture can cloud the sealer and damage its performance.


Once satisfied that the floor was completely dry I applied one coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow, which is an impregnating sealer designed to enhance the natural colours in the stone. I then waited an hour this sealer to cure before applying four coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go which added the satin finish the customer had asked for.


The combination of sealers will provide the protection the floor needs and the customer will find it much easier to keep it clean in the future. The result was great and the customer was very happy indeed.



Source: Victorian Tile Renovation and Restoration Service in Gloucestershire

Burnishing and Sealing Works Wonders for Limestone Tiles in Vale

Limestone is known on the international market for its premium toughness, durability and aesthetic characteristics. This can make it difficult to maintain however, especially if the stone has been polished and lustre on the stone has started to wear down which is inevitable with use. The traditional method of getting a the shine back on polished stone is called honing which is expensive however at Tile Doctor we have worked out a much more affordable process called burnishing which utilises Read more...

Restoring Dull and Dirty Sandstone Tiles in Hattersley

This property in Hattersley had just undergone major building works which had lasted for couple of years. During that time the Sandstone tiled living room floor had suffered greatly during the building works. Additionally, the sealer previously used on the floor was a clear impregnating product which did nothing to bring out any natural colours in the Sandstone, leaving them dull and lifeless. The situation had been made worse but the building work mess, and the property owners were keen to Read more...

Dull and Dirty Sandstone Tiles Revitalised in Sleaford

I can't stress how important a sealer is when it comes to maintaining the look of a stone floor and although they can protect a floor for many years if not maintained they will all but disappear in high traffic areas allowing dirt and stains to penetrate the pores of the stone. This gradual degradation occurs over such a long period it usually happens without being noticed. This Sandstone tiled kitchen floor and entrance hall at a barn conversion property in Sleaford had not been sealed in Read more...

Dealing with Grout Haze on a New Black Limestone Floor in Wixams

Believe it or not the pictures below show a brand-new installation of black Limestone tiles in the kitchen and dining room of a house in Wixams which is a new town right in the centre of Bedfordshire. The tiles looked terrible and on closer inspection I could see that they were heavily covered with grout haze. The customer thinks the tiler was in a hurry to get the job finished, unfortunately if not washed off immediately and allowed to dry before sealing grout haze can become a real Read more...

Victorian and Quarry Tiled Floors Restored in Shrewsbury

Details below of a red and black Quarry tiled floor at a house belonging to a customer in the Shropshire market town of Shrewsbury, which dates back to medieval times. The owner had recently moved back to the area and purchased the house with the intention of restoring all its original features including the Quarry tiles floor which had several coats of red floor paint and had been covered with carpet for several years, I guess the previous owner wasn't sure what else to do with it. I was Read more...

Colourful Original Victorian Tiled Hallway Restored to New in Bedford

When you discover an old Victorian tiled floor underneath carpet, the first question that will probably pop into your mind is: can it be restored? The answer, in the majority of cases, is yes. In fact, Tile Doctor has completed hundreds of Victorian tiled floor restorations. Victorian tiles have a timeless quality about them and are still popular for residential use even in the twenty first century. What you can usually expect upon lifting your carpet is for the tiles to be covered in Read more...

Heavily Soiled Yorkstone Tiled Floor Cleaned & Sealed in Hyde

This customers, who live in the town of Hyde, Greater Manchester, were in the process of replacing their kitchen furniture when they realised just how soiled their fantastic Yorkstone tiled floor had become after years without attention. If you're not already familiar with Yorkstone, you may be interested to know it is a variety of Sandstone that is manufactured unsurprisingly in Yorkshire quarries since medieval times. It's known for its hard wearing and durable qualities, but no stone can Read more...

Mucky Travertine Tiled Floor Restored Near Woodhall Spa

Quite often our customers will be new property owners who have inherited fantastic tiled floors that are in need of smartening up. Typically the previous owners struggled to maintain the floor which is not unusual when it comes to high quality natural stone such as Travertine and this was the case with this Travertine tiled floor that I recently restored at a property near Woodhall Spa, on the southern edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds. The customer not only needed a deep clean for the tiles Read more...

Refurbishing Victorian Hallway Tiles in a Bedfordshire

When you discover an old Victorian tiled floor underneath carpet, the first question that will probably pop into your mind is: can it be restored? The answer, in the majority of cases, is yes. In fact, Tile Doctor has completed hundreds of Victorian tiled floor restorations. Victorian tiles have a timeless quality about them and are still popular for residential use even in the twenty first century. What you can usually expect upon lifting your carpet is for the tiles to be covered in carpet adhesives and grippers, as was the case with this particular example of a Victorian Tiles hallway floor at a property in Bedford. Sometimes you might also find paint splashes or other staining left over from decoration work. And, of course, the tiles will be dirty and in much need of a deep clean. These issues spoil the original appearance of the tiles, but with the right methods and products, a complete restoration can be achieved quickly and cost-effectively.


My first task upon arriving at the proper was to carry out a site survey to address the condition of the tiles, before running a quick test clean on a small area of the floor. The result was good and so I was confident that I could achieve a high-quality restoration for the client.

Cleaning Original Victorian Tiles

A quote was issued and accepted, and the work was booked in at a date that was convenient for the customer. Returning to the property, my first course of action was to mix a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro Clean, which is a powerful alkaline cleaner safe to use on natural stone, with hot water. This cleaning solution was sprayed along all edges of the floor loosen the glue securing the carpet grippers. I then successfully removed the adhesive carefully using handheld tools to avoid damaging any tiles.


Once this was done, I applied Tile Doctor Remove and Go, scrubbing it into the tiles with a rotary machine. This product is designed to remove heavy soiling, paint splashes and old waxes and sealers. The soiled solution was then extracted using a wet vacuum and stubborn areas re-treated until I was satisfied the floor was clean. The entire floor was then given a thorough rinse with water to remove any trace of cleaning products and extracted using a wet vax machine.

Sealing Original Victorian Tiles

The floor was allowed to dry for several days before I was able to return to seal the tiles. It's always important to leave significant time for the floor to dry because any moisture left over can impact the performance of the sealer. The choice of sealer was Tile Doctor Seal and Go Extra, which provides robust protection against dirt and stains, with a light sheen finish. I chose this sealer not only because the customer wanted a light sheen finish, but also because this particular sealer is fully breathable. Dampness can sometimes be an issue with old Victorian and Quarry tiles which were installed before damp proof membranes became standard.


The transformation achieved within the space of a week was quite incredible and the colours in the tile have really come through. Another satisfied customer!




Source: Victorian Tile Cleaning and Restoration Service in Bedfordshire

How to Repair Damaged Natural Stone Tiles

Natural stone tiles are an attractive and durable tile choice that fit with many different interior styles in homes. While it can last for years and stand up well to wear and tear, stone tile can eventually show signs of chipping, scratching and discoloration. These are common repair needs, and most are relatively simple with the right tools and instructions.

What You'll Need:

• Replacement stone tile
• Small chisel
• Straightedge
• Grout
• Mortar
• Grout sealer
• Tile sealer
• Sponge
• Bucket of water
• Seam sealer
• Tile spreader

Step 1 - Whether to Repair or Replace Stone Tile

Stone tiles can become loose over time from heavy foot traffic or from a heavy dropped object. In this case, it simply needs some new grout added underneath. Carefully pull up your loose tile with the chisel. While stone tiles are tough, it is important not to accidentally chip or otherwise damage surrounding tiles during this process. 

Once you have removed the loose tile, inspect the grout to determine if it needs to be cleaned. Discolored grout is more prone to wear over time, resulting in loose tiles. Scrub away any grout dirt with the sponge and water; you may need to mix in some bleach to completely remove it. Then use your utility knife to cut away any remaining discolored grout; fill in these spaces and cracks with new grout and replace your stone tile. It should now fit snugly with the rest. Be sure to apply grout sealer and allow the area to cure for at least 24 hours.

Step 2 - Fix Stone Tile Chips and Scratches

Stone tiles are naturally porous and should be sealed with a good quality natural tile sealer when they are first installed. Periodic new coats of sealer will go a long way in preventing most tile chips and scratches, and smaller chips can sometimes be filled in simply with a new layer.

However, if your natural stone tile has chips that are large enough to be noticeable, you most often will need to replace one or more of the stone tiles. It is a good idea to have extra stone tiles from the initial installation stored away for this purpose. Many stone tiles have irregular edges, varying colors, and unique shapes, so finding a good fit for replacement may otherwise be challenging.

Step 3 - Fit Replacement Tile 

When selecting a stone tile to replace a badly chipped one, you want to find a tile that is close to the same size. It usually will still work if it is a different shape that creates gaps around the edges; these can be filled in with grout. Remove the old tile as before with your chisel, and be sure to clean away any chipped mortar from the subfloor before applying a new layer. Mix just enough new mortar to cover the subfloor space, and apply an even coat with the spreader. Also spread some mortar on the underside of your replacement tile. Fit it securely into the new mortar and clean up any mortar that seeps from the edges right away.

Step 4 - Re-grout and Clean up

Allow 24 hours for your replacement stone tile to set, and then press a coat of new grout into its seams. Once the grout has dried about halfway, smooth it with the edge of your spreader and wipe off any grout residue from the tile surface, then apply final grout sealer.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Deep Cleaning 18th Century Quarry Tiles in Hertfordshire

The photographs below are of a very old Quarry Tiled hallway floor taken at a beautiful 18th century farmhouse near Hemel Hempstead; the floor was believed to be original and the customer wanted it repaired and restored.

Deep Cleaning 18th Century Quarry Tiles

Before starting the cleaning process we made sure to protect any vulnerable areas such as the oak panelling on the staircase and then set about repairing the broken tiles which were replaced with matching reclaimed quarry tiles.


Once the replacements and new grout had set we made a start on deep cleaning the Quarry tiles and removing remaining old stubborn waxes and polishes by applying Tile Doctor Remove & Go combined 50:50 with Tile Doctor Nano-Clean which combine to form a very effective stripper and cleaner. The solution was left to soak into the tile for a good ten minutes before being scrubbed in with detail brushes and scrubbing pads fitted to a rotary machine. The resulting soiled solution was rinsed off with water and extracted using a wet vacuum which allowed us to see the underlying condition of the tiles which indicated more work was required especially to the grout. To get the grout looking cleaner it was treated with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which was then scrubbed into the grout manually using a stiff grout brush; the soiled cleaning solution was then rinsed off and extracted using a wet vacuum and then the whole floor was given a further rinse and also a steam clean to remove any trace of product.

Sealing 18th Century Quarry Tiles

It’s essential that tiles are bone dry before sealing so we left the floor to dry for a full seven days before returning. To get the best out of the floor I decided to seal the floor with two different but compatible sealers; first a single coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow was applied which is an impregnating sealer that restores colour to the tile and protects it from stains by occupying the pores in the clay. Once the Colour Grow had dried it was followed with six coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go Extra which is a special acrylic based formula that promotes moisture vapour transmission which is essential for these old floors where no damp proof course was installed.


I’m pleased to say the restoration went very well and as you can see the quarry tiled hallway floor now looks fantastic.




Source: Quarry Tile Cleaning and Restoration Service in Hertfordshire

How to Stain a Travertine Floor

A travertine floor produces a rustic accent to the interior of the home. One way to enhance the color of the stone is to stain it. Here’s how.

What You'll Need:

• Wood Stain
• Sponges
• Travertine Cleaner
• Travertine Sealer
• Vacuum Cleaner
• Paint Rollers
• Dry Cloth
• Painters Tape

Step 1 – Preparing the Travertine Floor

Clean the travertine. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck out every piece of debris trapped inside its pores if it is unfilled. Make sure to go through all areas of the floor. Find a good stone cleaner, purchase enough supplies and apply it on the floor. Use the cleaner as instructed. Wipe the floor dry.

Step 2 – Testing

Don’t skip this step, as testing is very important. Finding the right staining color is a bit challenging, so never go ahead and stain the floor all at once. Find a section of the travertine in an inconspicuous area for testing. Apply the stain in a circular motion using a sponge. Wait for a couple of hours for the stain to dry. Check the resulting color to see if it is too light, too dark, or just right. If it is too light, apply a second coat of stain. If it is too dark, make sure to use less stain during actual application. Do this by applying the stain thinly but adequate enough to cover the tiles.

Step 3 – Applying the Stain

Cover all surfaces in contact with the floor with painter’s tape (e.g. walls, stair risers, and door). Wear protective mask, gloves, safety glasses, and old clothing. Plan where to start the staining process. Be sure to have a well-planned exit point to avoid stepping on the wet stain after application. Open the windows and the door to provide proper ventilation.

Place a good amount of the stain onto a staining sponge and apply it in a circular manner on the starting point. Continue in this manner, moving from tile to tile until the entire floor is covered entirely with the stain. Allow the compound to dry for a couple of hours. If you are living in a cold region, allow the stain to dry overnight. If the stain needs another coat, apply a second coat and allow it to dry completely. Check if the stain is sufficient. You can apply a color enhancer as an option to boost the effect of the stain.

Step 4 – Seal the Floor

To ensure maximum protection of the floor and the coats of stain, it is important to seal the stone with a natural stone sealer. Make sure to read the instructions carefully to get the job done correctly. This usually involves dampening the floor by spraying a bit of water onto the surfaces to get them damp. Allow the water to seep through a bit, place the sealer in a paint roller pan, and use a paint roller to apply the sealer on the entire floor surface. Allow the sealer to dry for about 48 to 72 hours.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com