Although any property would benefit from having a stone floor, it does, however, require routine maintenance and care, just like any other type of flooring. This includes polishing the floors to restore their lustre and extend their lifespan. The cost of polishing stone floors is determined by a number of factors, including the amount and type of stone used in your home.
Because stone floor polishing is usually paid per square footage, the amount of stone flooring matters. There are also several polishing techniques, some of which are tailored to certain kinds of floors.
Graana.com, Pakistan’s smartest real estate portal, takes a look at how marble floors are polished, the cost of polishing marble floors, and tips on how you can polish the floor yourself.
Cost Considerations
The cost of polishing materials can be quite high it is important to keep the following considerations in mind:
- The majority of customers opt for polishing as part of a cleaning and refurbishing process. As a result, you should include the costs of cleaning and resealing your stone flooring after they’ve been polished.
- Labour accounts for the majority of the expense of polishing floors. Companies also cover the costs of their equipment and chemicals, but these expenses are usually minor in contrast.
- Polishing a quality stone like terrazzo may be more expensive, but marble and travertine are relatively cheaper.
- If a tile or a small portion of tiles on your stone floor has severe damage or wear and tear, replacement may be recommended if polishing fails to restore the floor properly. This can be more expensive, but it is a better long-term investment.
DIY Considerations
If you decide to polish the floor yourself below are the things you need to keep in mind:
- Floor polishing yourself is only recommended if the patch you want to polish is small, such as a small room or a staircase.
- If the area that needs to be polished is large and requires specific equipment, it is recommended that you hire a professional as you might not have the necessary skills required to operate such tools.
- Lastly, stone polishing requires a delicate touch with the proper use of chemicals. If you don’t understand the proportions of the mixture of chemicals, it is better to hire a professional.
Cost of Marble Polishing
The cost of cleaning marble flooring is mostly determined by the state of the stone. Polishing older, discoloured flooring may be more expensive than polishing newly installed floorings.
There’s no doubt that doing it yourself saves money in comparison to hiring a professional marble floor polisher. However, if you want your marble floors to look brand new, hiring a professional can be the best solution.
The cost of professional marble polishing is approximately PKR 25 to 30 per square foot. This project’s labour rate is roughly PKR 20 per sq foot. DIY marble polishing, on the other hand, will only set you back a few thousand rupees if you use a homemade cleanser.
The Process of Marble Polishing
Following are the steps followed in polishing marble floors.
Cleaning
Marble is susceptible to discoloration due to its porous nature. As a result, the first step in polishing and restoring marble floors is to clean them thoroughly. It’s usually included in the project’s cost.
Professionals start by brushing the floors before using a penetrating chemical to dislodge any grime or oil that has absorbed into the stone. A specific vacuum is used to remove the chemical.
Polishing
For a more refined appearance, particularly damaged flooring should be properly polished.
Professionals may use a combination of abrasive chemicals, sanding discs, and polishing pads to remove a thin layer of stone in the second stage to minimise surface defects. This is known as refinishing, and it is only performed on worn-out flooring. Experts employ liquid, spray, or powder-based stone polishes to restore marble floors after they’ve been resurfaced. Polishing the floors is usually done with a round spinning polishing equipment.
Resealing
The marble polishing procedure comes to a close with this stage. Professionals reseal the surface once it has been refinished and polished to protect it from stains. This also keeps the stone looking new and gleaming for longer.
To achieve the best effects, various layers of sealants must be applied at appropriate intervals. Each project, however, necessitates a different volume and application of sealant.
Polishing the Marble Floor Yourself
As stated earlier, the task of polishing a marble floor yourself should only be undertaken if the patch you want to polish is small and does not require much care, as the chemical mixture and equipment required for polishing need expert application.
However, if you want to save costs and already have a decent knowledge on the matter, here’s how you can polish marble yourself:
Clean the Marble Surface
The first step is to thoroughly clean the tiles on the floor. Begin by cleaning away any dust, filth, or debris that has gathered on the surface. Avoid dragging your duster or brush across the floor, as this could harm the stone. Pay special attention to corners, doors, and other areas that are sometimes overlooked.
Mop the marble floors after sweeping to eliminate tiny dust and debris particles. Depending on the condition of your floor, you can either wash it with normal water or use a non-acidic cleaner made specifically for marble.
After that, you must remove the stains. You can either use a store-bought chemical cleaner or basic ammonia to remove the black oil-based stains. Mildew and other stains are easily cleaned using a water and bleach solution.
If you’re going to use ammonia or bleach, make sure you spread it out evenly across the floor. Also, remember to open all of your windows to get rid of the strong odour that these chemicals generate. After half an hour, clean the floor well with water to remove the bleach solution.
To neutralise the pH and entirely remove the homemade marble floor cleanser, you will need to wipe the surface many times. To avoid watermarks and stains, absorb the excess moisture on the floor with a soft paper towel.
Polish the Surface
Though there are many various types of marble polishes on the market, you can make an eco-friendly (and inexpensive) alternative by mixing baking soda with water. In a bowl, combine the two components and use circular motions to apply the paste to the floor in a thin layer. Allow for five hours of drying time before rinsing away the dry baking soda with a slightly damp towel. After the floor is clean of baking soda, rub it with a dry microfiber cloth in circular strokes.
Consider investing in commercial stone polishing products, which are readily accessible at hardware stores and supermarkets, if your floors are very worn out. To clean marble floors and grout lines, follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Resealing the Marble Floor
Finally, your marble flooring must be resealed. You can use any good-quality, store-bought sealer for this. A clean paintbrush can be used to apply most of these materials on the floor. Allow for complete drying before applying a new layer. Apply three to five coats of sealant to the stone for the finest effects.
To read more on flooring and interior design please visit Graana blog.
FAQs
How much does polished marble flooring cost?
The cost of polished marble flooring can vary significantly depending on several factors such as the type of marble, the quality of the marble, the area to be covered, labor costs, and location in Pakistan. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from PKR 250 to PKR 1,000 per square foot for polished marble flooring. Higher-quality marble and intricate designs may cost more.
How to clean marble floors in Pakistan?
Cleaning marble floors in Pakistan, as elsewhere, requires gentle care to preserve their beauty. Here are steps to follow:
Sweep or Dust Mop: Regularly sweep or dust mop the floor to remove loose dirt and debris.
Use a pH-neutral Cleaner: Clean marble floors with a pH-neutral stone cleaner and warm water. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the marble’s surface.
Damp Mopping: Damp mop the floor with a soft cloth or mop. Don’t let water stand on the surface, as it can seep into the pores and cause staining.
Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, dry the marble thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water spots.
How much does it cost to polish and seal marble?
The cost of polishing and sealing marble floors in Pakistan depends on factors like the condition of the floor, the size of the area, and local labor rates. On average, you can expect to pay between PKR 50 to PKR 150 per square foot for professional marble polishing and sealing. This cost includes the labor, polishing materials, and sealing products.
Can I polish the marble floor myself?
While it is possible to polish marble floors yourself, it’s a task that requires careful attention to detail and the right equipment and products. Here are the basic steps:
Dust and Clean: Start by thoroughly cleaning the floor to remove dirt and debris.
Polishing: Use a marble polishing compound and a low-speed buffer or a polishing machine with a soft pad to gently polish the marble. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Sealing: After polishing, you should seal the marble to protect it. Apply a marble sealer according to the product instructions.
Buffing: Buff the floor to a high shine using a clean, dry cloth or a buffing machine.
However, it’s important to note that DIY marble polishing can be tricky, and mistakes can lead to damage or uneven results. Professional polishing and sealing services are recommended for the best and most consistent outcomes.
Always consider hiring a professional for marble maintenance, especially if you’re unsure about the process or dealing with valuable or large marble surfaces. They have the expertise and equipment to ensure your marble floors are properly cared for and maintain their beauty.
