Stone Honing: The Solution to Give This Lifeless Travertine Floor in Beaufort, SC, a New Shine

August 04, 2023

Travertine floors are gorgeous, giving any house a stylish look. However, this natural stone is not impervious to damage and it can suffer heavy deterioration. Regular maintenance is a priority, but oftentimes, the issues can be difficult to address. A resident from Beaufort, SC, loved her travertine floor, but recently, she noticed it looked grungy and run-down. She was not happy with this situation, so she tried to solve the problem. Unfortunately, there was no improvement. Frustrated with the negative outcome, she decided to look for professional assistance.


Thankfully, Sir Grout of the Lowcountry was just one click away. She went online and typed stone honing services in Beaufort, South Carolina, on her search engine, and at the top results, she found a link to our website. On our user-friendly site, she browsed a few of our blogs, read some of our helpful maintenance tips, and went through the positive testimonials we receive every day. After her thorough research, she was convinced we were the best option. Hoping to solve her problem quickly, she contacted us and asked for a free inspection.

As requested, we visited her house to provide the in-home consultation. The owner welcomed us, and we promptly started the assessment. Upon entering the area, we noticed the problems. The travertine surface had decayed, and it looked dull and unappealing. Likewise, the grout had acquired a dark, unsightly tone, giving the entire surface an unsanitary appearance. In addition, the surface was unsealed. We explained common grout is a porous mixture, and it can easily absorb all sorts of external agents, causing more damage. To prevent further degradation, it was necessary to apply a special sealant.

With a rigorous evaluation, we had the insight to discuss a solution with the owner. Since we had determined common methods wouldn't work as expected, and the surface needed professional attention, we offered our stone honing services. Using our outstanding process and top-of-the-line products, we would improve the condition of the surface, restore the travertine, and give the surface a new finish. Before providing a quote, we proved the effectiveness of our methods by performing a brief test. Impressed with the breathtaking results, the owner hired us without hesitation.

A few days after the inspection, we went back to our client's house to begin the job. For optimal results, we followed a thorough multi-step procedure. To start the restoration, we cleaned the surface using our exclusive stone-safe cleaner. Our product is made with top-quality ingredients and it doesn't leave a residue, so it won't cause any damage to the travertine. After scrubbing out the soiling, we were ready to hone the stone.

For this task, we prepared our professional diamond honing pads. To address all the issues, we ran several sets, each with an increased level of grit. This process continued until there was no sign of deterioration. After honing, the stone acquires a matte finish, so we kept grinding using high-end polishing powders to give it the semi-glossy look the owner requested. The next step was the sealing process.

First, we sealed the grout lines with ColorSeal. Sir Grout's flagship sealant provides remarkable defense and long-term results. It wards off dirt, grime, and other external agents, reducing deterioration and making cleaning routines easy and fast. Our sealers also repel UV rays, minimizing decay in areas subjected to solar impact. ColorSeal greatly improves the surface, giving the grout a uniform color and a brand-new appearance. Our clients can choose from a wide range of colors, so they can surely find the most adequate to their tastes. After that, we applied a coating of a protective sealer on the stone. This added an extra layer of protection and enhanced the floor tenfold.

Our work yielded an amazing restoration, all the issues had been addressed, and the travertine floor had been completely overhauled. It was time to call our client and show her our accomplishments. The renewed appearance of the surface gave the owner a pleasant surprise. She was beyond thrilled because the floor looked perfect. Happy with the results, she thanked us and assured us she would recommend our services to everyone.

Travertine is an excellent choice for any surface in the house. This natural stone is stylish and durable, but it requires proper care. Following our recommendations is essential to achieve optimal maintenance procedures. We suggested setting up a weekly cleaning routine using only pH-neutral products like Sir Grout's Natural Hard Surface Cleaner. Our product is undoubtedly the best option in the market, offering outstanding results and many benefits. It is also non-toxic and safe for everyone in the house, including pets.

We don't recommend soap-based cleaners or substances with acidic properties. These products contain harsh ingredients that can be harmful to the travertine. They also leave a sticky foam that seeps into the grout, which leads to stains, discoloration, and several other issues. While cleaning the area, always use clean mops, and let the floor dry before entering the room again. Never use abrasive tools because they can damage the stone.

Is your travertine surface dull and unappealing? Don't worry, Sir Grout of the Lowcountry's stone honing experts can bring it back to life. Leave your hard surface problems behind and contact us today by calling (843) 920-5559 or by clicking on the "Schedule a Free Quote" button for a free in-home consultation. If you would like to see more, check out our picture gallery, and please consider subscribing to our newsletter so you don't miss out our latest promotions and updated info.