How do I clean and restore found marble slabs to be used as garden benches?

Q. I was able to recover 3 marble slabs 30"X14"X5" from a yard in Rutland Vermont. They were used as a border for a shed door for at least 30+ years. I want to clean the three best sides and use them as outdoor garden benches in upstate NY. They are soil stained from lying in the dirt and I would like to clean them. What do yo recommend I use to get the white back or is it impossible? I am frugal or would hire it out.

 

A. Hello. Frugal or not after 30 years outside there is a good chance the stones' surfaces may have been degraded. Is it rough to the touch? How deep are the stains? What type of stone is it? You could try using a heavy duty stone cleaner but you may find the stones need to be rehoned or polished which should be done by a qualified stone restoration contractor.

 

If you do decide to hire it out to a contractor, you can find one on the Find a PRO section at www.stoneandtilepros.com

 

Stu Rosen