Q.Help! I'm getting so much conflicting info it's crazy. I'm planning on installing 12x12 polished Carrera marble on the bathroom floor. My installer is going to cut the 12x12's in half and install them subway-style in the shower stall (1x1's honed marble on the floor). Everyone is telling me it's critical to have the marble sealed up to 3 times (out of box, before grouting and after), even though it's polished, to reduce likelihood of etching/staining. And reseal it every year. Correct or no? I have toddlers and worry about etching around the toilet area from potty mistakes. Also is putting polished marble on shower walls a no-no for water absorption (if sealing matters or not)? And finally my installer has warned he'll go through multiple blades (up to $200 worth) when cutting tiles--is this to be expected? Your insight is so much appreciated!

A.Hello-firstoff anyone who tells you that sealing will prevent or reduce etching of marble should do a little homework. Sealers will only prevent true stains for a time.

 White carrara can be indeed a porous stone less if its polished. Test the porousity by placing a palm sized puddle of water on some pieces let it sit for five or ten minutes.Wipe the water away and see if a darker mark is left. Then you know the stone is absorbant and should be sealed. Seal the stone until it doesnt absorb any more water. "Reseal it every year"Test it but I dont think so.

Polished marble in a shower stall will over a period of time become honed from the steam. White carrara has a high iron content and rust due to moisture. Anything acidic will cause etching in the stone and it will every few years require the services of a bona fide stone refinisher.

For now I suggest you make sure you have a bona fide installer who knows stone.

As far as the blades I dont know the answer to that one.

Stu Rosen