Restoration of Marble and Travertine Floor

Overview
St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral is a historic and active place of worship in Washington, D.C. Over the years, the beauty of its marble and travertine floors had been diminished by constant foot traffic, candle wax drips, and general wear. The once-lustrous floors had grown dull, stained, and etched, prompting the parish to seek expert restoration.

The Challenge
Years of heavy use had taken their toll on the stone floors. Dirt and grime had built up in the porous surfaces, wax drops from candle ceremonies had adhered to the stone, and the finish had become lifeless and scratched. The goal was to restore the floor’s elegance without disrupting the cathedral’s sacred and active environment.

Our Solution
We began by deep cleaning the stone surfaces using a specialized alkaline solution designed to break down and remove embedded dirt, wax, and residue without damaging the stone. Once the surface was fully cleaned, we moved on to address the deeper issues:

• Honing: Using a series of diamond honing pads, we removed surface scratches, etch marks, and stains, restoring a smooth, even finish.

• Polishing: We polished the floors with progressively finer grits—up to 3500—bringing out the natural clarity and reflective beauty of the stone.

• Sealing: To protect the newly restored floors, we applied a premium stone sealer to help guard against future staining and make routine maintenance easier.

The Result
The transformation was striking. The marble and travertine surfaces were brought back to life, glowing with renewed brilliance while retaining their timeless character. The parish was extremely pleased with the results, noting that the floors now matched the dignity and beauty of their sacred space.