Historic Stone and Marble Restoration & Repair Services
Breathe New Life Into Your Historic Stonework.
In many historic buildings, private residences, and other historic structures, it is not uncommon to find beautiful stonework and masonry—both as decorative and structural elements. Stone and marble statues, memorials, shrines, walls, flooring, columns, and other architectural stone features are found throughout the country and across countless architectural styles and periods.
With decades of experience in historic stone restoration, preservation, and conservation, John Canning & Co.'s artisans and tradesmen are highly skilled and capable in all aspects of stone restoration and repair. Due to our expertise, our stone restoration services range from relatively simple stone surface cleaning to more complex repair work achieved using a variety of methods—carving, casting, filling, and more.
With decades of experience in historic stone restoration, preservation, and conservation, John Canning & Co.’s artisans and tradesmen are highly skilled and capable in all aspects of stone restoration and repair. Our expertise ranges from relatively simple stone surface cleaning to more complex repair work achieved using a variety of methods—carving, casting, filling, and more.
Our stone restoration services are among the most supreme in the industry due to our team of educated tradesmen. Our reputation is built on our experience in resolving complex restoration issues through a variety of safe stone restoration methods and techniques, making us a good fit for projects of all difficulty levels. We often pride ourselves on being the “preservation problem solvers” who have the resources to accomplish any requests.
If you would like to connect with one of our professional consultants please request a consultation below.
Our Process In Stone and Marble Restoration & Repair
While each project offers its own unique challenges and constraints, most stone restoration and repair projects follow a similar process and approach.
Investigation & Archival Research
Before conducting any work, our goal is to first understand the history of the structure, including the role played by the various natural stone or marble elements. This is typically achieved with a mixture of investigation and archival research. At the same time, we must understand the full scope of the project being pursued—including budget, expectations, and aspirations of the owner and other key stakeholders—in order to appropriately plan and coordinate between other trades as necessary.
Structure Evaluation
Once the project is fully understood, we must evaluate the current structure in order to identify the type of stone used, stabilize the structure as necessary, document areas of stone deterioration or damage, test various cleaning solutions, and create an initial treatment proposal.
Stone Restoration
If our treatment or restoration includes deep cleaning of the stone or marble, we will identify the least aggressive/mildest solution that can be used to achieve the desired results—without changing the original color or appearance of the stone, or otherwise damaging the structure.
This can be achieved through a number of best stone practices processes. A simpler course of action might be the application of a cleaning solution by hand using natural sponges. Other processes may include a variety of poultice methods designed to draw impurities out of the stone surface. For example, applying a latex (or other) compound to the surface encapsulates the debris and then pulls it away from the surface once dried. This method can be particularly effective on extremely detailed pieces. All of our techniques, however, ensure that no further damage or changes are made to the structure—retaining its integrity and color.
Stone Repair
If treatment is to include repair to the stone or marble, the specific course of action heavily depends on the damage that must be corrected. Some potential repairs may include providing Dutchman at damaged, sugaring, or deteriorated areas; the removal and resetting of existing stones; repointing; or sourcing matching stone or marble. If sourcing the original stone or material is prohibitively expensive, it may be possible for our expert craftsmen to replicate the stone in another material such as scagliola or faux marbres.
Cost Factors in Historic Stone Restoration
The costs associated with stone restoration and repair depends on a number of factors specific to each individual project. Some of the most important considerations for stone repair include:
- The type of stone and other materials being worked with
- The size, complexity, and scope of the project
- Accessibility (e.g., whether scaffolding will be required )
- The possibility that underlying structures must be repaired, stabilized, or restored
- For projects located in public spaces, whether the work will take place during business or off hours
For this reason, it is difficult for us to state what typical costs might be for the “average” project. The surest way to get an accurate picture of what the costs may entail is to contact us directly.
Our Specialties
In addition to stone restoration and repair, we specialize in a number of other complementary services, including:
Selected Projects
See some of the stone and marble restoration and repair projects that John Canning & Co. has worked on.
We carefully conserved and restored all aspects of the Luzerne County Courthouse's historic fabric: marble, metal, plaster, paint, and mural artwork.
The St. Mary’s Chapel restoration involved conservation cleaning without damaging the surface or altering the color of the historic cast stone.
At Gasson Hall, Boston College, we provided the historic finishes investigation and analysis needed to restore the interior to its original design scheme.
We were able to uncovered original colors, patterns, and finishes to conserve 24 murals while restoring Stations of the Cross and the scagliola columns.
The goal of the project was to preserve the finishes in Steinway Library and repair surfaces back to their historic appearance.
We served as a consultant for restoring the decorative paint, stone & marble, gilding, and metal refinishing at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Canning understands materials and specifications, especially traditional materials and techniques, and understands and appreciates the benefits of a truly collaborative effort in design excellence. [WV Capitol Dome]
The project included extensive repairs to the Library’s crowning architectural feature, a vaulted Guastavino tile ceiling. Canning & Co. provided exceptional craftsmanship, meticulous project management, and the highest level of respect and care for the Museum’s special environment. The results were spectacular. We applaud Canning & Co for a truly inspirational level of commitment to excellence in historic preservation.
Canning’s craft and artistry take aspects of a design to absolute levels of refinement that bring new works to unexpected levels of delight. Visitors are amazed that such craft is still alive and well in our expedient world.
I have had the pleasure of working with artisans in many countries overseas. Canning truly ranks among the best in the world!
