Rose Restoration is a Washington DC marble polishing and restoration contractor with 47 years serving commercial, hospitality, government, and residential clients across Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Our in-house crews diamond-grind, hone, polish, etch-remove, stain-remove, and seal marble floors, walls, countertops, and showers — with project experience including the U.S. Capitol, the Smithsonian, the National Gallery of Art, the Four Seasons Washington DC, and multiple foreign embassies in the District.
Rose Restoration has delivered marble polishing and related services for:
Rose Restoration is a Washington DC marble polishing and restoration contractor serving commercial, hospitality, government, and residential clients across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With 47 years of experience and 30+ in-house technicians, Rose restores marble floors, countertops, walls, showers, and facades for institutions like the Smithsonian, the National Gallery of Art, the Four Seasons Washington DC, and multiple embassies. Request a quote.
Marble polishing in the Washington DC metro typically runs $10 to $20 per square foot for floors, depending on size, condition, and scope. Countertop polishing is usually priced per project and starts around $300–$1,500. Etch and stain removal is typically $200–$600 per area. Full restoration (grinding, honing, polishing, sealing) costs more than a simple polish, but still saves 70–90% versus replacement.
Rose Restoration is widely recognized as a leading marble restoration company in Washington DC. The firm has 47 years of DC-area experience, 30+ in-house technicians, a 4.8-star average from 153+ Google reviews, and named project work at the U.S. Capitol, the Smithsonian, the National Gallery of Art, the Four Seasons Washington DC, and multiple embassies and federal buildings.
Yes. Professional diamond honing and polishing removes the damaged surface layer where etching occurred and restores the original finish — DIY etch-remover pastes only mask minor etching. Stains are treated with specialized poultice applications that draw discoloration out of the stone, followed by professional-grade impregnating sealer to prevent future staining. Most etch and stain repairs are completed in a single visit.
Yes. Rose Restoration restores both marble floors (commercial lobbies, residential foyers, hotel ballrooms) and marble countertops (kitchens, bathrooms, bars) throughout Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia — including Arlington, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Bethesda, Montgomery County, Georgetown, Capitol Hill, McLean, and Potomac.
| Marble service | Cost (DC metro) | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Marble floor polishing | $10–$20/sq ft | Etched, dull, scratched, or worn floors. Honed or polished finish. |
| Marble countertop polishing | $300–$1,500/project | Kitchen islands, vanities, bar tops. 2–4 hour visit, no demolition. |
| Etch & stain removal | $200–$600/area | Acid-etched spots, oil stains, organic stains. Poultice + diamond honing. |
| Chip and crack repair | $150–$500/repair | Color-matched epoxy filled and polished flush. |
| Marble shower restoration | $1,500–$4,000 | Vanity, walls, floor, tub deck. 1–2 days in place. |
| Whole-home marble refresh | $3,000–$8,000 | Multi-room residential package, including foyers, kitchens, baths. |
| Marble Armor protection | Per project | 10-year invisible countertop protection layer (sole DC-area installer). |
Marble countertops take more daily abuse than any other stone surface — acidic spills, knife marks, heat rings, and dulling from repeated cleaning. Our marble countertop restoration removes etching, scratches, and stains, then re-hones or re-polishes the surface back to its original finish. For kitchens, bars, vanities, and conference tables, we can also apply Marble Armor, our 10-year manufacturer-backed protective film, so the restored surface resists future etching and staining. Every marble countertop restoration is backed by our 1-year written workmanship warranty. Serving Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. For routine upkeep between restorations, see our marble cleaning service.
Proven on prestigious stone: Rose has restored marble for the Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton, foreign embassies, and historic government buildings — settings where the finish has to be flawless and consistent across large, high-traffic floors.
Our crews restore marble floors, countertops, and foyers across the region every week. Explore marble restoration in Washington DC, marble restoration in Arlington, marble restoration in Bethesda, marble restoration in McLean, marble restoration in Alexandria, marble restoration in Tysons, marble restoration in Potomac, and marble restoration in Georgetown.
Property and facility managers: our overnight commercial crews serve buildings across the DC metro area. See commercial stone restoration services in your market:
Or browse all commercial restoration services.
Rose Restoration handles marble restoration across all property types — from hotel lobbies and office buildings to private residences and luxury homes. The same professional-grade diamond abrasive equipment and 47 years of expertise apply whether the project is a 10,000-square-foot commercial lobby or a homeowner's kitchen countertop. Our process delivers the same quality results at any scale.
For homeowners looking for countertop polishing, floor restoration, shower repair, or vanity honing, visit our residential marble restoration page for detailed residential services and pricing. For countertop restoration including chip repair, stain removal, and re-polishing, we serve both residential and commercial clients throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.
Etching occurs when acidic substances — lemon juice, vinegar, wine, tomato sauce, and most household cleaning products — dissolve the calcium carbonate in marble, leaving dull spots or rings. Etching is surface-level chemical damage, not a stain. It requires mechanical honing and polishing with diamond abrasives to restore the finish. See our full guide to fixing etched marble.
Unlike etching, stains are discolorations that penetrate below the surface of the stone. Oil-based stains from cooking oils and cosmetics darken the marble. Organic stains from coffee, wine, and food leave brown or pink marks. Rust stains from metal objects leave orange-brown discoloration. Professional poultice treatments draw stains out of the stone over 24–48 hours without damaging the surface.
Foot traffic, furniture movement, and abrasive cleaning gradually wear down marble's polished surface. High-traffic areas develop dull paths and uneven sheen. Diamond honing removes the damaged layer and re-establishes a uniform finish across the entire surface.
Impact damage from dropped objects, settling of the substrate, and thermal stress can cause chips and cracks. We repair these using color-matched polyester or epoxy resin, ground flush and polished to match the surrounding stone. The result is a virtually invisible repair.
Marble replacement is expensive, disruptive, and often unnecessary. Professional restoration delivers the same visual result at a fraction of the cost.
| Restoration | Replacement | |
|---|---|---|
| Countertop | $500 – $2,500 | $5,000 – $20,000+ |
| Floors (per sq ft) | $5 – $18 | $15 – $50+ |
| Timeline | Hours to days | Weeks |
| Disruption | Minimal | Major construction |
| Matching risk | None | High (quarry variations) |
Restoration saves 70–90% versus replacement, avoids demolition and construction, eliminates the risk of not finding matching stone, and produces a result that is visually indistinguishable from new marble. Replacement is only necessary when severe structural damage has compromised the substrate beneath the stone.
Rose Restoration has over 47 years of experience with virtually every marble variety available. We assess each stone individually and tailor our restoration approach to the specific material.
Cost depends on surface type, project size, and extent of damage. Residential countertop restoration typically runs $500–$2,500 for a standard kitchen. Marble floor restoration ranges from $5–$18 per square foot. Commercial lobby projects range from $10,000–$50,000+ depending on scope. In all cases, restoration costs 70–90% less than replacement. Rose Restoration provides free on-site assessments with detailed written estimates.
Yes, most marble stains can be removed through professional treatment. Oil-based stains and organic stains respond well to poultice treatments that draw the stain out over 24–48 hours. Rust stains require specialized chemical treatment. It is important to distinguish staining from etching — etch marks are dull spots caused by acid and require mechanical polishing, not chemical cleaning.
Residential countertops typically need professional polishing every 2–5 years. High-traffic commercial floors may need annual polishing. Residential floors in moderate-traffic areas can go 3–7 years between professional visits. Regular maintenance with pH-neutral cleaners extends the interval.
Both are diamond abrasive processes that produce different finish levels. Honing creates a smooth, matte finish that hides etch marks well. Polishing continues to higher grits for a high-gloss, mirror-like finish. Most restoration begins with honing, then the client chooses their finish level. Read our full guide: Honed vs. Polished Marble.
Yes. Impregnating sealer should be applied after every restoration to protect against staining. Most marble should be resealed every 1–2 years. Sealers protect against stains but do not prevent etching — for countertops exposed to cooking acids, consider Marble Armor for complete protection.
Yes. We repair chips and cracks using color-matched resin that is ground flush and polished to match the surrounding stone. The result is a virtually invisible repair. Individual chip repairs typically cost $250–$750.
Countertop restoration takes 3–8 hours. Bathroom vanity tops take 2–4 hours. Residential floor restoration (200–400 sq ft) takes 1–3 days. Commercial projects are scheduled during off-hours to minimize disruption. Surfaces are typically usable within 2–4 hours of sealing.
Restoration is almost always the better investment — 70–90% less than replacement, no construction disruption, no risk of mismatched stone, and a result that looks like new. Replacement is only necessary when structural damage has compromised the substrate beneath the stone.
Rose Restoration has served the Washington DC metropolitan area for over 47 years. We provide marble restoration, polishing, and repair throughout:
Northern Virginia — McLean, Great Falls, Arlington, Alexandria, Vienna, Tysons, Reston, Fairfax, Ashburn, and all of Fairfax County and Loudoun County.
Maryland — Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, and all of Montgomery County. Also serving Annapolis, Baltimore, and Frederick.
Washington DC — Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Northwest DC, Embassy Row, Dupont Circle, and all DC neighborhoods.
We serve homes and businesses throughout Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland. Click your area to learn more.
Don't see your city? Contact us — we likely serve your area.
Related from Rose Restoration: Marble Armor protection · honed vs polished marble · how to remove marks from marble · professional marble cleaning
One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Northern Virginia and Washington DC is whether they should choose a honed or polished finish for their marble. The answer depends on the application, your aesthetic preference, and your lifestyle.
Polished marble has a high-gloss, reflective finish achieved through progressive diamond abrasive processing. The surface is mechanically refined until it produces a mirror-like reflection. Polished marble is the classic, luxurious finish you see in hotel lobbies, Georgetown townhome foyers, and high-end kitchens throughout McLean and Great Falls.
Best for: Foyers, living rooms, formal dining areas, hotel lobbies, and surfaces where you want maximum visual impact.
Considerations: Polished marble shows etching (dull spots from acidic contact) more visibly than honed marble. It also shows scratches more easily in high-traffic areas.
Honed marble has a smooth, matte finish — still refined by diamond abrasives but stopped before the polishing stage. The result is an elegant, understated surface that feels like satin to the touch. Honed finishes are increasingly popular in modern and transitional homes across Arlington, Bethesda, and Alexandria.
Best for: Bathrooms, kitchen countertops, high-traffic floors, shower walls, and anywhere you want marble with a more forgiving, contemporary look.
Considerations: Honed marble is more porous and may need sealing more frequently. However, it hides etching and minor scratches far better than polished marble.
Yes. Our team can convert polished marble to honed, or honed to polished. This is done through diamond abrasive processing — the same technique used in restoration. If your polished marble floors are scratching too easily in a high-traffic hallway, we can hone them to a more practical matte finish. If your honed countertops feel dated, we can polish them to a high gloss. The marble itself doesn't change — only the finish.
| Feature | Polished Marble | Honed Marble |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | High-gloss, reflective | Smooth, matte, satin |
| Scratch visibility | More visible | Less visible |
| Etch visibility | More visible (dull spots) | Less visible |
| Porosity | Less porous | More porous (seal more often) |
| Best setting | Foyers, lobbies, formal rooms | Bathrooms, kitchens, high traffic |
| Style | Classic, luxurious | Modern, contemporary |
Etch marks are the dull, whitish rings and spots that appear on marble when it contacts acidic substances — lemon juice, wine, vinegar, tomato sauce, certain cleaning products, and even some cosmetics. Etching is a chemical reaction that dissolves the calcium carbonate in marble, leaving a rough, dull spot on the surface.
Etch marks are not stains — they cannot be cleaned away with any product. The only way to remove marble etching is through professional diamond honing and polishing, which mechanically removes the damaged surface layer and restores a uniform finish.
Most residential marble countertop etch removal projects in the DC metro area take 2-4 hours and cost far less than countertop replacement. If your marble looks dull, spotted, or ring-marked, request a free assessment — the fix is almost always simpler than you think.
"Polished marble tiles on floor of kitchen, entryway and 3 bathrooms. They also polished and sealed marble countertops in the kitchen and 3 bathrooms. They did an awesome job. It looks great: floor and counters sparkle. The team was really careful in doing a great job. This is the second time we have used them and will use them again."
"Our experience with Rose Restoration was highly satisfactory. They gave us a detailed estimate after an onsite visit. Over 3 days, staff restored marble flooring, counters, and shower; porcelain tile flooring; and granite countertop. The workers were neat, careful, and skilled."
Professional marble cleaning goes beyond what household products can achieve. Soap scum in marble showers, embedded dirt in floor pores, hard water deposits, and organic staining from plants or food all require specific cleaning agents matched to the stone type and finish.
We use pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaning solutions that break down deposits without etching or damaging the marble surface. For deep cleaning, we combine chemical treatment with diamond honing to restore both cleanliness and finish in a single visit.
Common marble cleaning situations:
We serve homes and commercial properties throughout Arlington, McLean, Bethesda, Washington DC, and all of Northern Virginia and Maryland.
Marble restoration cost depends on whether you need a basic clean-and-polish, full diamond honing, or stain extraction with crack repair. Most residential marble floor restoration projects in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia market run between $7 and $15 per square foot for a complete restoration. Spot work on countertops typically starts around $450 per visit. See our restoration cost guides for current 2026 pricing.
A residential marble floor restoration of 200 to 500 square feet typically takes one to two days. Larger commercial floors and lobbies are scheduled in stages so the building can stay open. Stain extraction adds 24 to 48 hours of poultice dwell time. Etch removal and re-polishing are usually same-day work.
Almost always. Rose has restored marble that homeowners and contractors had already written off as scrap. The exception is structural damage — deep chips through to the substrate or unbonded pieces — which we handle through our marble crack repair and lippage correction service rather than full replacement.
Real Rose Restoration projects at trophy DC metro clients — see the full case studies.
Short videos of real Rose Restoration projects — no stock footage.
Documented project work in Marble from across the DMV — what we found, what we did, and how the surface looked at the end.
Local Marble restoration coverage across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Each city page covers neighborhood-specific service details and recent work.
Detailed cost breakdowns by surface type, condition, and scope.
View Marble Cost Guide →
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