You are here:
Construction & Contractors/Expert Profile
Torin Dixon
Follow me on:
Expertise
Questions concerning Natural Stone Fabrication and Installation including: Marble, Granite, Limestone, Slate, Soapstone, Bluestone, and Travertine in Slabs and Tiles. Expert in natural stone cleaning, sealing, protection and restoration. Distributor of HMK Stone Care Products; Sealers, Cleaning Products, Stone Maintenance. Expert in stone and tile flooring, sealing and maintenance issues. Stain removal from stone. Importer and Distributor of slab stone for residential and commercial applications. Stone carving Stone restoration
Experience in the area
I have worked in the Dimensional Stone Industry since 1977.
California Contractors License 1989
Former owner of Prestige Marble & Tile (So. Calif.)
Current owner of Elegance in Stone (Missoula, MT)
Current Owner of Montana Stone Gallery,LLC Missoula, MT
Owner of Stoncareonline.org Distributor of natural stone maintenance products
Organizations
Missoula Building Industry Association
Montana Building Industry Association
Flathead Building Association
National Association of Home Builders
Member of the Marble Institute of America
Former member of the National Tile Contractors Association
Publications
Slippery Rock Gazette-Stone Industry Publication
Education/Credentials
Journeyman Marble Mason, Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Union #2
California Contractors License 1989-1997
Montana Contractors Registration #42969
Importer of natural stone slabs. Owner-Director of Montana Stone Gallery a regional Importing and Distribution company located in Missoula, MT
Past/Present Clients
Thousands of commercial and residential installations of stone slabs and tile in bathrooms, kitchens, showers, flooring, fireplaces over a 34 year professional career.
What do you like about this subject?
Helping people find solutions to their problems to help them enjoy natural stone elements in and around their homes.
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
Most granite that is installed is not a "True" geological granite as defined by scientists. These quartz and felspar stones are metamorphosed "granites" as a commercial use designation. This does not limit the appropriate use of granite countertops for kitchens
Something controversial or provocative about this subject
Competing manufacturers of man made products have repeatedly raised the false issue that granite emits radon. Through numerous scientific studies this notion has been dispelled. The Marble Institute of America has published a definitive treatise on this subject. Go to: http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/granite_radoninfo.cfm
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denise | 09/29/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Very quick reply. Helpful! |
| Patrick Turi | 08/20/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks Torin Not to many masons seem ..... |
| Mark | 05/05/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Mike | 05/05/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks for this! I'll post a picture ..... |
| John | 08/18/10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Recent Answers from Torin Dixon
2011-07-01 bluestone chemical sealer:
Benjamin, I am sorry to hear about your trouble with your Bluestone. This stone is very porous and if you applied a sealer it will absorb deep into the stone. I would suggest a test using HMK R80 Stripper-Stain
2011-05-05 granite anchor:
Mark, Not knowing what kind of load you intend to place on the anchor, the simplest answer is to drill a hole using a carbide tipped masonry bit in a hammer drill. The trick is to use progressively larger
2011-05-04 Bluestone over concrete:
Kathy, I would suggest acid wash and thoroughly rinsing before setting bluestone. If the thickness of the bluestone is fairly uniform then you can use a medium body thin-set mortar (get a premium quality
2011-04-23 Patio:
Mike, This is a very important question that many people fail to properly assess prior to construction. This can also be a very complex issue. There are many issues that can affect the long term condition
2011-01-04 Concrete dusting:
Sharon, The concrete was not mixed correctly and is failing if you are getting this kind of continual dusting. I suggest using an epoxy coating specifically for concrete. Check with your local masonry
Answers by Expert:
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.