At StoneWorks, we take pride in supplying high-quality stone materials to builders, landscapers, and contractors throughout New York and Long Island. From rugged bluestone to elegant limestone and rustic travertine, each type of stone we carry adds beauty and strength to outdoor spaces. But no matter how durable these materials are, they all have one thing in common: stone maintenance matters.
When customers understand how to properly care for their stone, they get better long-term results—and that builds trust in your business. That’s why it’s essential to train your staff to confidently educate customers about stone maintenance. A well-informed team can improve customer satisfaction, reduce complaints, and create lasting loyalty.
In this blog, we’ll explore the value of knowledgeable staff and outline smart strategies to train your team on how to guide customers through the care and maintenance of their natural stone.
Why Stone Maintenance Should Be Part of Every Sale
Natural stone is tough—but it’s not invincible. Without proper stone maintenance, even the best material can lose its beauty or functionality over time. Weather exposure, staining, and improper cleaning methods can lead to fading, cracking, or even permanent damage.
Customers often don’t realize that stone care is different from caring for other surfaces. That’s where your team comes in. When staff are trained to provide easy-to-follow advice, customers are more likely to protect their investment—and come back for future projects.
By making stone maintenance part of every conversation, your staff become trusted advisors, not just salespeople.
What Your Staff Should Know About Our Stones
Training begins with understanding the specific types of stone you offer. At StoneWorks, we specialize in outdoor and architectural stone materials that each have unique care requirements.
Bluestone
Bluestone is a popular choice for patios, walkways, and pool decks thanks to its strength and natural color variations. It’s low-maintenance but benefits from regular cleaning and sealing to protect it from moisture, dirt buildup, and stains. Without proper care, bluestone can show signs of wear or surface flaking over time.
Limestone
Limestone is elegant and versatile, often used in walkways, retaining walls, and veneer applications. However, it’s a porous stone and more sensitive to acidic substances. Customers should avoid harsh cleaners and seal it to help resist staining and moisture absorption. Teaching staff to explain this simply can make a big difference in long-term customer satisfaction.
Travertine
Travertine has a textured, earthy look that’s ideal for outdoor areas like patios and pool surroundings. Its surface includes natural pits that can trap dirt and moisture, so sealing and gentle cleaning are key. Staff should be prepared to talk about how to keep it clean without damaging its natural beauty.
Sandstone
Known for its natural slip-resistance and warm color tones, sandstone is great for paths, steps, and outdoor features. Like limestone, it’s porous and benefits from sealing. Staff should know how to guide customers on preventing erosion and protecting against harsh weather and foot traffic.
Helping staff understand these distinctions allows them to speak confidently with customers and recommend the right care for each product.
Training Strategies That Work
Educating your team doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some effective strategies to help your staff become stone maintenance pros:
1. Develop a Simple Stone Maintenance Guide
Create a user-friendly guide that outlines care instructions for each type of stone you sell. Include do’s and don’ts, cleaning product recommendations, and sealing schedules. This can serve as a daily reference tool for your team.
2. Use Hands-On Learning
Nothing beats experience. Set up short training sessions where staff can practice sealing a stone surface, testing different cleaners, or identifying signs of damage. This helps them relate to what customers will go through and prepares them to answer questions with confidence.
3. Role-Playing Customer Scenarios
Use common customer questions as training opportunities. For example:
“Can I use bleach to clean my travertine patio?”
“How do I keep my bluestone walkway from turning green?”
“How often should I seal my limestone steps?”
Practicing these conversations in real-time builds confidence and improves communication.
4. Offer Quick Reference Sheets
Keep printed cheat sheets at the sales counter or inside delivery trucks. These should cover quick facts like:
- Recommended cleaners for each stone
- How often to seal
- What to avoid (e.g., acidic cleaners, pressure washers)
It’s an easy way to keep knowledge fresh and accessible.
5. Bring in Experts
Schedule occasional training with stone care product representatives or experienced installers who can share best practices, new trends, or product innovations. This shows your team that learning about stone maintenance is part of professional growth.
T
urning Knowledge Into Better Customer Service
Once your staff are trained, it’s important to make stone maintenance part of your everyday customer service routine. Here’s how:
- Start the Conversation Early: Don’t wait until the end of the sale. Talk about care and maintenance while discussing stone options.
- Provide Take-Home Instructions: Give customers a printed care guide that matches the stone they purchased. Include basic cleaning tips and sealing schedules.
- Offer Product Add-Ons: If you carry sealers or stone-safe cleaners, encourage your team to recommend them as part of the sale—not as an upsell, but as a helpful solution.
- Follow Up: Consider reaching out to customers a few weeks after delivery to ask how the stone is performing and if they have any questions about care. It’s a great way to build relationships and gather feedback.
Stone Maintenance Builds Long-Term Trust
When your team is well-trained in stone maintenance, your entire business benefits. Customers feel supported, confident, and satisfied with their purchase. They’re more likely to return for future projects, recommend your company to others, and trust you with more complex jobs.
At StoneWorks, we believe education is a key part of great service. We don’t just sell stone—we help our customers protect their investment for years to come. By training your team to be friendly, knowledgeable experts, you’re not only delivering high-quality products—you’re delivering peace of mind.
Let’s Build Something That Lasts
Whether you’re a builder, contractor, or landscaper, the success of your project depends on the right materials—and the right guidance. StoneWorks is here to supply both. From top-grade bluestone to classic limestone and durable travertine, we offer the best selection in New York and Long Island.
And when it comes to stone maintenance, we’ve got your back. Our staff is trained, our materials are top-quality, and our goal is to help your business succeed.
📞 Call StoneWorks today to get started! Let’s make sure every stone you install looks beautiful and lasts for years to come—with the care it deserves.
