Inspection & Troubleshooting

Las Vegas April 19 to 23, 2027

Live Workshop 

The Stone and Tile Troubleshooting program is a full 4 days, with the certification test on the last day.  Class size is limited. The cost of the course is $2500 per person.

To register, contact Fred Hueston directly at 321-514-6845.

This is an advanced course about how to use troubleshooting and inspection to diagnose stone and tile failures. Students will learn about the entire life cycle of stone, from geological formation and quarrying and slab production to fabrication and installation, as well as post-installation problems and solutions like repair, restoration, stain removal, and slip resistance. From gaining an understanding of the structure of different kinds of stone and materials to physical and chemical testing, and much more, students gain a higher understanding of stone as a renewable surface material. Armed with this knowledge, students can gain the confidence to write reports and offer expert witness testimony.

Many restoration and installation contractors, architects, building engineers, maintenance staff, and other professionals who deal with stone and tile installation and restoration have benefited from this comprehensive course.


This course is taught by Frederick M. Hueston, an internationally recognized stone and tile consultant, failure investigator, and expert witness. According to Hueston, “The amount of failures, poor installations and other issues with stone and tile flooring are on the rise. This workshop is perfect for fabricators, restoration and installation contractors, as well as architects, building engineers and maintenance staff who have to deal with stone and tile installation and restoration.”

Course Content

Topics Covered

  • The Geology of Stone
  • Understanding the structure of different kinds of stone and materials
  • Identification of stone and tile types
  • Quarry techniques that affect the final product
  • Production of tile and slabs
  • Fabrication and installation requirements
  • Physical and chemical testing
  • Stone and tile forensic investigation
  • Diagnosis of problems
  • Stone and tile restoration
  • Repair and replacement
  • Stain removal
  • Troubleshooting
  • Report writing, including sample reports
  • Expert witness testimony
  • Slip resistance
  • Laboratory testing
  • Course test
Stone Forensics Inspection and Troubleshooting Class

Testmonials

Life changing workshop

by Jim Medina

"To all the contractors and specifiers that ever wanted to know why floors fail or what should be done to prevent a failure, take Fred's in-depth flooring forensic class for all the answers. This class will forever change the way you approach and solve design and installation problems. I personally took this class in 2006 and it has help me solve some major issues in the field and project still in design. Try it out you won’t regret it!" "

Try it out. You won't regret it.

Dave Fowler

"Last week I finished the 2026 Stone Forensics Stone and Tile Troubleshooting and Inspection Workshop with Fred Hueston, and I’ll put it this way… this class RoCkS. Literally. If you think you know stone, this course will politely (and scientifically) show you that you don’t know schist. Four days of deep dives into failures, diagnostics, and real-world problem solving, including a field day actually looking at real stone issues in action--plus a quarry visit with a guided tour. By the end of it, you’re not just guessing anymore… you’re explaining why things fail, and most importantly, proving it. Fred has a way of breaking down complex chemistry, geology, and installation issues so they actually stick. No fluff, no filler—just solid (pun intended) knowledge you can take straight back into the field. Real stories from the field that take a lifetime to gain. Honestly, the guy could probably diagnose a failing floor from 20 feet away with his hands tied behind his back and one eye covered with an iPad, lol. The class setup is more like a think tank than a lecture. The people who took the class with me were all winners, making them all great resources. You’re not just sitting there; you’re working through real problems, bouncing ideas, and sharpening the way you think about natural stone. If you’re in inspections, installation, or restoration and you’re serious about leveling up, take the class. If you’re not serious… well, you might want to stay sedimentary. Worth every single penny, and then some. Thank you, Fred Hueston!"

Great learning

Allyson Bottini

"Great Education to extend my knowledge in the tile and stone industry. I would love to attend every year. There is always something to learn. Great Class and education. "

Got Questions?

Contact Fred Directly