How Often Does Natural Stone Need To Be Sealed?

When it comes to kitchen and bathroom countertops and flooring, there are fewer better options to choose from than natural stone. Natural stone offers unmatched beauty and comes in a variety of shapes, colors and styles to match any home design. On top of that, natural stone is highly durable and can last for many years. However, natural stone requires maintenance in order to keep it looking beautiful and performing well for a long time. 

Depending on which natural stone you have in your home, you may need to regularly seal your surfaces as part of your maintenance. As a homeowner, it’s vital that you know how often you need to seal your stone to help protect your amazing natural surfaces. 

At GMS Werks, we specialize in all things natural stone. From natural marble stone to granite, quartzite and quartz, we can help you in your next kitchen or bathroom renovation project. Below, we talk about how often you should be sealing your natural stone surfaces!

Why do you need to seal your stone?

Many natural stones are a porous material, meaning liquid can be absorbed underneath the surface if not cleaned up right away. Adding a sealant to your stone’s surface will help protect your natural stone from becoming damaged, and it will keep your natural stone looking great for many years to come!

What types of stone need to be sealed?

Lastly, not every single natural stone needs to be sealed! In fact, there are non-porous stones used in home design that won’t need a sealant whatsoever. Here are some stones that need to be sealed!

You need to regularly seal: 

• Granite - every six months to one year

• Natural marble stone - every six months to one year

• Quartzite - annually

• Slate floors - annually

• Outdoor travertine - every one to two years

What applications need to be sealed?

Not all natural stones need to be sealed. In fact, there are some stones that are non-porous and will repel liquids without a sealer! However, there are many natural stones and applications where sealing is needed. 

Countertops

As the most popular natural stone home application, your granite and natural marble stone countertops may need to be sealed as well! In your kitchen and bathroom, it’s likely that water and other liquids will occasionally pool on top of your countertops. Adding a sealant will protect your countertop’s surface, ultimately protecting your investment! Depending on the type of stone you have, you should be looking to reseal your stone countertops every year or two. 

Floors

Your home’s floors are another thing that needs to be sealed regularly. Your floors will see a lot of foot traffic pretty much everyday, which can wear down the tiles and increase the risk of damage. By sealing your natural stone tiles regularly, you will protect them much better so they will last for much longer!

No matter the application, it’s important that you are doing what you can to protect your natural stone surfaces. Whether it is natural marble stone countertops, slate bathroom countertops or a natural stone shower, it’s important that you seal your surfaces to help prolong their life!

At GMS Werks, we are your natural stone Omaha company! If you have any questions regarding any of our products or services, give us a call today!