How Often Should You Seal Your Natural Stone?

Natural stone is one of the most common materials used in residential and commercial construction and design. With so many options to choose from, you will surely find a stone to meet your needs. In residential settings, natural stone is commonly used for countertops, fireplace surrounds, indoor flooring, outdoor patios and more! Natural stone is one of the most versatile materials you can use throughout your home!

With natural stone comes maintenance. Depending on what your stone is being used for andwhat type of stone you have, comes sealing. Making sure your home’s natural stone is properly sealed will tremendously help protect your stone surfaces! 

At GMS Werks, we are experts when it comes to all things natural stone. We understand the importance of properly sealing your natural stone to help make the most out of your investment! Below, we discuss what types of natural stones need to be sealed and how often it should be done!

Why do you need to seal your stone

Many natural stones are a porous material, meaning liquid and absorb 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 will keep your natural stone looking great for many years to come!

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. 

Stone showers

One feature that is becoming more popular in many homes is stone showers. If you have a natural stone tile shower, it’s probably a good idea to keep it properly sealed. Since your shower tile will be hit with water almost every day, a proper seal will protect your stone from becoming damaged! This should be done every six months to a year! 

Stone patios

Another way homeowners have been adding natural stone to their home is by installing outdoor patios! Although patios contain outdoor stone, sealing is still needed in most cases! Sealing your outdoor stone patios will ultimately help better protect the surface from weather and outdoor elements. Usually, your outdoor patio stone only needs to be resealed every three years or so, but high traffic areas may require annual sealing! 

Countertops

As the most popular natural stone home application, your granite and marble bathroom 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 should be looking to reseal your stone countertops every year or two. 

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

• Marble - every six months to one year

• Quartzite - annually

• Slate floors - annually

• Outdoor travertine - every one to two years

Stones that don’t need to be sealed:

• Quartz

• Soapstone

• Silestone 

No matter the application, it’s important that you are doing what you can to protect your natural stone surfaces. Whether it is a limestone patio, marble bathroom countertops or slate shower, keeping your stone properly sealed will pay off in the long run. 

At GMS Werks, we offer many natural stone services! From installing marble bathroom countertops to repairing your natural stone shower, our team is here to help. Visit our website to learn more about our stone services and products!