SEALING CONCRETE OUTDOOR FURNITURE
SEALING CONCRETE OUTDOOR FURNITURE
If you own concrete outdoor furniture, you know the pieces have special character and a solid, permanent feel that becomes part of the landscape.
Concrete offers excellent durability and longevity. This makes it a great option for people who want their concrete pieces to become a fixture in their outdoor space. As tough and low maintenance as concrete is, to ensure that concrete maintains its quality and keeps looking its best, it is beneficial to use a sealer. Sealing concrete can protect from water damage, prevent stains, and reduce signs of irreversible wear and tear over time that all outdoor furniture is prone to.
RISKS OF LEAVING CONCRETE UNSEALED
When sealing concrete surfaces, you create a barrier that protects your concrete against the elements—particularly in regions with inclement weather like heavy snow or frequent rain and high exposure to salt corrosion. Frequent exposure to the elements wears down concrete over time. The variability of seasons, from hot temperatures to freezing conditions, can also affect your concrete and make it more brittle.
Aggregate expansion is one example of how the changing seasons can impact your outdoor concrete furniture. The aggregated expansion damage often occurs during the wintertime through freezing and thawing cycles, but sealing can help avoid this type of damage.
BENEFITS OF SEALING CONCRETE
The number one reason for sealing your concrete is the prevention of permanent damage to your outdoor furniture. Applying sealer to concrete can help minimize cracks. A sealer will also protect concrete from damage due to moisture—a concrete sealer will help to repel moisture and prevent mold and mildew from growing.
If you have colored concrete, a sealer can help to prevent this color from fading over time. Concrete sealing also serves to resist stains, particularly from chemicals, grease and dirt. With a sealer, your concrete furniture will be easier to clean and retain its appearance over time.
CHOOSING A CONCRETE SEALER FOR OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Most home improvement stores sell different types of outdoor concrete sealer in quart and gallon sizes. Concrete is very porous, so follow the directions on the sealer you buy to ensure you use the correct amount for a quality seal and the right type of applicator. Sealing can often be done in an afternoon from start to finish and can be done every six months to a year.
WHAT ABOUT SEALING CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS?
You should never use a sealer made for outdoor concrete surfaces on concrete countertops, especially in the kitchen. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seal your concrete countertops. Pick a nontoxic, safety-rated penetrating sealer that will repel water and stains while making your concrete look rich and smooth. Finished concrete countertops will benefit from sealing anywhere from every month to once every six months depending on use.
