Introduction

“Should I seal my pavers?” is a very common question we receive at Pavingstone Supply. So common, in fact, that we figured it might be helpful to break down the pros and cons here on our blog!

It probably seems like such a simple question would have a simple answer: Yes or no. When it comes to sealing your pavers, though, we recommend considering the follow first:

Display board from our yard showing the difference between sealed and unsealed pavers.

The Pros and Cons:

First and foremost are the PROS to sealing your pavers:

  • Your pavers will look newer for longer
    • some sealers will even darken the appearance of pavers and/or create a glossy finish.
  •  Sealing creates a barrier between your pavers and everything else, which can:
  • For both of these reasons, sealing can protect the investment you’ve made into your hardscaping project.

On the other hand, here are some CONS:

  • It’s a commitment:
    • Sealing your pavers is not a one-and-done situation. If you choose to use a sealer, know that you may need to reapply every couple of years to maintain best results.
  • Conditions have to be just right:
    • It is not recommended to apply sealer on a damp surface or during inclement weather. It’s also important to make sure the surface and air temperature are between 50-80 degrees so the sealer cures properly. In a place like the PNW, these conditions may be few and far between. For more information click here!
  • It can be expensive:
    • For those who are operating on a budget, adding sealer to the mix may be too much. While coverage varies product to product, the sealers we sell will typically cover around 100 sqft and range from $65 to $325 per gallon. If you have a large patio or porous pavers, you may need to more sealer to fully cover your space. Simply put: it can add up fast!

For a comprehensive overview of paver maintenance click here!

In conclusion

Furthermore, you should seal your pavers if you WANT to. It is typically recommend, but not an absolute MUST. The structural integrity of your pavers will not decrease as a result of not sealing, but their visual appearance certainly can. At the end of the day, whether or not to use a sealer comes down to personal preference (and your own cost/benefit analysis).