Outdoor counter materials Outdoor Kitchen Design Discuss Outdoor counter materials in the Outdoor Kitchens and Living Rooms forums; Yes, you can and should seal your granite. When we first did out kitchen (indoors) the granite would show darkening ...

[Xabia Jim]

Yes, you can and should seal your granite. When we first did out kitchen (indoors) the granite would show darkening when something wet was put on it. It was sealed (I think with a water based sealer) and that made a major difference in that you do not see the water marks any more.

No reason not to seal your outdoor granite as well. That might be an additonal help in the freeze thaw areas.

XJ

[james]

Agreed. The granite installers say you should re-seal it pretty often. You can buy the sealer at Home Depot, and after you do it, the granite shines again, water beads up, and it's easier to clean. Nice.

We have granite in our kitchen, outdoor kitchen and at a weekend house, and have never had it stain. Marble on the other hand really stains. My father-in-law had it in his house in Benidoleg, and it was a constant worry. It stained, reacted with lemon, etc.
James

[jahysea]

Sorry, I think someone asked about sealing and I neglected to answer.

I sealed granite and grout yes. "TileLab SurfaceGard" Penetrating Sealer for grout, tile, stone, etc. It's expensive, like $20 a pint.

I typically try to remember to reseal the inside counters once a year or so.

That's even higher than gas costs in the UK!