Hello!
Next week, we are finally starting the garden work. Contrary to our original plan, we have decided to include the patio construction right away.
So, we are currently busy looking at stones. After ruling out a wooden deck for various reasons, we had mostly been considering concrete pavers or porcelain tiles. Now, we came across granite slabs at the local building materials supplier, and we really like them.
We were quite surprised by the price; including tax, they cost about 40 €/sqm (approximately $40 per sq ft) and are therefore cheaper than most attractive concrete slabs. Previously, natural stone was not part of our consideration at all.
Now the question: How sensitive and maintenance-intensive are granite slabs for outdoor use in real life? I have already been told that they need to be sealed every 1-2 years. But is that enough for a worry-free experience, or do you still have to avoid every grease stain or red wine splash because these never come off?
Do I have to scrub them every three months aggressively like a maniac, or will they otherwise become mossy? The surface is noticeably rougher.
Best regards,
Andreas
Next week, we are finally starting the garden work. Contrary to our original plan, we have decided to include the patio construction right away.
So, we are currently busy looking at stones. After ruling out a wooden deck for various reasons, we had mostly been considering concrete pavers or porcelain tiles. Now, we came across granite slabs at the local building materials supplier, and we really like them.
We were quite surprised by the price; including tax, they cost about 40 €/sqm (approximately $40 per sq ft) and are therefore cheaper than most attractive concrete slabs. Previously, natural stone was not part of our consideration at all.
Now the question: How sensitive and maintenance-intensive are granite slabs for outdoor use in real life? I have already been told that they need to be sealed every 1-2 years. But is that enough for a worry-free experience, or do you still have to avoid every grease stain or red wine splash because these never come off?
Do I have to scrub them every three months aggressively like a maniac, or will they otherwise become mossy? The surface is noticeably rougher.
Best regards,
Andreas
Hmm, we have granite slabs that look just like in the photo, but I’m not sure what exactly you’re asking [emoji15]
They are natural stone, not impregnated, and they are installed outdoors.
After three years, we still haven’t done anything to them, and I don’t really know what we would impregnate... and yes, you can now slightly see some marks that could be brushed. So far, this doesn’t bother the picky homeowner (me).
They are natural stone, not impregnated, and they are installed outdoors.
After three years, we still haven’t done anything to them, and I don’t really know what we would impregnate... and yes, you can now slightly see some marks that could be brushed. So far, this doesn’t bother the picky homeowner (me).
montessalet24 Aug 2017 06:16If you choose granite slabs, definitely do not seal them. That simply doesn’t make sense. It’s a natural material and should look like one. Considering the price, I wonder where they come from. Most likely China (and the color suggests that).
Personally, I would have some serious concerns. In our Alps, there is plenty of granite available. It is just a bit more expensive. Another alternative would be natural stone slabs that are grouted, but the installation costs are significantly higher.
Personally, I would have some serious concerns. In our Alps, there is plenty of granite available. It is just a bit more expensive. Another alternative would be natural stone slabs that are grouted, but the installation costs are significantly higher.
Hello,
ok, maybe that was too much typing and not enough of a question:
Our question is, how sensitive is granite to stains?
When you read about it, you come across horror stories like:
"It absorbs liquids like a sponge, a drop of red wine leaves a stain that you can’t remove. Grease is even worse."
"Because the surface is somewhat rough, it tends to develop algae very easily."
and so on.
So, is this true, or is it not that bad?
And why would granite from China be worse? This material is millions of years old, so "Made in China" can't really affect that. We also deliberately want a light color because in summer we usually walk barefoot on the terrace. It shouldn’t get too hot.
Best regards,
Andreas
ok, maybe that was too much typing and not enough of a question:
Our question is, how sensitive is granite to stains?
When you read about it, you come across horror stories like:
"It absorbs liquids like a sponge, a drop of red wine leaves a stain that you can’t remove. Grease is even worse."
"Because the surface is somewhat rough, it tends to develop algae very easily."
and so on.
So, is this true, or is it not that bad?
And why would granite from China be worse? This material is millions of years old, so "Made in China" can't really affect that. We also deliberately want a light color because in summer we usually walk barefoot on the terrace. It shouldn’t get too hot.
Best regards,
Andreas
K
Knallkörper24 Aug 2017 10:52The price is average to affordable. You can choose to apply a sealant or not. Nobody would think of treating natural stone paving (cobblestones). However, stains tend to be more visible on such slabs. Sealing outdoors is not a big deal and might cost you around 30 euros.
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