Should You Seal Your Paver Patio or Leave It Bare?

Installing a paver patio is one of the best ways to enhance your outdoor living space. But once the patio is complete, many homeowners in the Bel Air area face a common question: Should I seal my pavers, or leave them bare?

At Harvest Outdoor Living, we help our clients weigh the pros and cons of paver sealing based on their long-term goals. Whether you're concerned about stains, fading, maintenance, or just want the best look for your backyard, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

What does sealing a paver patio do?

Sealing a paver patio involves applying a clear, protective coating that enhances both the durability and the appearance of your hardscape. The sealer acts as a shield between your pavers and the elements, helping to preserve your investment for years to come. Depending on the product used, the sealant may either soak into the paver to protect it from within (penetrating sealer) or form a surface-level barrier (film-forming sealer).

Key benefits of sealing:

• • Protects against water infiltration and freeze-thaw damage
    Moisture is one of the biggest threats to any outdoor surface. When water seeps into the pores of unsealed pavers, it can freeze during cold months, expand, and cause cracks or shifting. A sealed patio is much more resistant to this type of seasonal damage.
  • Reduces staining from oil, food, and organic debris
    Barbecues, backyard gatherings, or even falling leaves can leave stubborn stains on bare pavers. Sealers create a non-porous surface that repels spills, making cleanup easier and preventing deep stains from setting in.
  • Enhances the color of the pavers
    Sealing can enrich the natural tones of your patio, bringing out the texture and contrast in each stone. You can choose from finishes ranging from a subtle matte to a bold wet-look gloss, depending on the style you prefer.
  • Helps lock in joint sand and reduce weed growth
    Over time, wind, rain, and foot traffic can wash away the sand between your pavers. A good sealer helps stabilize the joints, keeping the pavers locked in place and reducing the chances of weeds, moss, or ant hills developing.
  • Improves resistance to fading from sun exposure
    UV rays gradually bleach the surface of unsealed pavers, especially lighter shades. Sealers with UV blockers help preserve the vibrancy of your patio even in full sun.

While sealing isn’t required to enjoy your patio, it’s often a wise investment—especially for homeowners in Maryland’s varied climate. At Harvest Outdoor Living, we help you choose the right type of sealer for your specific paver material and usage needs, ensuring your patio remains beautiful and protected for the long haul.

Benefits of sealing your paver patio

While not every patio needs to be sealed, many homeowners choose to do so because of the clear benefits it brings to long-term performance, ease of maintenance, and visual appeal. If you’ve invested in a professionally installed paver patio, sealing is often the final step that helps preserve and enhance that investment.

Long-term protection

One of the main reasons to seal your patio is to extend its lifespan and protect it from the elements. Maryland’s seasonal weather—especially the freeze-thaw cycles—can be tough on hardscapes.

• • Moisture resistance
    Sealer helps repel water, preventing it from soaking into the pavers. This reduces the risk of cracking and shifting during winter freezes, which is a common issue with unsealed patios.
  • UV protection
    Direct sun exposure gradually fades the natural color of pavers over time. Sealing adds a layer of UV resistance, helping to maintain your patio’s color vibrancy even in full-sun areas.
  • Surface durability
    A sealed patio is more resistant to general wear and erosion. It stands up better to foot traffic, rain, snow, and wind-blown debris, helping the surface look newer, longer.

Easier maintenance

Cleaning and caring for a sealed patio is typically much simpler than maintaining bare pavers.

• • Stain resistance
    Sealed surfaces are less porous, which helps prevent stains from oil, food, leaves, or algae from seeping in. Spills are easier to wipe away, and organic debris doesn’t leave lasting marks as easily.
  • Simpler cleaning
    Whether you’re using a broom, hose, or leaf blower, sealed pavers are smoother and less likely to hold on to dirt and grime. Regular maintenance takes less time and effort.
  • Joint sand stabilization
    Sealer helps lock in the joint sand between pavers, reducing the chances of weeds sprouting or ants disturbing the area. This also contributes to the overall structural integrity of your patio.

Enhanced appearance

Even if your patio is relatively new, sealing can elevate its overall look and feel.

• • Color enhancement
    Sealing brings out the richness in your paver’s natural tones. Earthy reds, deep grays, and warm browns all appear more vibrant and uniform when sealed properly.
  • Finish options
    Some homeowners prefer the natural, understated look of a matte finish. Others love the added depth and shine of a “wet look” gloss. The right sealer can help you achieve your desired aesthetic.
  • Professional finish
    A sealed patio simply looks more refined. Whether it’s a backyard seating area or a front walkway, sealing helps your hardscape look clean, finished, and well cared for—improving curb appeal and property value.

At Harvest Outdoor Living, we help you choose the right sealer based on your patio’s location, material, and how you use the space. Whether you want a subtle finish or bold enhancement, we’ll make sure your pavers stay protected and beautiful for years to come.

When it might make sense to leave your pavers unsealed

Sealing isn’t right for everyone. Depending on your preferences and the type of pavers used, you may choose to leave the surface bare:

• • You prefer a more natural, weathered look.
  • Your pavers are extremely dense and already stain-resistant.
  • You don’t mind performing periodic maintenance like re-sanding joints or scrubbing stains.

Unsealed patios can still last for years—but they’ll generally require more attention over time and may not retain their original color.

How often do sealed pavers need maintenance?

Most sealers need to be reapplied every 2 to 5 years, depending on:

• • Sun exposure
  • Weather conditions
  • Foot traffic
  • Quality of the initial sealer

At Harvest Outdoor Living, we offer resealing as part of our paver patio maintenance services. If your sealed patio is starting to fade, stain, or lose its protective barrier, we can help refresh it.

Signs it’s time to reseal your patio:

• • Water no longer beads on the surface
  • Color looks faded or washed out
  • Joint sand is eroding or weeds are returning
  • Stains are appearing more frequently

How we seal paver patios

At Harvest Outdoor Living, we take pride in doing things the right way—especially when it comes to sealing paver patios. Our process is designed to protect your hardscape investment, enhance its appearance, and ensure long-lasting performance. We don’t take shortcuts, because sealing done incorrectly can do more harm than good.

Here’s what you can expect from our professional paver sealing service:

Step 1: Thorough inspection

Before we begin, we carefully assess the condition of your patio:

• • • Are the pavers dirty, stained, or discolored?
    • Is the joint sand intact or has it been washed out?
    • Are any pavers loose, uneven, or damaged?

This evaluation helps us determine what prep work is needed—because sealing without proper preparation won’t deliver lasting results.

Step 2: Professional cleaning

We use commercial-grade pressure washing equipment to clean the entire paver surface and remove:

• • • Dirt, grime, and algae
    • Stains from leaves, oils, or spills
    • Old or flaking sealer, if previously applied

Once clean, the patio must dry thoroughly—typically for 24–48 hours depending on weather conditions. This step is critical to avoid trapping moisture under the sealer, which can lead to hazing or peeling.

Step 3: Joint sanding

Next, we reapply joint sand between the pavers to help stabilize the surface and minimize weed growth and ant activity. In most cases, we use polymeric sand, which hardens when activated by moisture and creates a strong, weed-resistant bond.

• • • We carefully sweep the sand into the joints
    • Excess sand is removed from the surface to prevent haze
    • For best results, the sand is compacted and allowed to settle

Step 4: Sealing application

Once the area is clean, dry, and properly sanded, we apply a high-quality paver sealer using sprayers or rollers for even, controlled coverage. Depending on your preferences, we offer:

• • • Natural or enhanced color finishes
    • Matte or wet-look sheen levels
    • Breathable or film-forming sealers based on your paver type and usage

We follow all manufacturer guidelines for application, drying, and curing—ensuring the sealer bonds properly and delivers full protection.

Final result: a beautiful, protected patio

By the time we’re done, your patio will not only look refreshed and more vibrant—it will also be:

• • Protected from water damage, stains, and fading
  • Easier to clean and maintain year-round
  • More structurally stable thanks to locked-in joint sand

Whether you just installed a new paver patio or want to extend the life of an older one, sealing with Harvest Outdoor Living is a smart investment in both form and function. We serve homeowners across Bel Air and surrounding Harford County communities with reliable, professional-grade landscaping services.

Still unsure? We can help you decide

Every property is different. If you're not sure whether sealing is right for you, we're happy to inspect your patio and offer honest, professional advice. We specialize in paver patio installation, restoration, and maintenance throughout Harford County and bring deep experience to every project.

Proudly serving Harford County and beyond

Harvest Outdoor Living provides expert paver patio and landscaping services in:

• • Bel Air
  • Abingdon
  • Aberdeen
  • Churchville
  • Fallston
  • Forest Hill
  • Havre De Grace
  • Jarrettsville
  • Perry Hall
  • White Marsh
  • And surrounding Harford County areas

Let’s protect and enhance your patio

Contact us today for a paver patio sealing consultation

If you're thinking about sealing your paver patio or need help maintaining an older installation, reach out to Harvest Outdoor Living. We’ll provide expert guidance and deliver high-quality results that last.

We proudly serve Bel Air and the greater Harford County region with custom hardscaping and landscaping solutions that add beauty, value, and durability to your outdoor space.