The Importance of Sealing Porous Flooring

When selecting a hard surface floor, the term porous flooring refers to any material that has microscopic holes or spaces in its composition that allow liquids, air, and other substances to penetrate the surface.

These pores are the key to the material’s unique character but also its greatest vulnerability.

Identifying & understanding this type of flooring is important because it dictates the level of maintenance required, especially in moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Common Examples of Porous Flooring

Porosity is a natural trait of many beautiful and popular flooring materials:

• Natural Stone: Marble, granite, travertine, and limestone all have varying degrees of porosity. For example, granite is dense and less porous, while travertine and marble are significantly more porous, making them prone to staining and etching from acidic spills.
• Unglazed Ceramic Tile: Unlike porcelain (which is dense and non-porous), standard ceramic tile, especially if unglazed, has a porous body that can absorb moisture and stains.
• Grout: Virtually all cement-based grout is highly porous and will readily absorb water, dirt, and mold spores unless it is sealed.
• Hardwood: While finished hardwood is not truly “porous” like stone, wood fibers can still absorb moisture if the protective finish (polyurethane or oil) is breached, leading to warping and swelling.

The Drawbacks of Porosity

While porous materials like natural stone are prized for their beauty and authenticity, their porous nature creates maintenance challenges:

• Staining: Liquids like wine, oil, coffee, or pet accidents can quickly seep into the pores, causing deep-set, permanent stains.
• Etching: Acidic substances (citrus, vinegar, harsh cleaners) react with the minerals in porous stone (especially marble and travertine), causing the surface to dull or “etch.”
• Moisture Damage: In high-humidity areas, porous floors can absorb and trap moisture, leading to issues like mold and mildew growth.

The Solution: Regular Sealing

The most critical maintenance step for any porous flooring is sealing.

A penetrating sealer is a liquid chemical solution that soaks deep into the pores of the material, creating an invisible, protective barrier without changing the floor’s appearance.

• Natural Stone: Must be sealed after installation and reapplied regularly (usually every 6 to 18 months, depending on the stone and traffic). The sealer prevents liquids from penetrating, buying you time to clean up spills.
• Grout Lines: A crucial step for any tile floor, sealing the grout lines prevents dirt, grime, and moisture from soaking into the cement.
• Topical vs. Penetrating Sealers: Topical sealers sit on the surface and can create a film or gloss, while penetrating sealers are generally preferred for porous floors because they protect within the material, maintaining the stone’s natural look and “breathability.”

Consult the Experts at Dolphin Carpet & Tile in South Florida

If you choose a beautiful, natural porous floor, be prepared for the added maintenance required to seal and protect your investment against the realities of daily life.

Your South Florida Flooring Experts are nearby! With a strong presence for over 51 years, Dolphin Carpet & Tile is the local market leader you can depend on for quality floor covering. We value your business and invite you to experience our service firsthand.

Find the Dolphin Carpet & Tile showroom closest to you today: Coral Springs, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Doral, Fort Lauderdale, North Miami, Pembroke Pines, Pinecrest-Palmetto Bay, and West Kendall, FL.