Caring for Your Stone Table: How to Keep Concrete
and Mosaic Tops Looking Beautiful
Natural stone and concrete tabletops bring lasting beauty, texture, and craftsmanship to outdoor living spaces. Whether you have a hand-crafted mosaic or a sleek concrete table, each piece is built for strength and designed to be enjoyed for years to come.
Like all fine materials, however, stone and concrete benefit from regular care. Both are naturally porous, meaning liquids and oils can seep beneath the surface if left unsealed. Over time, this can lead to stains, fading, and even surface damage. Sealing your tabletop creates an invisible barrier that repels moisture, resists stains, and preserves the material’s natural color and texture.
Routine sealing not only enhances durability but also makes cleaning easier, keeping your surface smooth, vibrant, and ready for everyday use. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your investment and maintain the artistry and performance that make your table extraordinary season after season.
Concrete Tables
Strength, Simplicity, and Enduring Design
Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) represents the next generation of performance outdoor materials. Engineered for strength and longevity, GFRC endures extreme temperatures from below freezing to over 120°F without degradation.
Unlike conventional concrete or fiber-stone, the proprietary process disperses fiber evenly throughout the mix, creating a single structural layer. This innovation prevents delamination, minimizes spider-web cracking, and increases both tensile and impact strength.
Cleaning
After each use, wipe with warm water and a soft or microfiber cloth.
For tougher spots, use a mild dish soap, never ammonia, bleach, or abrasives.
Rinse well and dry to avoid water spots.
If candle wax spills, remove gently with a warm damp towel.
Spill and Stain Prevention
Concrete is naturally porous, so wipe spills immediately to prevent water marks.
Avoid allowing water to pool, and never use sharp tools or harsh chemicals on the surface.
Heat and Surface Protection
Always use trivets, mats, or coasters under hot or rough-bottomed items.
Never cut directly on the surface.
Use felt pads beneath décor to prevent scratches.
Outdoor Exposure
While GFRC is made for outdoor use, sealing and covering your table will greatly extend its lifespan.
Use a protective cover when not in use.
Before winter, reseal and shield from moisture to prevent freeze-related damage.
Resealing
Reseal at least twice per year and before winter.
Use a high-quality, water-based concrete sealer available at most hardware stores, like Granite Gold Granite & Stone Sealer or 303 Aerospace UV Protectant.
Apply 2–3 thin coats evenly, covering all surfaces including the underside.
Allow to dry completely before covering.
Handling and Durability
Always lift the table from both ends and never drag.
Avoid striking edges or joints.
Hairline cracks are normal and purely cosmetic. They do not affect structural integrity.
Detailed Instructions on how to seal your concrete table:
Clean your concrete product as you would to an exotic natural stone surface such as marble or onyx. For general clean up, use warm water and soft or microfiber cloth to clean the surface.
For stubborn surface soils or stains, use a mild household cleaner or liquid soap (containing no abrasive, chlorine /bleach, or ammonium).
A commercially available all-purpose/ all-surface cleaner is appropriate. If products containing antibacterial or disinfectant agents are used, always test an inconspicuous area of the piece to ensure your cleaner is compatible with the finish.
Always remove cleaning agent residue with a clean water and rinse immediately; then dry.
Do not allow large standing water drops to air dry, or water spotting may occur.
General food preparation and spills will not stain the concrete as long as the protective sealer coating is maintained.
However, spills should be cleaned right away after table being used. Since concrete is a porous material, water 'spotting' may occur, but generally disappears after it has time to evaporate.
While intense heat will not harm the concrete itself, setting a hot object directly on the surface may weaken or discolor the sealer, thus exposing the raw concrete to future staining and fading. Always use trivets under hot pots and pans. While the concrete is suitable for everyday use and food preparation, cutting and other abrasive activities should not be performed directly on the surface of the concrete.
To prevent scratching on the surface or wear of the sealer coat, use cutting boards, and felt or rubber pads on the bottom of all heavy or rough objects that remain on the surface for a long duration (i.e. small appliances].
Exposure to long periods of rain, pollution, and sunlight and temperature extremes will accelerate the wearing of the protective sealer and cause the appearance of the concrete surface to wear. It is suggested that a cover be placed over your outside table to assist in the longevity of the sealant and the original finish.
Mosaic Tables
Each mosaic is a work of art made by hand with precision and passion. Using environmentally friendly recycled glass beads and a proprietary stone blend, these tables are lighter, smoother, and more refined than typical mosaics. The hand-cut tiles are cast into a seamless composite, creating a surface that is level for a wine glass or writing surface, perfectly balanced between art and everyday function.
Common Mosaic Concerns
Hairline Cracks: Fill with grout and reseal after 24 hours.
White Film: This is salt efflorescence; clean and reseal to restore richness.
Fading: Apply a thin grout coat, then seal to refresh the color.
To preserve that flawless finish, follow these care guidelines.
Seal Your Mosaic Top Regularly
Every KNF tabletop arrives pre-sealed with a penetrating grout sealer that protects against moisture, stains, and fading.
1. To Maintain Protection:
Reseal 1–2 times per season depending on exposure.
Use a Brick & Concrete Sealer from RadonSeal.
Apply in a shaded, cool area and let dry completely.
Regular sealing keeps a barrier between your tabletop and the elements, preventing cracks, efflorescence (white film), and color loss.
2. Clean Gently
Clean with mild dish soap and water using a soft cloth.
Avoid ammonia, bleach, or abrasive cleaners that can strip the sealer and cause fading.
Wipe spills promptly, and never scrape wax or residue with sharp tools.
3. Protect Metal Bases
Wash bases with mild soap and water.
Apply 303 Aerospace UV Protectant seasonally to help prevent oxidation and fading.
If chips occur, sand lightly with 400-grit sandpaper and use touch-up paint.
During freezing weather, bring indoors or wrap securely.
4. Handle and Store with Care
Always lift the tabletop and never roll it on its edge.
If storing upright, use padding such as moving blankets.
When covered outdoors, wrap tightly to prevent moisture from seeping in and freezing.
Whether you own a mosaic or a concrete table, both are crafted to withstand years of enjoyment with simple seasonal care. By sealing regularly, cleaning gently, and protecting your table from extreme weather, you will preserve not just the look, but the artistry and craftsmanship that make these pieces extraordinary.
Everything is Extraordinary. Live with Art. Live with Strength. Live with Care.
