Last Updated: April 2026

Summer is almost here and you’ve spent time and money putting in a new brick paver patio, so you’re intent on taking care of it. If you’re not quite sure how to best protect your paver patio and are wondering whether you should seal it, then you’ve come to the right place.

If you’ve just recently put in your pavers, you have some time to think about it, as you really don’t want to seal your patio until about a year after it has been installed.

Benefits of Sealing Your Paver Patio

  • Aesthetic improvement – Sealants can give your patio a fresh, finished look. You can choose either a matte or gloss finish, depending on the look you desire.
  • Protection – Sealing your patio will protect your pavers from the elements, spills, and stains as long as you wipe off the surface as soon as the spill occurs.
  • Color preservation – Sealants help preserve your pavers’ natural color over time.

Important Considerations

Ongoing Commitment – Once you begin sealing your patio, you must continue to do so. If you used a glossy sealant, you should redo it every 2-4 years, and if you’ve chosen a matte finish, you should reseal every 2-3 years. How often you seal will depend on foot traffic, climate and how well you maintain your patio.

Quality Matters – Sealing your patio will require time and money to do it well. Buying generic sealants will save money, but if it’s not a quality sealant it will not last as long and can leave a white, cloudy film. Choosing a quality manufacturer is important even if it costs a little extra.

Considering these factors and taking care of your new paver patio will ensure that it stays in good condition for years to come. BLC Yardworks is here to answer any questions or to assist in maintaining your patio! Please call (630) 669-4797 for more information or for a free estimate on sealing your pavers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I seal my paver patio in Illinois?
Sealing is recommended for most paver patios in Illinois, where freeze-thaw cycles and road salt exposure can accelerate joint sand erosion and surface weathering. A quality sealer protects against staining from oil, food, and leaves; enhances color; and stabilizes the polymeric sand in the joints. Most paver manufacturers recommend waiting at least 90 days after installation before applying the first coat of sealer.
How often should I seal my paver patio in the Fox Valley area?
In the Oswego, Yorkville, and Plainfield area, plan to reseal your paver patio every 3-5 years depending on exposure and traffic. Patios in full sun or high-use areas may need sealing every 2-3 years. A simple test: sprinkle water on the surface — if it beads up, the sealer is still active. If it soaks in, it’s time to reseal.
What type of sealer is best for concrete pavers in Illinois?
For Illinois’s climate, a water-based acrylic or penetrating sealer is typically the best choice. Solvent-based sealers offer a high-gloss “wet look” but can trap moisture beneath the surface in freeze-thaw conditions, leading to delamination. Penetrating sealers (silane/siloxane) soak into the paver surface without forming a film, providing excellent freeze-thaw resistance while preserving the natural appearance.

Related Resources: Paver Maintenance Guide | Hardscaping Services | What Does a Paver Patio Cost?

Written by BLC Yardworks — Fox Valley hardscaping, landscaping, and water feature contractors serving Oswego, Yorkville, Plainfield, Naperville, and surrounding communities since 1999.