African Red Granite, Outdoor use

Maurizio, I am considering buying a patio dining table that has African Red Granite tiles as the surface. (They sit in the frame and are not fixed to the table.) The table is made in China. I live in Pennsylvania, so the table will be exposed to four seasons. Questions: (1) Is this granite (or any granite, for that matter) an appropriate surface for an outdoor table? (2) What guidance would you give me for care and maintenance? Thanks very much in advance. Glenn Regan

 

Dear Glenn:

 

“ (1) Is this granite (or any granite, for that matter) an appropriate surface for an outdoor table? ”

 

True granite is always the best stone to choose for outdoors. Of course, there are many "granites” that are not. In your particular case, Africa Red is quite a good choice.

 

“ (2) What guidance would you give me for care and maintenance? ”

 

The absorbency rate of that stone is borderline and, depending on the batch, it may or may not be possible to apply an impregnating sealer to it. To find out with your particular tiles, do this: Spill some water on a couple of your tiles, let it dwell for 5 minutes or so, wipe it dry and observe if the areas under which the water has been sitting have become (temporarily) any darker than the rest. If so, then you will apply a good-quality impregnating sealer like MB-4. If not, you won't.

As for routine cleaning, I recommend a spray cleaner rated for stone like MB-5.

May I ask you now to please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm?

Ciao and good luck,

Mauri zio Bertoli

 

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