How to care for concrete furniture
Concrete furniture care is usually the first question that comes up after a purchase. And that’s normal. Concrete isn’t a material most people are used to having at home.
The good news : it’s not complicated. But there are a few things worth knowing, especially in the first few years. Like a wooden table that needs oiling from time to time, or a leather armchair that needs conditioning to stay supple.
Concrete is built to last a long time. What you do for its concrete furniture care just decides what it looks like in ten years.
All Lyon Béton furniture leaves the workshop with a waterproof and oil-resistant treatment applied in-house. Waterproof against water, oil-resistant against grease. With this treatment, nothing penetrates the pores of the concrete.
This treatment has a lifespan that depends on use. A concrete dining table washed every day will lose its protection faster than a wall shelf. That’s logical.
The sign that the treatment has worn off : water no longer beads on the surface. At that point, two options.
There are two approaches, and both are valid.
The first : renew the treatment so the furniture stays as it was on day one. We recommend the Fleckstop W product from Lithofin — matte, transparent, invisible on the surface. It’s included in the Lyon Béton care kit.
The second : do nothing. Let the concrete develop a patina over time, keep the traces of life. Some marks become signatures. The furniture absorbs what happens around it. That’s another way to love it.
Neither is wrong. It’s a question of how you relate to objects.
For regular cleaning, it’s simple : a damp cloth or the soft side of a sponge. No abrasive material, no solvent, no acid.
If the furniture is dirtier than usual, the MN Easy Clean spray from Lithofin works very well. Degreasing, it also reinforces the existing protective layer at the same time. It’s also included in the care kit.
A spilled glass, oil rings after drinks. It happens. Concrete is porous once the treatment is exhausted, and some stains can set in.
The MN Multi-Cleaner product from Lithofin, also in the kit, works in most cases. Here’s how :
Apply the product neat or diluted in 5 parts water depending on how deep the stain is. Leave for 10 to 20 minutes. Scrub with water and rinse until the water runs clear.
If the stain holds after several attempts, the simplest thing is to accept living with it. Like an old zinc bar counter that holds the memory of everyone who leaned on it.
For really stubborn stains, Lithofin also offers the LÖSEFIX product, designed for deep-set marks.
Concrete is resistant. But a strong impact can cause a chip. If it bothers you, repair is possible.
Here’s how :
Apply quick-setting cement to fill the missing area. Leave to dry completely. Sand with a medium grit (120) then a finer grit (180). Re-treat the repaired area with Fleckstop W.
The repair will remain visible. Concrete doesn’t repair invisibly. But over time, that mark becomes part of the furniture’s character.
No abrasive products. No solvents. No acid. No scratchy sponge. These products attack the surface of the concrete and destroy the protective treatment.
For furniture used outdoors under cover, protect it out of season with a waterproof, breathable cover.
In summary
Concrete furniture care isn’t demanding. It just needs a little attention, especially in the first few years. Occasional re-treatment, cleaning with the right products, and it stays in very good condition for a long time.
Some prefer to keep it as new. Others let it live. Either way, concrete furniture care stays minimal.
FAQ – Concrete furniture care
How often do you need to re-treat concrete furniture?
It depends on use. A dining table used daily may need re-treatment every 1 to 2 years. A lightly used shelf can hold for several years without any intervention.
What product should you use to protect concrete furniture?
Lyon Béton recommends Fleckstop W from Lithofin : matte, transparent, effective against water and grease. It’s included in the Lyon Béton care kit.
Does concrete stain easily?
With the protective treatment intact, concrete holds up well against common stains. It’s when the treatment is exhausted that concrete becomes more vulnerable. Regular re-treatment is enough to avoid most problems.
Can concrete furniture be used outdoors?
Some Lyon Béton furniture is designed for covered outdoor use. It handles ambient moisture but should be protected from direct rain and intense sun. Out of season, a waterproof cover is recommended.
How do you know if your furniture’s treatment has worn off? ?
Simple : pour a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads, the treatment is still active. If it absorbs, it’s time to re-treat.