Brevard’s harsh combination of scorching sun, high humidity, and sudden rain can cause your concrete paver driveway to fade, crack, or shift over time. And you don’t want to fork out thousands every few years on untimely paver repairs or replacements.
Paver sealing can save you these troubles. Now you’re probably wondering, “Should I do the job myself or hire an experienced professional?”
Generally, DIY is cheaper but riskier in Florida’s humidity. On the other hand, professionals deliver stronger prep, better products, longer life, and fewer costly mistakes. In this post, we draw on our experience in paver cleaning and sealing to provide insight into DIY vs. professional paver sealing.
The Brevard County Decision Checklist for DIY vs. Professional Paver Sealing
The Seven Questions That Tell You Whether DIY Is Risky for Your Pavers
- Is the area bigger than 500 square feet?
- Is it a pool deck or a frequently wet walking area?
- Do you have stains, such as oil, rust, or algae, that must be treated first?
- Are your joints low or empty due to sand washout, weeds, or shifting?
- Can you guarantee a no-rain window and enough dry time after washing?
- Are you near the coast?
- Are you okay if the finish looks uneven?
If you answered “yes” to at least two items above, DIY is where we see the most failures in Brevard County.
What To Expect From DIY Paver Sealing in Brevard County
DIY Pros
- Lower upfront cost
- Flexible timing
- Hands-on satisfaction
DIY Cons That Matter More in Florida
- Prep errors, such as streaks, blotches, and haze.
- Store-bought sealers may not be breathable/UV-stable for the Florida climate.
- Humidity and surprise rain can ruin curing windows.
- Fixing a failed DIY job often requires stripping, which means spending more time and money.
DIY “True Cost” Breakdown
| DIY Item | Example Cost Range | Notes for Homeowners |
| Pressure washer rental | $60–$100 per day | Many DIY failures start with uneven cleaning and trapped moisture |
| Paver detergent + algaecide | $40–$90 | Needs dwell time to work (not just a quick rinse) |
| Stain treatments (oil/rust) | $20–$80 | Oil = degreaser; rust = oxide remover |
| Joint sand (re-sand/top-off) | $40–$120 | Low joints = weeds + shifting risk |
| Retail sealer | $0.75–$1.50 per sq ft | Product choice is where DIY often goes wrong in FL |
| Applicators/PPE (rollers, sprayer, gloves, masking) | $35–$85 | Pump sprayers often lead to inconsistent spray patterns |
| Estimated DIY total (typical) | $1.25–$2.50 per sq ft | Lower up front, higher risk window |
| If it fails: strip and reseal | + $1.50–$2.00 per sq ft | Common when haze/peeling/layering occurs |
The Benefits of Professional Paver Sealing in Florida
To easily decide on DIY vs. professional paver sealing, let’s see how our process works.
What Pros Do That DIYers Usually Skip
- Initial assessment: We evaluate your pavers with photos, set up the site, and explain the plan for the day.
- Stain identification and treatment: Treating oil with degreaser and rust with oxide remover ensures a spotless surface before sealing.
- Deep cleaning with hot water: Our trucks heat water up to 250°F to release grime and support better sealer bonding.
- Re-sanding every job: We use wet sanding to stabilize your paver joints, preventing shifting and reducing weeds.
- Pre-seal protection: We tape or cover doors and glass and blow excess sand off the surface.
- Sealing application: We typically apply two coats on the same day, allowing the first coat to dry for 30-60 minutes.
- Quality assurance: We keep caution tape on your driveway until it’s dry.
Stellar’s Product and Safety Choices
At Stellar, we use a two-part water-based sealer because it allows your pavers to breathe in humid conditions and prevents oil-based contaminants that trap moisture. We avoid a too shiny finish due to slip risk.
Cost Comparison – DIY vs. Professional in Brevard
Example Pricing Scenarios
| Project Size Example | DIY Estimated Range | Professional Estimated Range | What Usually Changes the Price |
| 300 sq ft patio | $375–$750 | $450–$600 | Stains, joint condition, finish choice |
| 800 sq ft driveway | $1,000–$2,000 | $1,200–$1,600 | Sanding needs, prep time, edges/tape-off |
| 1,200 sq ft driveway and walkway | $1,500–$3,000 | $1,800–$2,400 | Heavy algae, coastal exposure, prior sealer issues |
As shown above, professional ranges are often comparable to DIY once you account for tool rentals, materials, and redo risk.
Brevard-Specific Factors Competitors Mention
Weather Timing Rules That Save You From a Failed Cure
Summer humidity and sudden storms common in Brevard County shrink the safe cure window. To ensure proper curing, schedule your paver sealing project around stable weather and allow more dry time after washing.
Pool Decks in Brevard
At Stellar Paver Sealing, we use anti-slip additives with a film-forming approach when needed to enhance safety around your pool deck.
Joint Sand Washout and Weeds
Your empty paver joints can gradually become pockets for seeds and algae. Our wet sanding and next-day top-off help stabilize your pavers before sealing.
If DIY Goes Wrong – What Failure Looks Like
The Four Most Common DIY Failures in Florida
- White haze, often due to excess moisture
- Roller lines
- Peeling or flaking
- Multiple built-up layers, making things worse
When Stripping Is Required
You should request stripping before sealing when you notice:
- White haze
- Yellowing
- 5–6 layers of old sealer
Environmental Differentiator
We’ve invested in a reclaim/vacuum system to capture stripped material rather than letting it wash into drains.
When DIY Actually Makes Sense
DIY Is a Reasonable Option If…
- The area is small, usually less than 300–400 sq ft
- No stains, no prior sealer issues
- You can guarantee dry conditions and enough drying time
- You’re okay with a less uniform finish
- You’re willing to re-sand correctly rather than skip it
DIY “Do No Harm” Checklist
- Treat oil and rust stains first
- Don’t seal over moisture
- Test a small hidden area
- Avoid overly glossy finishes on wet walking areas
Professional Sealing Is Usually the Better Choice For…
- Pool decks or slippery areas, depending on the finish choice
- Large driveways that require lots of time, consistency, and a uniform look
- HOA-visible hardscapes
- Correcting prior sealer problems, such as haze, peeling, or layering
- Consistent prep, which may entail hot-water cleaning and hydro-compaction sanding
FAQs
What Is the Best Paver Sealer To Use in Florida?
The best paver sealer for Florida is breathable, UV-stable, and appropriate for a humid climate, such as our two-part water-based sealers.
What Is the Average Cost To Seal Pavers in Florida?
The cost of professional paver sealing in Florida is $1.50–$2.00 per sq ft.
How Much Should You Charge for Paver Sealing in Florida?
We consider the cleaning approach, sanding method, coats, finish, and warranty terms to provide a fair quote.
Should You Seal Your Pavers in Florida?
Yes, but only if prep, timing, and product selection are right.
How Long Should Pavers Dry After Pressure Washing Before Sealing in Humid Brevard Weather?
Drying time depends on humidity and shade over your pavers.
What Finish Is Safest for Pool Decks?
Avoid overly glossy finishes due to slip risk, and consider adding an anti-slip additive to travertine film-forming sealer.
Get a Professional Opinion Before You Risk a DIY Mistake
When comparing DIY vs. professional paver sealing, DIY can save you money up front, but Brevard conditions make mistakes expensive.
To avoid DIY paver sealing risks, call Stellar Paver Sealing at 321-750-3357 to request an assessment. If you’re seeing haze, peeling, or multiple layers, ask about stripping first!
