Discover The Best Materials For Outdoor Kitchen Countertops
What's The Best Choice for Outdoor Kitchen Countertops?
The days of grilling on the charcoal grill out on that little patch of lawn are waning. As more homeowners embrace indoor/outdoor living, they're building outdoor kitchens complete with refrigerators, wet bars, sinks, pizza ovens, and stunning, generous, outdoor kitchen countertops.
Nothing is as luxurious as natural stone, or as durable. In this post, going to look at the best choices for your outdoor kitchen countertops.
The Best Outdoor Kitchen Countertops
When choosing the best outdoor kitchen countertops, there are several factors to consider, your style preference, your budget, and the weather where you live. These materials will work in most regions and are durable, luxurious, and stunning additions to your outdoor living space!
Granite
Granite is one of the best materials for your outdoor kitchen. This stone stands up to just about anything Mother Nature can dish out, including heat from the sun or hot pots and pans, with no issues. When properly sealed, granite is resistant against mold, stains, and mildew, so even the messiest party or the rainiest day won't slow you down.
Granite comes in a wide range of colors, finishes, and species. You never need to worry about it fading under the sun however, direct sunlight can make darker granites hot to the touch, so you might want to consider a lighter color for outdoor kitchen countertops
Quartzite
This is another beautiful option for outdoor kitchen countertops. Quartzite is often confused with Quartz. However, they are completely different. Quartz is a man-made material that is a combination of natural quartz dust and fragments with resin. It is not suitable for outdoor use as under direct sunlight and the weather the resin turns yellow.
Quartzite is a natural material with many of the same qualities as granite, looks nearly identical to marble, except that it is much easier to care for. When preparing food, using a cutting board is a good practice as a general rule. Sharp objects can scratch stone countertops, and you will need to clean them quickly to prevent staining (unless they are sealed).
With quartzite, you never need to worry about fading. However, unlike granite, it can not stand up to high temperatures. Always use a trivet or potholder when dealing with a hot pan. Keep it sealed once a year, and it will last practically forever!
Soapstone
You cannot go wrong with soapstone for your outdoor kitchen countertops. It is a beautiful dark stone that is dense and non-porous, which means it never needs sealing to prevent stains. While sealing is not necessary, exposure to liquids or oils from your hands darkens soapstone giving it a beautiful patina. While soapstone is dense, it is still a soft material and can be scratched or nicked by sharp objects. Thankfully, a little sandpaper can buff out scratches. Plus maintenance is simple. To keep your soapstone clean just takes a little... wait for it... soap and water!
Like granite, soapstone is also high-heat resistant, so you can place hot pans or pots directly onto the surface. The natural qualities of soapstone make it a stunning choice for your outdoor kitchen. It withstands rain, sunlight, and cold temperatures. Because it is a dark stone, under direct sunlight it can get very hot to the touch. Use caution if it has been sitting under the sun all day.
Marble
Most people think marble is an indoor material, and most of the time they would be right. However, you can still make it work in your outdoor kitchen. That being said, that are some things you need to be aware of if you choose marble. First, if you live in a rainy climate, a polished finish can get worn away. That being said, you can keep it looking fresh with regular sealing. If you're not a fan of maintenance, go with a honed finish.
If you're a fan of a rustic look, let your marble weather and age naturally. Be aware that acidic foods and drinks will etch the surface and leave stains. However, the rain works for you to wash out any stains and blend in the etching. Marble is very durable, so it will stand up outside, even with very little maintenance, especially if you decide to let it age naturally!
The Bottom Line On Outdoor Kitchen Countertops
Natural stone is a wonderful option for outdoor kitchen countertops, and granite is probably the best all-around option. That being said, you can't go wrong with any of these alternatives to granite. To make the right decision, consider your needs, budget, personal design preferences, the climate where you live, and how much maintenance you're willing to commit to.
Your outdoor living space isn't complete without a stunning and functional outdoor kitchen. If you want to spend more time outdoors with family and friends, creating an aesthetically beautiful and functional cooking space is a smart investment. It will add value to your home and your lifestyle!
If you live in the greater Boston Metrowest/Worcester area and are looking for outdoor kitchen countertops, click here to learn more about the products and options we offer. Stonelink Marble & Granite now serves all of New England. Give the experts at Stonelink Marble & Granite a call at (508) 393-0720. Let us show you the many exciting options available for enhancing your outdoor kitchen design!