Outdoor living is not only a valuable addition to the home. For many, it is a way of life. From cooking out on the grill with the family to entertaining a larger group of individuals on your deck or patio, the benefits of an outdoor living space are easy to see.
Of course, an outdoor kitchen complete with a grill and space for preparing, serving, and dining with your family and guests should be a key part of your outdoor living space.
To ensure your outdoor kitchen is appealing, valuable, durable, and functional, you need to choose the right material for the countertop. This guide and your
contractorwill help you choose the best countertop material for your new outdoor kitchen.
1. Granite
Granite is one of the most popular choices for countertops because of its attractive appearance and durability. It is also versatile enough to use inside your home or outside as the main surface for your outdoor kitchen.
Granite is resistant to heat and moisture. Therefore, it is a great material to use outside where the outdoor kitchen will be exposed to high temperatures and the sun's UV rays.
Rain, sleet, snow, and even high levels of humidity will not affect the look or durability of your granite countertop either.
Finally, granite is available in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to find granite that complements your outdoor living space well.
No matter which color or style of granite you choose, make sure it is sealed to prevent stains from weathering and spills from cooking and dining.
It will cost more than some countertop materials, but granite is an excellent investment because it can last a lifetime with proper care.
2. Quartz
Quartz is another material to consider for countertops if you are building an outdoor kitchen.
Quartz is beautiful and available in a variety of colors and patterns just like granite. You can easily find a look that works well with your home's style and your outdoor living space's design.
The durability of quartz is what makes it stand out, though.
Engineered quartz is nonporous, meaning foods, beverages, and other things will not stain the countertop. In addition, engineered quartz is impervious to bacteria, helping your outdoor kitchen surface remain clean and safe.
The nonporous surface also makes it easier to keep your countertop clean even though it will be located outdoors.
Unfortunately, quartz is not recommended for outdoor use if it will be exposed to excess heat or sun. If you are building an outdoor kitchen with a cover, such as a full roof, gazebo, awning, or pergola, quartz will be a good countertop material because it will not be exposed to a great deal of heat or direct sunlight.
3. Soapstone
For a countertop that is designed to take abuse, consider soapstone for your outdoor kitchen. Even though it is not as hard as granite, soapstone is incredibly durable.
It is nonporous, so there is no risk of staining. In addition, soapstone is resistant to heat, so it can withstand the heat and the sun's UV rays.
Enjoy serving hot food right off the grill without any worry of heat damage.
Soapstone is also easy to maintain. It does not need to be sealed and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
A soapstone countertop, with its various colors and patterns of veins and flecks, adds a good amount of character to your outdoor kitchen.
Create an appealing, functional, and valuable outdoor kitchen using one or more of these countertop materials. For more information or to order your new outdoor kitchen countertop, contact Best Marble & Granite Company.
