Tag Archives: outdoor kitchen countertop

Best Countertop Materials for Outdoor Kitchens

Most kitchens are not complete without kitchen countertops. There are many countertops you can choose for your kitchen. There are marble countertops, granite countertops, and other countertop material of your choice. Regardless of your option, it should serve you well and your kitchen escapades for many years.

Meanwhile, more and more households have outdoor kitchens in their homes. Outdoor living has become popular in the past few years. It has also redefined how homeowners entertain guests. Instead of staying and spending time indoors, outdoor living has paved the way for homeowners and guests appreciate the outside view while enjoying each other’s company.

One popular addition in many homes today is an outdoor kitchen. Aside from an outdoor cooking area, it also serves as an entertainment area for friends and family. You can install an oven, stove, and refrigerator in your outdoor kitchen. A countertop is also an essential add-on to your outdoor kitchen.

However, it is important to choose the right countertop material for the outdoor kitchen. As mentioned, there are many kinds of countertop materials you can choose from. Yet, not all of these materials are appropriate for outdoor use. That is why you should know the right kind of countertop material for your outdoor kitchen.

Why you should choose countertops that are specific for outdoor use

An outdoor countertop is a must-have for your outdoor kitchen. This is the area where you will do the food preparation and serving. As mentioned, choosing the right countertop material for your outdoor kitchen is important. For one, the countertop will be subjected to constant exposure to various outdoor elements.

Likewise, an outdoor countertop should be weather-resistant, durable, and easy to clean and maintain. Not to mention, it should look attractive as well. The type of countertop will also depend on your budget. Nevertheless, you should choose the one that will suit your outdoor kitchen needs.

Popular outdoor countertop materials

Here are some of the most appropriate countertop materials for an outdoor kitchen.

Granite

Granite kitchen countertops are considered among the top choice when it comes to outdoor countertop materials. It has a durable stone material that can tolerate all types of weather and elements. Granite is also available in different color options that won’t easily fade due to exposure to UV rays. It should also be sealed properly for long-lasting results.

Tiles

It is another countertop material that is more suitable for warmer locations. On the other hand, it is not recommended for areas with cold weather as it can crack during extreme weather conditions. Preferably, you can use either granite or porcelain tiles as it can be less prone to fading, unlike ceramic tiles.

Brick or flagstone

These materials are more commonly used as pathways for patios. However, these can also be a good outdoor countertop material. Brick or flagstone countertops look good in a rustic-themed outdoor kitchen. The materials are also porous, but you can use an acrylic sealer for easier cleaning and stain resistance.

Soapstone

This is another countertop material that can be used for outdoor kitchens. It has a dense material that is also stain and heat-resistant. There is no need for sealing and it won’t easily fade. Just make sure to apply mineral oil periodically to enhance the look of the material.

Countertop materials that should NOT be used outdoors

On the other hand, there are countertop materials that are not recommended for outdoor use. One of them is quartz countertops. For one, the color can easily fade when frequently exposed to sunlight. Formica is also not recommended as an outdoor countertop material. This material may not tolerate humidity and moisture as it also has a particleboard core.

Likewise, Formica is also susceptible to warping and deterioration when exposed to harsh outdoor elements. Concrete can also be a good outdoor countertop material. However, it should be installed properly and applied with sealant regularly to avoid staining and cracking.

Conclusion

Having an outdoor kitchen is a great idea given the popularity of outdoor living these past few years. However, you should also consider the right material you will install in the outdoor kitchen. For one, it should withstand all types of outdoor elements and ensure that it will last for years. You can hire granite countertop installers for your outdoor countertop needs. Better yet, contact the best contractors specializing in countertop replacement in Raleigh.

Why You Should Choose Granite Countertop for Your Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchen countertops give your family a place to enjoy and makes the valuation of your home to go up. Your family can enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of going back and forth for food. It’s important to ensure that the material you use for your outdoor countertop can withstand the weather change and still look good. Before you choose the material to use for your outdoor kitchen consult the granite countertop dealer on the best material for your outdoor countertop.

What Should You Consider When Selecting the Outdoor Countertop

Durability

The material you select should last long. The countertop material should be able to withstand the weather and the kind of kitchen work you expect to carry out.

Availability of a variety of colors

It’s important to ensure that the color you choose gives your home a fantastic look. The outdoor kitchen will make your home look more expensive. Choose the best color to bring out an amazing look

Ability to withstand weather change

Make sure that the countertop you choose can withstand the weather change.

Stain Resistant

The countertop you choose should be stain resistant.

Functionality

Before you choose the countertop make sure the countertop you select will work for your family. If you make most of the meals outdoor, then you need to choose a countertop that will withstand heat, stain, and exposure to weather elements.

Why you should choose granite for your outdoor countertop

While most of the countertops are ideal for an indoor kitchen, they may not work for an outdoor kitchen. The outdoor kitchen may require a more sturdy and durable countertop. It’s important to choose a countertop that will withstand the weather and still look good. Below are reasons why you should consider using granite countertop for your outdoor space.

Durability

Granite is a natural stone that is hard and durable. Your outdoor countertop material should be durable to ensure it last long. Granite countertops are hardy, and they will last a lifetime.

Variety of colors

Granite gives you the opportunity to choose a color that you can match with outdoor cabinets and other appliances. Granite is not only durable but also beautiful. There are different patterns that you can select to make your outdoor space unique.

Heat Resistant

Granite is not easily damaged by heat, and that makes it ideal for an outdoor countertop. It’s however essential to ensure that you take care of the countertop and don’t expose it to extreme heat.

Stain Resistant

When granite is sealed, it will resist stains, mildew, and mold which can result in hygienic issues. It’s important to wipe any spills immediately

Withstand Weather Elements

Granite can withstand weather elements without losing the shine. When not in use its best to have your countertop protected to ensure that it last longer.

Installation of the Outdoor Countertop

It’s imperative to ensure that an expert installs the outdoor granite countertop. If the installation is not done correctly, it could result in cracks. It’s best to have the granite contractor install the countertop to ensure proper installation.

How to Care for Outdoor Countertops

It’s important to care for your countertop to keep shiny and ensure it last long. Below are some tips on how to care for your granite countertop;

Clean the countertop after use. Use a mild detergent and water to wipe off any food particles and liquids. Don’t leave food and other particles on the countertop for long because that may stain the countertop. Avoid using harsh detergents to avoid damaging the countertop.

Polish the countertop often to keep looking shiny.

Seal the countertop. The granite countertop dealer will advise you how often you should seal the countertop. Failing to seal the countertop will expose your family to viruses that may cause diseases. Your outdoor countertop may need to be sealed more often than the indoor kitchen countertop.

Cover the countertop if you don’t intend to use for long. If you are traveling for a vacation, cover the countertop to protect it from weather elements

Granite countertop Durham is the best material to use for outdoor countertop. Granite will not only add value to your home but, also makes your outdoor kitchen space look more beautiful. It’s important to ensure that the installation is done by a professional granite installers Rockville for best results. Care for the countertop to ensure that it last longer.

Your Complete Guide to Granite Countertops

Certainly, nowadays many choices are available in countertop material. But a brand new granite countertop will always stay at the top of the kitchen remodeling project requirement list. And why not? This durable, scintillating and low maintenance material comes with its own unique benefits. Though there are countertop materials like quartz, solid surface, marble, bamboo and much more, granite have its own charm. Still, presence of granite countertop gives an ultimate look and feel to the kitchens and bathrooms.

Granite Countertop Guide

Granite countertop comes in many textures, style and color choices. Granite has excellent top material which makes it apt for indoor kitchen countertop, outdoor kitchen countertop and bathroom countertops. No other countertop material can work so consistency with grace and ease across lot of different applications. With so many impressive qualities, it remains no surprise why granite countertops are among the first choice of homeowners. Whether remodeling or buying new countertop, granite acquires top position among the different countertop materials present.

Why Granite Countertops are so popular?

Granite countertop is popular choice among homeowners for kitchen countertop material because of its extensive design patterns, superior performance, extraordinary looks and low maintenance features. Granite is always rated the best performing kitchen countertop material by homeowners and home designing experts. As granite countertops not merely looks good, but also provide great ease while working on them.

Granite countertops are available in many colors like golden browns, white granite, pale pinks, blacks, deep plums, exotic blues and some colors in between them. It means, now you can think about your kitchen decoration beyond traditional color boundaries. Also, the choices in surface patterns are oodles.

Granite is one of the hardest and strongest materials which can bear heat, load, stain, scratches, and still maintain its beauty. This material is regarded as a good choice for kitchen countertop material because it is a hygienic surface. It is really very easy to clean. No special tool or chemical is required for cleaning. However, granite material stains easily and strains are clearly visible on them. But cleaning the strains is very much easy.

So, if you are thinking about installing new countertops, think about granite!