What Is the Best Countertop for An Outdoor Kitchen?
Nowadays, outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular. The exquisite interior design of outdoor kitchens fascinates many people. Moreover, an outdoor kitchen with spacious countertops, a live barbeque setup, and comfortable couches is a great place to host parties. The most important part of kitchen infrastructure is the countertop which should be durable, spacious, and resistant to stains and heat.
A wide variety of outdoor kitchen countertops are available in the market, varying in quality, features, colours, and designs. While opting for the best countertop, you should consider the use, weather conditions, durability, quality, and dimensions. Following are the most promising materials for outdoor kitchen countertops.
The Best Countertop Materials for An Outdoor Kitchen
Best for Homeowners- Granite
Granite is considered the best natural stone for outdoor kitchens because of its durability and pristine appearance. It won’t matter if you live in a coastal region or a cold climate, as granite countertops will endure any climate. Though granite is naturally resistant to scorching sunlight and heat, a proper sealant will add to its resistance. Sealed and polished granite countertops are the best for homeowners who love throwing parties. It is because, with this natural stone, you don’t need to bother food stains, acidic marks, and mold growth.
Another great advantage of buying granite countertops is that their color and finish don’t fade quickly. The assorted collection of luxe colors and elegant patterns are available in the market. Nevertheless, it’s natural that dark colors absorb more sunlight and lighter colors reflect more. So it would be best if you opt for lighter tones to avoid excessive heating up of the countertop. Moreover, if your outdoor kitchen is sufficiently shaded, then you can select dark and bold hues too. Sealing your granite countertops once a year will help retain them as fresh as new.
Best for Water Islands- Quartzite
Firstly, it is imperative to clarify that quartzite is a natural stone, whereas quartz is artificial. One should opt for quartzite for the best outdoor kitchen countertops and never pick quartz. It is because quartz contains resin, which yellows over time. Quartzite has many appealing properties like incredible durability and a refined look like granite. Moreover, the unusual pattern and exquisite colour amalgamation make quartzite resemble marble. The good news is that quartzite is utterly easy to clean. You only need some mild soapy water to rinse the entire countertop. However, exercise additional care by wiping off food stains immediately to avoid ruining your countertop.
Another precautionary measure is to use cutting boards while working with sharp knives and blades. It is because, unfortunately, the quartzite surface is prone to scratching. However, homeowners and island hotels still prefer quartzite and granite over other alternatives because of their benefits. Furthermore, quartzite is resistant to color fading, similar to granite. Quartzite can endure scorching sunlight but cannot withstand the heat from a hot pan. Thus, it is important to take precautions when using natural stones. Again, sealing natural stones once a year will help maintain their durability and fresh look.
Concrete for A Contemporary Look
Another robust material for outdoor kitchen countertops is concrete, which is incredibly long-lasting and flawless. Moreover, concrete material is quite easy to handle and can be molded into many different shapes and dimensions. Though they are sturdy and are easy to maintain and clean, there are a few downsides to concrete. One such downside is that concrete is prone to fading and staining. Nevertheless, you can avoid this error by opting for natural, earthy tones that depict a rustic appearance.
Another problem with concrete countertops is their porous surface that can harbor bacteria in cracks. You can eliminate this error by filling in the cracks and gaps. For this purpose, sealing is a great idea. However, concrete countertops remain best for outdoor kitchens, and builders prefer them because of the dominant benefits over the minor drawbacks.
Robust and Resistant- The Soapstone
Soapstone countertops are the most robust and resistant. This darkly hued luxe stone is not only appealing but is also dense and protective. Its non-porous surface helps prevent dirt and bacteria accumulation. Moreover, it resists staining and fading even when not sealed. However, you can naturally stain your soapstone countertop with mineral oil to give it a nice finish. Avoid using sharp knives and blades to prevent scratching the surface. You can use sandpaper to hide minor flaws and cracks. Furthermore, protection from sunlight is quintessential and can be achieved by properly shading your kitchen counter.
Low-maintenance- Porcelain
Porcelain countertops like granite, soapstone, and quartzite are incredibly long-lasting and resistant to heat and cold. Moreover, porcelain is dense, non-porous, and does not accumulate bacteria, mold, and dirt. Porcelain countertops are quite easy to clean and maintain, and they do not fade their color over time. However, care should be exercised when dealing with sharp and heavy objects.
FAQs
What is the best countertop for an outdoor kitchen for summers?
Granite and light-toned quartzite are the best materials for outdoor kitchen countertops. Their durability, sturdiness, and resistance against varying climatic conditions, especially scorching sunlight, make them an ideal choice.
What is the best countertop for an outdoor kitchen in cold weather?
Granite and soapstone countertops are the best for outdoor kitchens in a cold climate. It is because of their ability to withstand both blazing and freezing temperatures.
What is the average cost of an outdoor countertop?
Granite, concrete, and soapstone are pricier than tiles. Granite and concrete can cost you up to $100 per square foot, whereas soapstone up to $120 per square foot. In contrast, tiles are inexpensive, and their cost ranges from 10 to 30 dollars per square foot.
What materials should we never opt for outdoor kitchen countertops?
For outdoor kitchen countertops, you should never opt for marble, tiles, slate, glass, and stainless steel. The reason is that marble is a high-maintenance material while the glass is too sensitive to use outside. Moreover, slate and tiles are porous and can collect bacteria and dirt in the cracks that are difficult to clean.
Contact USA Granite for free consultations and outdoor kitchen countertops services.
