Tips for Choosing the Best Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Material
Outdoor kitchens are a great idea if you love cooking and entertaining guests outdoors. And one of the most important decisions you have to make as you build your own outdoor kitchen is the countertop material you’re choosing.
The outdoor kitchen countertop is where food preparation and serving take place. There should be adequate space for installing your countertop.
Consider the appliances that you want to incorporate in your outdoor kitchen. There should be enough room to accommodate them and some extra space between so you can work around comfortably.
For your countertop, look for a surfacing material that will withstand year-round exposure to various elements such as the heat of the sun, harsh winds, and cold weather.
An outdoor kitchen countertop should be hard-wearing and reliable so you can enjoy it for many years to come.
Here are 5 important qualities that a countertop should possess:
- Durable
- Weather resistant
- Low maintenance
- Cost-effective
- Attractive
Countertop Materials for Your Outdoor Kitchen
If you’ve long been looking for outdoor kitchen design inspirations, chances are you already have a preferred countertop material.
Natural stones, such as granite, are popular among homeowners. This is especially the case for those that have used the same material for designing indoor spaces and want to extend its use outdoors.
Granite is an ideal countertop material for outdoor use as it is heat resistant. It can handle long exposures to high temperatures. However, you might want to consider installing a pergola or umbrella to cover your granite countertops.
Granite can get very hot in the middle of the day during hot summers. You may also want to look into lighter colors that won’t absorb heat as easily.
Apart from faring well with heat, a properly sealed granite can also resist stains, mold, and mildew. Ask your professional countertop supplier and installer about the best sealant to use.
In terms of maintenance, granite is also easy to clean provided you don’t let debris or dirt linger long on your counters. Mild dish soap and water are enough to wipe off dirt on granite countertops. Granite is a heavy and durable material so long as it’s properly installed and taken care of, you shouldn’t worry about it sustaining cracks.
Another outdoor kitchen countertop material you can use is marble. This surface material may work if you don’t mind seeing stains or discoloration. Ask yourself if you’re fine dealing with spots.
But as to durability, marble counters will last you a long time. The only challenge is keeping up with the maintenance to ensure it stays looking great.
Choosing the Best Outdoor Countertop Color
The countertop color you choose can impact the overall look of your outdoor kitchen in an instant. Soft, lighter colors bring in a relaxing vibe while darker shades lend a daring, sophisticated appeal.
The porosity of the countertop material is another factor you need to consider. Stains are a common problem among porous surfacing material. Darker colors are ideal so marks and spots won’t look as noticeable.
For less or non-porous surfacing materials, you can go for lighter shades since your counters are not as vulnerable to staining.
Hiring Stone Surfacing Professionals in Charleston, SC
Your own outdoor kitchen that’s both beautiful and functional?
Our team at Universal Marble and Granite helps you look into the best countertop material for your outdoor kitchen. We’ll take care of the installation too. All that’s left for you to do is to enjoy your new entertainment space.