The months for outdoor hangouts, grill-outs, and parties are upon us, which means you’ll need the perfect countertop to tie your backyard lounge area together.
It’s important to note that not every material can be used for outdoor countertops. Take quartz, for example. This engineered stone is well-loved in indoor kitchens across the nation, but it should never be installed outdoors because it can fade under direct sunlight. Many people aren’t aware of this fact, along with many other facts about countertop types and their strengths and weaknesses, which is why we put this article together.
The last thing we want is for you to install a countertop outdoors that loses its good looks and integrity over time. At Stone Concepts, we make sure you have the best of the best.
Read on to learn more about the types of materials that work best for outdoor countertops.
Granite
Granite has been a top choice for outdoor countertops for years because of how durable it is. This material takes no issue with wind, rain, snow, or any of the other elements—that is, as long as you keep it sealed.
This material will not suffer under direct sunlight, either, but it’s important to note that a dark slab of granite will soak up the sun and become hot!
There are many different types of patterns and colorations when it comes to granite slabs, which means you can put across any vibe you have in mind for your backyard. Granite is known for its unique designs, so your countertop is sure to stand out.
What’s more, granite is extremely easy to clean. You don’t need any special chemicals; all it calls for is soap and water.
Quartzite
Quartzite is one of the toughest natural stones—and one of the most beautiful. It mimics granite in the way that it holds up well against weather and the elements as long as it remains sealed, and as long as it stays sealed, it is not friendly toward germs and bacteria either. It is a great asset for anything installed outdoors.
This countertop requires little maintenance, similarly to granite. Its looks have been compared to marble because of its unique veining patterns, and it would be a great, eye-catching addition to any modern backyard.
Quartzite also doesn’t have a problem with direct sunlight or heat. It is heat resistant and can handle hot pots and pans being set on it just as granite can.
Marble
Some people may think that marble, a more sensitive stone, is not suitable for the outdoors. That may be correct for some—but not for everyone. What’s interesting about marble is the fact that, with the presence of rain and other elements, it has the tendency to age naturally. Rain creates etch marks in the stone, and these give marble a rustic aesthetic that many people find beautiful.
Much like granite and quartzite, marble slabs need to be sealed in order to maintain their integrity outdoors. Hint: If you want your slab to be a bit tougher, go with a honed finish instead of a polished one.
One more thing—avoid acidic substances around your marble slab at all times! This not only includes cleaners, but also liquids like red wine, lemon juice, and vinegar as well. These substances can stain your stone permanently.
Porcelain
Porcelain is an extremely durable engineered stone—but, unlike quartz, our other engineered stone, it fares well outdoors.
Porcelain doesn’t mind the sun or the rain, and its patterns and colorations are extremely versatile. Its aesthetics can mimic the look of a number of natural stones.
This material is durable in the way that it is resistant to scratches and other wear that you might see in an outdoor kitchen.
Choosing Your Outdoor Countertop
Much like with indoor countertops, there are plenty of outdoor countertops to choose from. To learn more about materials that perform well outside, get in touch with us at Stone Concepts today.
Leave a Reply