Are you planning to do a lot of cooking and entertaining outdoors? Outdoor kitchens are a great option, and choosing a countertop material for it, is an important decision since it will be constantly exposed to different weather conditions.
An outdoor countertop needs to be durable, resistant, easy to clean and beautiful, so the material options won’t be the same as for indoor ones. The best choices are:
- Natural Stones such us granite or quartzite are recommendable. You can select a unique stone that will stand on its own. Additionally, they offer you long-term durability and color-resistance. Sealing your stone may seem unnecessary but an extra layer for durability is highly recommended.
- Concrete is very durable. Many designs are natural and minimalist, but you can also customize your countertops by setting tiles or stones into the concrete or using a colored stain. (It is important that you have a professional install the concrete countertops because, improper installation will make them crack over time.
- Tile is generally a less expensive option than a whole slab of stone, and there is a wide variety of options to choose from. Talk to your contractor to discuss the proper maintenance as this largely depends on the type of climate you live in.
Finally, avoid manufactured countertop materials such as Quartz and Corian because they are not designed to resist fading when exposed to UV rays. Keep these requirements in mind when selecting your outdoor countertop materials.
