Countertop for outdoors are available in a huge range of materials and finishes that home owners can choose from. Here are 5 amazing materials that home owners can take into consideration when intending to have an outdoor kitchen space.
Countertop For Outdoors #1: Silestone
Silestone is perfect for outdoor kitchen countertops โ blending strength and beauty with functionality. This enables it to put up with the outdoors with ease. Mainly manufactured from natural quartz crystals, Silestone surfaces are made resistant to heat, moisture and stains which is very suitable for being used outdoors.
Unlike natural stone countertops that need to be sealed over and over, this non-porous surface with Silestone reduces any risk of absorption โ reducing further opportunity for stains and bacteria to grow. This is great in an outdoor setting when there are more chances of spills and exposure to the elements.
Besides the practical advantages it gives, Silestone offers a multitude of colours and textures so that home owners can fulfil their aesthetic needs without losing or compromising on the performance of the material. UV rays will not affect either the colour or the pattern after a period of considerable use โ it is effective even when exposed to sunlight. Also, its surface resists high temperatures which is an important factor in cooking outdoors because hot pots and pans are often placed on these countertops along with the fluctuations in weather.
Cleaning this surface requires nothing but mild soap and water to retain its looks and hygiene. This capacity for ease of upkeep besides maintaining look and functionality during years of exposure to elements makes Silestone one of the leading options for outdoor kitchens. Be it a sleek modern space or a more traditionally looking outdoors, Silestone can bring robustness and style to make your outdoor cooking experience great while surviving the rigours of outdoors.
Countertop For Outdoors #2: Stainless Steel
Above all, outdoor kitchen countertops made from stainless steel would be the ultimate choice because it is highly durable and requires low maintenance. For outdoors, this resilient countertop made of stainless steel can bear up to any condition to counter heat, moisture or discolouration that transpires from grilled meats and foods prepared in various weather condition. There is no room for spills and stains to penetrate the surface of this non-porous material โ it is very easy to clean.
It is also able to resist very high temperatures from hot pots and pans without deforming or discolouration. The stylish and modern appeal goes very well with different designs in an outdoor kitchen โ giving it a professional look while providing a sleek look and adding sophistication to the area. While it does get hot to the touch when in direct sun and it does show fingerprints and water spots, a quick cleaning with any stainless steel cleaner keeps it looking new.ย
Its hardness generally makes it a popular choice outdoors for kitchens because of its practicality and versatility. It also resists rust and corrosion โ adding to its usefulness outdoors. In conclusion, stainless steel couples functionality with style, making it definitely one of the best to be installed as a countertop in an outdoor kitchen.
Countertop For Outdoors #3: Granite
Of all the materials, granite stands out as pretty good for countertops because of its durability and appeal. As one of the strongest stones in nature, it will definitely stand the forces from the outdoors such as extreme sunlight and fluctuations in temperature and moisture. This property of heat resistance is pretty important in an outdoor kitchen.
By nature, granite can resist scratch and stain although its appearance can be protected by appropriate sealing. Besides, various colours and patterns in the granite allow customisation where home owners can choose a style that can benefit their decor outdoors. While periodic sealing is necessary to prevent stains and for the longevity of granite, this does not pose any great difficulty when placed against other materials.
Apart from that, density and solid nature of granite increase durability โ making it a good investment for the outdoors. The natural beauty joined with functional advantages helps to keep granite on top of the home owner’s list when trying to invest in an outdoor kitchen that shows class and practicality. Added to that, granite never seems to go out of style, furthering its desirability by being rugged yet serving as a chic choice for improving an outdoor area’s ambience. In summary, granite’s durability, heat resistance and aesthetic flexibility combined make for an outstanding choice in building an extraordinary yet functional outdoor kitchen environment.
Countertop For Outdoors #4: Sintered Stone
Sintered stone has evolved to become one of the premium choices when it comes to outdoor kitchen countertops. For areas with tough weather conditions, this material proves much stronger in durability and performance. Engineered through a high-temperature and high-pressure process, sintered stone resists heat, UV rays and moisture. That makes it an ideal surface for outdoor settings where exposure to the elements is inevitable.
Unlike natural stone, sintered stone is nonporous and because of this, liquids or stains will not be absorbed into this material. For this reason, it will not compromise its appearance or integrity from spills or fluctuations in temperatures. Similarly, the resistance of scratches and impacts allows it to be suitable for use outdoors in kitchens where heavy pots, utensils and general outdoor wear and tear are inevitable.
Besides this, sintered stone is very low maintenance since simple cleaning will keep it in perfect shape โ an immense added value when considering outdoors where maintenance is more problematic. Such characteristics are complemented with a great variety of aesthetic possibilities the material has. Sleek, modern finishes blended with textures emulating natural stone have made it a favourite among those seeking a good-looking, stylish atmosphere.ย
Although the upfront cost of sintered stone is somewhat higher compared to other more traditional countertop materials, the long-term benefits-minimal upkeep and enduring beauty make it an entirely justifiable price. Generally speaking, strength and low maintenance along with aesthetic versatility make sintered stone one of the best choices for building a functional and stylish outdoor kitchen able to withstand the rigours of outdoor use.
Countertop For Outdoors #5: Concrete
Concrete is one of the most in-demand materials to be used outdoors because it strikes a perfect balance between durability, flexibility and aesthetic value. Most of the advantages provided by this material are based on its exceptional durability. Unlike most other materials, concrete can take the exposure to the outdoors that includes extreme temperatures, heavy impacts and constant exposure to elements. That makes it tough and ideal for an outdoor kitchen since they are used so much and also have to put up with harsh weather.ย
Besides, concrete countertops are very adaptable to any design or preference. They can be moulded into any shape and finished in an array of colours, textures and patterns that enable all home owners to create a unique appearance that best reflects their outdoors. This even makes it more appealing since one can have features like built-in sinks or cooking surfaces integrated into the countertops.
Second, concrete countertops are resilient but do need maintenance to make them even more tough. Sealing is required to prevent moisture and stains-re-sealing after intervals of time may be advised to sustain the surface’s integrity. While it does require sealing to upkeep, concrete’s naturally heat-resistant surface makes the material a pragmatic choice for grill and food preparation areas.
The concrete countertops also come with optional add-ons such as recycled glass or colourful additions that enhance the visual interest and the eco-friendly component. In a sea of materials, concrete is singularly unique in its versatility-durable enough for an outdoor kitchen, it melds practical benefits with customisation options to meet functional needs and design preferences.
