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Best Countertop Options for an Outdoor Kitchen

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Do you like spending some quality time with your family and friends in your backyard? If yes, installing a modern outdoor kitchen is a great choice. Nevertheless, you need to remember that substandard artistry will depreciate at a fast rate irrespective of how stunning the countertop looks immediately after installation. Your priority when it comes to installing countertops should be a durable material.

It's also recommended to have your countertop sealed to avoid the impact of harsh weather elements.

There are numerous alternatives available when choosing a countertop for your outdoor kitchen. Each option comes with its benefits and drawbacks. For this reason, you must conduct extensive research before you make any move. Here are some of the widely available countertop options.

Concrete

If installed correctly, countertops made of concrete can withstand a variety of elements. However, make sure you apply a sealant frequently to prevent staining.

Tiles

If your home is situated in a region with a warm climate, you can use tiles in your outdoor kitchen. These materials are not ideal choices for cold weather since grout is vulnerable to cracking during freezing and thawing. In this case, choose porcelain and granite tiles over ceramic materials. Since grout is prone to stains, selecting a darker color is recommended. Make sure you use larger tiles since they will lessen the number of grout lines.

Granite

This is another alternative that many homeowners choose when installing both outdoor and indoor kitchen countertops. The reason the majority of homeowners opt for the granite countertops is that they are long-lasting. Furthermore, they can withstand harsh climatic conditions. Granite materials are available in numerous colors to choose from.

Note that the majority of them won't fade when subjected to sunlight and other climatic elements. When appropriately sealed, granite is an excellent resistant to mold, stains, and mildew.

If you are looking for a countertop surface that is cool to touch, choose a granite countertop that comes with a lighter color. A honed finishing tends to look more natural and beautiful than the polished finishing. Remnant slab can be a cost-effective alternative for a smaller open-air kitchen.

Soapstone

This is another material you should look at when it comes to the installation of an outdoor kitchen as it will give your countertop a natural look. Its dense properties make it an excellent resistant to heat and stains. That means you don't need to seal the countertops, but you must treat it frequently using mineral oil. The process plays a role in enhancing the natural blackening procedure of soapstone.

Quartz

When it comes to the installation of an outdoor kitchen, avoid using countertop made of quartz materials. This is because the material tends to fade easily when subjected to direct sun rays for longer periods. Additionally, don't use Formica in your outdoor settings since the material can't withstand moisture and humidity. After all, its core is created from particleboard. An outdoor kitchen countertop made from Formica material will fade and deteriorate fast.
 
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