When you are installing an outdoor kitchen, you may be wondering what the best option for countertops and materials to not only keep your outdoor kitchen up-to-date is but that will also last for a long time. So, one question you may be wondering is if Granite is suitable for an outdoor kitchen.
Using Granite is a great material to use for inside and for outdoor kitchens. Granite has durability in harsh conditions. By withstanding heat, Granite makes the perfect material to use for hot pans and high-heat conditions.
This may leave you with more and more questions such as what else makes Granite a great option for an outdoor kitchen or what kind of colors or finishes you can choose from. Reading this article can help answer some of these questions.
Can Granite Countertops Be Used Outdoors?
Actually, using granite countertops for your outdoor kitchen can offer great benefits. Not only can they provide heat resistance and durability. But they also offer resistance to stains, mold, and mildew and offer some weatherproofing when using the right sealant.
Granite Styles
Homeowners love Granite. Not only for its durability inside and outside of the home but due to a vast selection of colors and finishes, they are able to choose the right design for use in their kitchens, especially the outdoor kitchen. Since Granite has heat protection, you won’t have to worry about the sun fading the color of the Granite you choose.
The only downside to keeping in mind when choosing granite colors is that the darker the color you choose, the hotter the sun can make your countertops. If your kitchen is under constant shade, then darker colors of Granite should not get as dark. While darker colors attract more heat, lighter colors do not hold heat and are a great option for those outdoor kitchens that do not have a constant shade to help keep them cool.
The finishes of Granite are also important. If you want a more natural look to your outdoor kitchen, use a honed finish in place of a polished look to create the perfect outdoor setting.
There are Other Types of Countertops to Choose From
If you are not a granite-loving person, don’t worry. There are other great options for you to choose from that can offer just as much as granite countertops. These different types can provide great designs as well as different looks for your outdoor kitchen as well.
Some types of materials that can be used for outdoor countertops are:
- Quartzite
- Concrete
- Soapstone
- Porcelain Tile & Slabs
1. Quartzite
Not to be confused with quartz, quartzite is another great option for your outdoor kitchen. Since quartzite shares many of the same properties as Granite, it is a great replacement option. However, the quartzite look is more similar to that of marble, and caring for quartzite is not as hard.
Since quartzite is easy to mark with knives and sharp objects, it is more susceptible to getting visible scratches, and using a cutting board and utensil holders is recommended to keep it looking new. Another downside to using quartzite is that it can be easily stained. So while there is minimal cleanup needed with soap and water, spills need to be cleaned up quickly to avoid permanent staining.
Like Granite, quartzite doesn’t fade in the sun. Nevertheless, quartzite is not great at handling high temperatures. Quartzite is great at handling sunlight, but it is recommended to use potholders and heat protectors before placing your hot pans and pots on top.
As far as a lasting property, sealing quartzite once a year will offer some great added protection, but the hardstone itself can last for years.
2. Concrete
Because it has high durability, concrete is another great option for an outdoor kitchen. Since concrete is usually poured in molds or various sections, you can have a customized countertop for your outdoor kitchen. Concrete can be made to have different shapes and dimensions that come in a variety of custom finishes.
Since it is a very diverse material, embedding tiles and stones into your look can offer a unique setting to your outdoor kitchen. However, concrete while there are many different colors of stains that can be used, there are some slight drawbacks to using concrete in your outdoor kitchen. The color choice for your concrete countertops can be faded from the sun. Over time the color of your countertops can turn yellow from fading; however, if you choose a natural earth tone or they are placed in constant shade, turning yellow and fading shouldn’t be a problem.
It is important to make sure that when choosing concrete for your countertops, you get it sealed during the installation process. Even though concrete is durable, it can still absorb liquids, making it easy to obtain stains and hold bacteria from outside. Not only will sealing the concrete countertops help prevent this from happening, but it will also prevent them from cracking.
Even with its slight downfalls, concrete is a great option not only because of its durability but also because it is easily maintained and easy to clean.
3. Soapstone
Since soapstone is highly resistant to heat and staining, there is no need to add a protective seal. However, soapstone will darken if exposed to liquids or oils from hands or really anything. These darkened spots are easily removed by simply washing the material as you go.
Even though this is a dense material, soapstone can be very soft, meaning that it can be prone to scratches and nicks from sharp objects. The good thing about using this material in your outdoor kitchen is that any scratches or nicks can be buffed or sanded out with very little effort, so keeping it cleaned and well-maintained should be a breeze.
Another great thing to note about using soapstone is that it is highly resistant to heat and all-weather types. One downside is that soapstone can get extremely hot under direct sun, so using caution if your outdoor kitchen is not under constant shade is a must.
4. Porcelain
Porcelain is usually found inside homes but can be a good option for outdoor kitchen use. Since it is manufactured in any color, and finish and even be made to look like natural woods and stones, it can be a great option to give you that perfect look for your outdoor kitchen. Porcelain is great for providing heat resistance and is durable to withstand bacteria, and is fade-resistant. Not only is this material heat resistant, but it also holds up great in colder temperatures.
Even though you don’t have to worry about stains, porcelain is easily scratched and can sometimes chip.
Conclusion
Granite for an outdoor kitchen is a great option and offers great benefits. Since it is considered one of the best options for your outdoor kitchen, there are many great options and benefits that Granite offers. However, if Granite is not a material you particularly like, there are other great options that can be used in place of Granite. These can vary, but some of them are concrete, quartzite, and porcelain.
Nevertheless, picking the right material for your outdoor kitchen is based on more of personal preferences and how much time you want to put into making it look new and last for years.
