Choosing the Right Countertop Material for Your Outdoor Kitchen

If you’re interested in turning your home’s backyard into a fun hosting spot, installing an outdoor kitchen is an excellent idea. Like most home improvement projects, building an outdoor kitchen takes a great deal of planning and preparation. In addition to choosing the layout for your new kitchen and picking out your perfect appliances, you’ll need to decide what material you should use for your countertops.

Because your outdoor counters will sustain exposure to the elements, your goal should be picking a material that is not only attractive, but durable as well. Fortunately, there are several excellent counter material options that meet this exact description. Learn about a few of the best outdoor kitchen countertop materials so that you can pick the option that will work the best for your home.

Tile

For homeowners that want a quick and easy countertop installation, there is almost no better material than tile. The great thing about tile countertops is that they’re available in an array of colors and patterns, meaning you’ll easily be able to select an option that matches your exact tastes.

If you’re interested in using tile for your outdoor kitchen countertops, you should consider the typical weather in your area. If the climate where you live is generally warm, you can install tile outdoors without worry. On the other hand, tile is not a good choice in very cold areas, as the grout will be at risk for freezing.

Natural Stone

When it comes to durable and attractive outdoor kitchen countertop materials, there’s almost no better option than natural stone. Several types of natural stone can be installed in outdoor kitchens and will last for years to come with little to no need for regular maintenance.

In most cases, granite is the best type of natural stone for outdoor kitchen counters. For starters, granite is highly durable and can resist heat damage, staining and mildew growth. You can also choose your granite in different colors and finishes, making it easier to achieve the look that you want for your outdoor kitchen.

You could also choose soapstone if you want to construct your kitchen counters using natural stone. One of the biggest advantages of soapstone is that there is no need to add sealant, and like granite, this type of natural stone is heat resistant. The only drawback is that your soapstone counters will need periodic maintenance to stay looking their best.

Materials to Avoid

In general, the same counter materials you could choose for your indoor kitchen will be suitable for your outdoor kitchen. The exception, however, is quartz counters. Quartz is one material that you should absolutely avoid in your outdoor kitchen. When exposed to sunlight, the color of your quartz counters will fade, forcing you to think about repairs or replacement. Laminate is another material you shouldn’t use outdoors because of the risk for moisture damage.

Get Started on Your Outdoor Kitchen

Now that you know about some of the best outdoor kitchen countertop materials, you can get started building your outdoor kitchen; and if you want your project finished quickly and effectively, you should get help from the Kitchen Solvers team. We can help you design an outdoor kitchen that will be perfect for hosting your friends and family for special occasions or for a spontaneous get-together. Also be sure to check out our blog, “Tips to Help You Build an Outdoor Kitchen” for more information on planning your outdoor kitchen. Be sure to visit one of our locations today for more information.

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