With summer just around the corner, homeowners are looking for ways to elevate their outdoor space for the warm season ahead. One of the best ways to improve a backyard is by adding a kitchen. Like with most builds, it’s important to be sure your materials are in line with functional and design needs. And when it comes to an outdoor kitchen, there’s no better countertop option than natural stone.
But what is the best option for natural stones used in an outdoor setting? There are so many great options to take advantage of on any surface of an outdoor space with natural stone materials. Below, we’ll dive into our top recommendations and some other options that might be a good fit for your upcoming renovation.
Best Overall: Granite
It’s no secret that granite tends to check all the boxes in terms of looks and performance needs. What is less known, however, is granite’s ability to stand up to harsh conditions. Granite is able to withstand a wide range of unprecedented environments and seasonal changes. Its natural resistance makes it the best choice for an outdoor countertop.
Of course there are other great options on the market in terms of durability and weather resistance, but none quite like granite. Not to mention, granite has some of the widest variety of looks and patterns to choose from. This comes in handy when it comes time to match your outdoor kitchen with the existing design of the interior of a home.
Granite is also one of the hardest materials for the job. It will stand up well against any staining, liquid absorption, and etching from everyday cooking use. It also does exceptionally well with exposure to heat and light for extended periods of time. Many other materials will get far too hot to use or will not be able to maintain form when overheated. Those are just a few of the many benefits of granite countertops installed in an outdoor setting.
Quartzite For A Unique Look
Another fun and great option for outdoor countertops is quartzite. Quartzite is one of the hardest materials on Earth (right next to diamonds). When it comes to durability and natural weather resistance, it doesn’t get much better than quartzite.
In addition to its impervious surface, quartzite comes in an extensive range of colors and textures to choose from. Many of which are transparent and will reflect natural light in beautiful and unique ways. Since many slabs of quartzite have glass-like qualities to them, many homeowners choose to backlight them. This creates an awesome look (especially at night) and can act as a lighting feature as well as a tactile structure for any outdoor space.
Non-Stone Options
When natural stone options don’t quite work out for you, there are plenty of other materials out there that can get the job done. A couple of our favorites are concrete and tiling. Concrete is a great material for those looking for a cost effective option that can stand up to sun exposure and inclement weather. In addition, tiling is often used for oddly shaped structures or to add an extra layer of creativity to the space.
Of course, our top choice will always be natural stone, but these are a few great alternatives. To learn more or to get a quote today, contact our specialists here.