One of the most important aspects of creating your dream kitchen is the countertops. Read below to find out how to choose the best choice for your taste and needs.
Consider All the Details
Before deciding on an outdoor kitchen countertop, you need to review your unique situation. Consider factors like your budget, the climate in your area, maintenance, and durability. All of these will impact the lifespan of your countertops.
Lastly, you will need to decide which items match the color and finishings that suit the aesthetic of your kitchen.
Butcher Block
This sturdy material lets you have the beautiful look of wood, without the cons like major wear and tear due to weather. Butcher block comes in many shades and styles. Сhoose from woods like oak maple, elm, cherry, walnut, and chestnut to suit your color scheme.
Once you choose the wood it will be sealed and positioned on your countertops. Butcher block typically doesn’t need a lot of maintenance and tends to last around 20 years, similar to granite.
You will need to make sure your countertops are resealed as needed to prevent germ growth and remember to clean them quickly after use to prevent stains. The finishing should help make your kitchen space look beautiful and stand the test of time during outdoor use.
Granite
Stone like granite is a very popular choice for countertops for a reason! Not only can you pick from a variety of shades, tones, and patterns, but the material is incredibly long-lasting. Granite tends to resist signs of wear like discoloration or a dull finishing over time.
Like other countertops, you will need to have it resealed to prevent mold and marks. However, the granite will last up to 20 years, so periodic sealing is usually worth it if it’s within the budget.
You do need to consider the temperature and climate in your area before choosing the granite color. Dark colors tend to be very hot to the touch in warmer areas, which may be an inconvenience if you’re using your countertop as a cutting board during the day.
Concrete
Countertops are typically poured into their final shape during the installation process and can even be made to fit the exact shape and size needed.
Concrete comes in more than just one shade of gray. There are a variety of natural tones, or you can even choose a stain to get just the right hue for your kitchen. If you want an interesting and fun look to your space, you can even personalize the concrete with stones or tiles.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a natural stone that has properties similar to granite countertops. Sometimes quartzite is confused with quartz, but it actually resembles the look of marble, but with similar properties to granite.
This material has a classic, elevated look and tends to hold up well despite the harsh elements outdoors. You will need to be careful before placing hot pots on the surface, as it is sensitive to excess heat.
Tile
Another material that is versatile in design is tile. It can resemble classic stone without the sensitivities of natural stone, or you can choose from a variety of simple and intriguing colors and patterns. One of the biggest pros of tile is that it is resistant to stains and extreme temperatures.
You will, however, need to make sure you can repair cracked tiles as corners or small pieces may break over time.