Summer is almost here, and you may be considering how to make the most of your garden area. If you enjoy throwing summer parties or bringing friends and family over for a backyard BBQ, an outdoor kitchen might be the ideal new addition to your house.
What Is An Outdoor Countertop?
Outdoor countertops are becoming increasingly popular in gardens around the United Kingdom. They allow you to make the most of your outside area in novel and creative ways. You may add individual counters or a whole outdoor kitchen. We propose building your new outdoor kitchen near your backdoor to extend your house.
Outdoor Kitchen Worktop Materials
Outdoor countertops are ideal for extending the life of your worktops. This implies that you can still throw a garden party even if the weather isn’t cooperating. You should also examine your kitchen arrangement, such as if you want an outside sink or dining table. The material you choose must be long-lasting, waterproof, and hard-wearing.
Read more: Choose and Maintain A Quartz Worktop
Quartz
Quartzite stone is ground up and combined with polymers and resins to make a slab for these manufactured countertops. It is difficult to install properly due to its high cost and weight. When trying installation, a novice DIYer might easily damage the slab or harm themself severely. But the cost of hiring a professional to install the quartz countertops is well worth it.
Pros
- Durable
- Variety of colors to choose from
- Non-porous surface
- Resists stains and bacteria
- Elegant and modern look
Cons
- Vulnerable to cold weather damage
- Expensive
- Installation is not DIY-friendly
Read more: Pros And Cons Of Quartz Worktops
Granite
Granite is an igneous rock formed by past volcanic activity that contains a wide range of minerals. To avoid cracking, granite worktops must be correctly positioned and supported. Granite is “probably the most suited for outdoor kitchen counters,” says Neely, citing its resistance to stains and the outdoors. You can do the installation yourself if you’re up to it.
Pros
- Can go years without demanding resealing
- Resists prolonged sun and moisture exposure
- Easy to sanitize
Cons
- Expensive
- It can get hot in direct sunlight
- Difficult to install
Marble
Marble is one of the most stunning and sophisticated materials for your outdoor kitchen. Because marble is a softer rock, it is more prone to fracture. Soapstone, for example, is a soft rock that looks excellent on your outdoor patio. Use a long-lasting food-safe sealer to preserve your marble worktops in good shape.
Pros
- Highly durable
- High-end modern look
- Heat-resistant
- Naturally cool surface
Cons
- Prone to faster cracking and chipping
- Expensive
- Requires frequent sealing for outdoor use
- Vulnerable to fading in direct sunlight
Tile
If you want a strong visual, tile countertops may be a good option. If you have the money, porcelain and ceramic tiles offer the highest antibacterial and stain prevention. Tile worktops may be produced in any shape and size and go well with any design you like.
Pros
- Cheaper than other worktop materials
- Relatively simple installation for DIYers
- Endless color, pattern, and design choices
Cons
- Porous grout is hard to keep clean
- Tile and grout must be sealed to be used as a food surface.
- Susceptible to cracking and dislodging over time
Concrete
Concrete may be a good alternative if you don’t mind a few cracks. You may install concrete worktops if you’re experienced in dealing with concrete and building molds. It is, however, time-consuming, so make sure you have enough.
Pros
- Mid-range price
- Relatively simple to repair
- Stays cool to the touch
- DIY installation
Cons
- Will crack over time
- Porous surface susceptible to stains and water spots
- Must be sealed
Slate
Slate is another incredibly sturdy material, although it is difficult to work with. A seal and routine cleanings will enhance its lifespan. A thicker slate slab, on the other hand, might not need to be coated. Remember that slate worktops are also soft, so a piece that can survive stains may result in a more porous item.
Pros
- It’s very durable
- Easy to repair
- Affordable
Cons
- It can be heavy
- Fragile to handle
- Difficult installation
- Will crack over time
Wood
Pressure-treated wood is a cost-effective solution for outdoor kitchen surfaces. There are several different kinds of wood to pick from and numerous color possibilities. Pine is the cheapest, whereas cedar and redwood are more expensive but of superior quality. Outdoor wood worktops require a sealer to protect them from the weather.
Pros
- Versatile
- Pocket-friendly
- The natural wood’s exquisite look
- Easy to repair
- Highly enduring
Cons
- Requires consistent maintenance
- Natural wood can splinter
- Requires a sealant
- Color fades over time
- Can be dangerous if burned
Worktops Budget Considerations For Outdoor Kitchen
Your budget influences every decision you make when designing your outdoor kitchen. Understanding how the countertop you choose compares in terms of cost is critical. The less you have to do to keep your outdoor kitchen in good condition, the easier it is.
Easy-to-maintain outdoor kitchen countertop materials are often more expensive. Often, the extra expense is well worth the increased convenience with maintenance.
Always consider the long term when you are in the process of deep cleaning and maintaining your countertops. Consider the typical cost of several countertop materials:
- Quartz: $55-155 per sq ft
- Granite: $50-100 per sq ft
- Marble: $40-$75 per sq ft
- Tile: $10-40 per sq ft
- Concrete: $50-75 per sq ft
- Slate: $50-$65 per sq ft
- Wood: $40-$100 per sq ft
Read more: Choosing The Best Kitchen Worktop
Conclusion
Finally, the ideal material for your outdoor kitchen must be long-lasting and sturdy, with a wide range of color and treatment possibilities. Choose outdoor kitchen countertops with the following qualities for the greatest results:
- UV resistance for color stability outdoors
- Exceptional strength
- High resistance to impacts, scratches, and abrasions
- Non-porosity – requiring no maintenance
Whatever material you choose for your outdoor kitchen countertop, keep in mind the maintenance needs and select a color that will match your environment. This handy guide will help you choose the right countertop for your outdoor kitchen as you plan and create it.
