Choosing the right material for outdoor kitchen worktops is even harder than choosing the same for indoor ones since not all materials are suitable for outdoor use. A certain material can be excellent for indoor use, but if it is UV unstable, you should avoid it for outdoor use. Luckily, there are a handful of materials you can use outdoors, so continue reading and find everything about them.
1. Granite
Granite is one of the best choices for outdoor kitchens because it is very durable. It will not discolour when exposed to constant sun rays, nor it will be affected by rain in any way. Granite has good resistance to staining and you will have no problems removing the stains from barbecues and dinners. This material has great heat resistance; you can postpone hot kitchenware on it, without any worries.
Granite is also one of the best materials when it comes to resistance to scratching. It is very durable and not one to crack or break easily.
2. Marble
Marble is another good option for outdoor kitchens because it adapts well to outer conditions. Its colour will not fade in the sun, but stay consistent. Marble is a porous material which means it will absorb water to a certain extent. This also means that marble surfaces will not be slippery. However, it also means that marble worktops are not stain-resistant, so it is best to choose darker colours because stains will be less visible on them. However, if you make sure to remove the spills immediately, you shouldn’t have problems with staining.
Marble is also great at high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for family barbecues and gatherings.
3. Porcelain
Porcelain also has good characteristics of an outdoor surface; it doesn’t fade on the sun and it is stable. It is resistant to staining, so you will be able to experiment with different types of food and beverages in the kitchen. It has the best resistance to staining out of the three and it is, therefore, easy to maintain. However, it is not as durable as granite and marble, so you should be careful when carrying heavy objects around it. Porcelain tends to crack easier than natural stones, so it requires more attention in that department. It is a bit underestimated material for no good reasons and it is a budget-friendly option.
All three materials pass the test of UV stability, which is the number one priority when it comes to outdoor kitchens. The others characteristics to look for is stability in harsh weather and durability. The rest are ones that you look for in an indoor kitchen as well; resistance to staining, high temperature and ease of maintenance. Each of these materials has many pros, but also a few cons, so it is best to choose the one according to your needs.
Need more help choosing the right worktops material for your outdoor kitchen? Please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help or get a free online quote for stone worktops.
