Are you designing a new outdoor kitchen or remodelling your existing one? Then choosing a suitable countertop material is necessary as it determines the space’s look and its ability to stand up to wear and tear. Plus, because outdoor kitchens are exposed to inclement weather and the sun’s UV rays, it’s important to choose a durable and beautiful countertop material.
Granite countertops are a suitable solution owing to their natural beauty and ability to perform well under external stressors. Keep reading to discover other reasons why granite is the perfect option for your outdoor kitchen.
Here are some benefits of using granite as your countertop material for your outdoor kitchen.
1. Attractive Design
Granite is available in a wide range of designs and graining patterns, allowing homeowners to find something unique for their space. Each slab comes with unique specks, swirls, and patterns. This means that there are limitless styles and designs from which to choose, and the slabs can be formed into any size or shape. This offers homeowners an endless array of customization possibilities and ensures your outdoor kitchen reflects your personality and style while appearing cohesive with the overall design.
2. Resistance to Heat, Stains, and Moisture
Granite is resistant to stains, heat, and changing moisture levels, making it suitable for outdoor spaces. As a porous stone, it’s recommended to have your granite countertop sealed periodically to ensure it resists stains from regular kitchen spills. That said, it’s in your best interests to wipe these up as soon as they occur to retain your countertop’s beauty for many years and prevent discolouration.
Moreover, this natural stone can stand up well against heat so you don’t need to worry about damage from hot pots and pans. However, it’s still recommended to use hot pads and trivets to protect the sealant.
3. Outdoor Compatibility
Toronto weather isn’t too extreme so your granite countertop shouldn’t sustain any long-term damage. However, it’s recommended to cover it with patio roofing or an awning to protect the sealant and colour from fading. Along with defending your countertop’s beauty, the shade will make it more comfortable for guests to enjoy a cool drink on a hot summer afternoon. The material’s heat and moisture resistance make it suitable for outdoor use as changing weather won’t damage the countertop.
Furthermore, what better way is there to accent the natural beauty of your landscaping than by incorporating natural elements, granite being one of them? It’s also an eco-friendly option whose manufacture doesn’t produce any chemical emissions like many engineered products do, making it better for the environment too.
4. Germ and Bacteria Resistance
Cooking involves messes, whether your inside or out. While some may be harmless, others can contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria, salmonella, and E. coli. Certain materials such as tile or laminate may harbour these by providing suitable growing conditions. In such instances, it’s necessary to regularly disinfect your kitchen countertop to keep it safe for food prep. This can be difficult to keep up with, especially if you entertain frequently.
On the other hand, with a beautiful granite countertop, you don’t have to deal with the risk of bacteria build-up as the sealant offers protection. It prevents bacteria and germs from entering into the pores present in the natural stone and transferring onto the food being prepped.
5. Chip and Scratch Resistant
Granite is a hard natural stone that doesn’t chip, scratch or breaks easily, even after decades of use. Its fabrication into granite slabs requires lasers to cut through the stone. So, if you’re worried about children or guests damaging the surface. It will remain as good as new for many years.
6. Ease of Maintenance
If you have ever spilled thick and sticky substances on your kitchen countertop, such as oil and/or condiments, you know how difficult it is to clean up the mess later. Also, it’s important to use suitable commercial cleaners to ensure the countertop or the sealant used on it isn’t damaged.
However, with granite kitchen countertops, you can rest assured knowing that cleaning is a breeze thanks to the sealant which prevents grime build-up and stains. Just use mildly warm water with a gentle liquid detergent to get rid of the toughest spots. Even oil spills are easy to clean up, with no stains left behind.
Are you in search of a quick, and easy way to make your outdoor kitchen countertop stand out while ensuring the space remains functional and efficient for years to come? Then granite is your best choice. A beautiful countertop addition will help your space look elegant while complementing its other elements. Moreover, it will stand up well to changing weather conditions while retaining its durability and appearance.