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Outdoor kitchens are one of the most sought-after remodeling projects. Consumers are finding ways to keep their current home and enjoy entertaining inside and outside. This is a trend that is not going away.
Just as with traditional indoor kitchens, you have options in an outdoor environment; however, they are more limited.
Outdoor kitchens are popular for people who want to minimize the barrier between indoor and outdoor spaces. They are a fantastic choice in Utah, because of the incredible views and the state's natural environment.
When it comes to an outdoor kitchen, experts at The Spruce suggest frequency of use, proximity to food, and location outdoors should be taken into consideration when you are deciding between types of outdoor kitchen countertop materials.
If you plan to install an outdoor kitchen, consider visiting a Bedrock Quartz showroom to select your countertop and to get design help. The design experts at Bedrock have been guiding outdoor kitchen projects for years and understand the complexities.
Consider size and layout
A first step in choosing your countertop material is considering size and layout. Cost is invariably going to be a factor. So, if your design calls for a large countertop surface – or even multiple countertops – you might be under budgetary constraints.
It could be necessary to sacrifice a more expensive stone in order to get a larger surface. Then again, the budget may be a minor concern to you. If you can spend whatever it takes to get what you want, you will have access to more options.
Another layout consideration is the amount of sun exposure your countertop receives.
Local climate makes a big difference
You must consider your local climate because it dramatically impacts overall countertop durability. Quartzite, granite, and quartz are all viable options for outdoor countertops, but climate will affect each material differently.
For example, there are better choices than quartz if your outdoor kitchen is exposed to significant sunlight. As you may know, UV rays are the enemy of some countertop surfaces. The challenge with quartz countertops is that their resins and dyes are subject to degradation with exposure to UV rays. You should probably forget quartz unless you plan to keep your countertop under shade.
Temperature extremes can also be problematic. Granite, quartzite and marble should have no trouble with significant heat and cold. But softer stones, like sandstone and flagstone, are a different matter. There are better choices for environments subject to temperature extremes.
Stick with lighter colors
Next, consider sticking with lighter colors. Darker countertops absorb heat and the same is true for darker veining patterns. Furthermore, even though sun-related discoloration should be minimal, a lighter color will show less discoloration than a darker one.
The goal is to choose a countertop material that will look good years down the road. Writing for HGTV, Amanda Lecky explains, "When choosing outdoor kitchen countertops your priority should always be durability first and looks second. Otherwise, you'll find your investment going up in smoke."
An outdoor kitchen can add value when it comes time to sell your home. If its aesthetic appeal has diminished over the years, it will not add as much value as it otherwise could have.
Choose durability
Finally, common sense dictates that you select a durable material. Sandstone and flagstone won't hold up as well over time. Your best choices for durability are granite, quartzite, and marble. Be aware that with quartz, you need to be sure to select a countertop that has been engineered for outdoor use.
Visit one of Bedrock Quartz's seven Utah showrooms if you are planning to build an outdoor kitchen. The design professionals at Bedrock will partner with you to create beautiful and durable countertops that will be the capstone of your project.
