So. You’ve decided to add an outdoor kitchen to your backyard. Great choice!
Entertaining guests outdoors beats having everyone inside, especially on a sunny day. From preparing a Saturday summer lunch or making some hot cocoa on a chilly autumn night, an outdoor kitchen lets you be a part of the party without getting stuck inside preparing the food.
And since you’ll be outdoors entertaining while cooking, the type of countertop you choose plays a significant role—more than you think.
There are three factors you want to consider for your outdoor kitchen countertop:
● Maintenance
● Cleaning
● Affordability
All in all, your outdoor kitchen should have a granite countertop. Here’s why.
Granite countertops are easy to maintain.
With the proper care, your granite countertop will last a long time in your outdoor kitchen with minimal maintenance. All you’ll need is a granite sealer.
A granite sealer is a liquid applied to the countertop to create a protective film. Once applied and absorbed into the granite, the sealer protects it from spills, bacteria from food, the sun’s UV rays, and fluctuating weather conditions.
*Tip: if you plan on having your kitchen out in the open, try opting for a lighter color to help reflect the sun’s rays.*
The sealer is the primary key to maintaining your granite countertop and keeping it intact when exposed to harsh temperatures. Every few months, depending on how often you use the outdoor kitchen, you add a touch of the sealer to maintain its protective film.
A simple water test will let you know when it’s time:
1. Add a tablespoon of water to the countertop.
2. Let it sit for roughly 10 minutes, then check the water.
3. If there are water beads on the granite, there’s no need for a touch-up.
4. If the water seeps through the granite or you notice a dark spot, it’s time for a new coat.
It’s pretty effortless.
Cleaning the granite countertop requires only a sponge, soap, and water.
Bleach, window cleaning solution, and vinegar mix are not needed for your granite countertop. In fact, you want to avoid harsh chemicals or vinegar when cleaning it to prevent wearing down your sealer and creating etch marks on the stone.
After chopping up some veggies and seasoning the chicken for the grill, clean your granite countertop with soap and water. Yes, soap and water are enough to sanitize and wash away the outdoor cooking residue. Just be sure to use a nonabrasive sponge to avoid scratching the countertop.
If you’d like to add an extra disinfectant, feel free to use isopropyl alcohol of 70% or more.
Granite can fit any budget range.
Different granite grades come with varying price points, making it ideal for those on a budget. The levels vary based on the thickness of the slab, colors, patterns, where it comes from, and so forth. The thickness and pricing will most likely be the main talking points when discussing which level to choose. However, if you have a flexible budget, Level 2 and Level 3 granite offer unique and exquisite colors and patterns you won’t usually see with Level 1 granite.
Level one granite:
● Thickness – about ⅜ inches
● Price – roughly $40+ per sq. ft.
● Patterns – common
● Origin – typically China
Level two granite:
● Thickness – about ¾ inches
● Price – roughly $50+ per sq. ft.
● Patterns – greater diversity
● Origin – typically India or Brazil
Level three granite:
● Thickness – about ¾ inches or more
● Price – roughly $65+ per sq. ft.
● Patterns – unique
● Origin – typically India or Brazil
Install a granite countertop for an outdoor kitchen to save money, time, and energy.
Between its easy maintenance and different price points, granite is best for an outdoor kitchen countertop. There are multiple options within various budgets, making it the perfect choice for a luxurious rooftop or newly added backyard kitchen. Under proper care, your granite outdoor kitchen countertop will last a lifetime.
Whether you are looking to upgrade your outdoor kitchen countertops or want to install granite countertops for your new build, Texas Granite Group can make it happen. Our countertop business located in the Austin area takes pride in customizing almost any stone countertop material and installing it in any area of your home including an outdoor kitchen.
Our countertop solutions include modern quartz, alluring marble and everyone’s favorite go-to granite. Visit our countertop store and see how our countertop fabrication and installation services will create the kitchen of your dreams. Start your design quest for the perfect granite countertops with us by scheduling a Free consultation!