As you consider your future outdoor kitchen project… at some point, you’ll have to decide on what countertop materials you want to use. There’s plenty of options available, but what’s the best choice?
In all climates, it’s important to select an outdoor countertop material that will be durable year-round. As an outdoor kitchen manufacturer that offers multiple countertop options… we’ve figured out which materials are best for year-round use, regardless of what climate you live in. In this article, you will learn what outdoor kitchen countertop materials are best, and how to get countertops for your outdoor kitchen.
What Outdoor Countertop Materials are Best for Year Round Use?
Although there are many outdoor kitchen countertop materials available, such as quartz, soapstone, marble, stainless steel, concrete, and granite… it’s really only the latter two, concrete and granite, that are ideal for year-round use.
High Performance Concrete
When you think about how ubiquitous a building material concrete is… it’s easy to see why concrete outdoor kitchen countertops are an excellent choice for year round use. This is particularly true in the case of high performance concrete, which is what RTA offers, and what will be discussed here.
Features of high performance concrete countertops include:
- Low-Porosity: High performance concrete is a low-porosity material, meaning that it does not readily absorb moisture. This means that concrete won’t get waterlogged or damaged in the presence of rain, flooding, snow, ice, or hail. This is particularly important if you live in a freeze thaw climate, because the expansion and contraction of freezing water will not cause cracking or other structural damage to your countertops.
- High Density: High performance concrete is also a dense material, so it is exceptionally durable in the outdoor environment. It’s resistant to chips and other wear and tear that less dense materials are susceptible to.
- Immune to Rust and Corrosion: Stainless steel or aluminum countertops are susceptible to rust and/or corrosion. High performance concrete is immune to these issues.
Granite
Granite is well known as a more high-end outdoor kitchen countertop material choice. And it’s not just because granite has an alluring, luxurious appearance… It’s exceptionally durable year-round.
Features of granite outdoor kitchen countertops include:
- Non-Porous: Granite is a virtually non-porous material, so there is no concern of moisture related damage. This makes it an ideal choice in all climates, and especially in areas with cold, harsh winters.
- High-Density: Granite is extremely dense, so like high performance concrete, it is resistant to scratches and chipping.
- Naturally Stain Resistant: Granite is naturally stain resistant, which is a nice feature if you’d like to keep cleaning your countertops to a minimum! Wine stains or condiment stains don’t need to come with stress, as granite will naturally repel them.
- Immune to Rust and Corrosion: Like high performance concrete, it is not possible for granite to rust or corrode.
How do I Get Countertops for my Outdoor Kitchen?
Now that you have an understanding of what countertop materials are best for your outdoor kitchen… how do you get them?
Obtaining outdoor kitchen countertops can look different depending on which solution you choose. If you work with a dedicated outdoor kitchen company, countertops may already be provided for you… but in some cases, you may have to work directly with a countertop fabricator yourself.
In the case of RTA Outdoor Living, we provide the countertops with every outdoor kitchen purchase. Both high performance concrete and granite countertops are available. However, if you want to source countertops yourself… that is a potential option to discuss with a Design Expert.
If you’d like to know more about what getting an outdoor kitchen with RTA looks like, a great place to start is by creating a free design. Our online design tool has helped thousands of homeowners bring their dream outdoor kitchen to life… and it can do the same for you!
