Outdoor kitchen is a great bonus for any home. Whether you usually invite many guests or if you simply prefer to spend time outdoors and enjoy all seasons, an outdoor kitchen is not only an extension of your family's living space but also increases the value of your home. In addition, it is much easier and healthier to cook outdoors.
When building an outdoor kitchen, some things are a matter of course, such as a stainless steel grill, a stone fireplace and fine teak outdoor furniture. By using natural materialssuch as T and J stone, you add a feeling of coziness to the outdoor kitchen. In addition, such materials are environmentally friendly, which is always an important aspect.
Another thing to keep in mind is the countertop surface. It requires something big enough for you to be able to cook it and serve dishes while everything can withstand harsh weather and temperature changes. And that is why natural stones are the first choice for homeowners with outdoor kitchens.
In this blog post, we tell you why we believe that granite is the best natural stone for your outdoor kitchen.
What makes granite Countertops a perfect material for your outdoor kitchen?
Granite is probably the best material that homeowners can use for countertops in their outdoor kitchens. The stone is so durable that it can easily withstand hot summers, rainy springs and autumns as well as cold winters in Sweden. Granite is much appreciated by homeowners as it is available in lots of shades and textures to choose from. Whichever style you choose, you do not have to worry about the stone fading under the sun's rays. Sunlight can make dark granite varieties hot, so it is best to buy a lighter shade in case your kitchen is not equipped with sun protection. In case you want to harmonize your kitchen with the nature in the surroundings, we recommend preferring a sanded surface treatment instead of a polished surface treatment.
Maintenance of granite slabs outdoors
Your new granite countertop Kitchen will look great. But how do you keep it in the same condition? Sunlight and rain will naturally wash away food stains, but in case the surface is porous, it is recommended to use some kind of coating to avoid stains from, for example, wine or mustard that are not as easy to remove.
Otherwise, for regular cleaning, you can rinse your granite countertop with a hose and then use non-abrasive detergent to remove dust and dirt formed by pollen, food stains and other dirt that occurs outdoors. A good way to avoid dirt that forms on the worktops is to cover them with a cover or roof when the outdoor kitchen is not in use.
Sun, rain, hail and snow take their toll on the worktops. Just like other natural stones that wear out over time under the influence of external conditions, a granite countertop will wear out over time in an outdoor kitchen. By covering them and regularly treating the surface, you get a much increased life on your disc.
Granite sets the bar high when it comes to materials for countertops in outdoor kitchens.
Do you rent a granite worktop during the hot summers and cold winters?
Even if granite can withstand temperature changes, it is still not a good idea to leave a slab in an outdoor kitchen exposed to the sun. On a hot summer day, the surface of the worktop will be hot already in the afternoon. Use a cover, parasol or other shade to cover as much of the countertop as possible. Then it will also be much cozier and more comfortable to sit at the worktop.
During the winter, make sure to protect the worktop from snow and frost in case you want to extend the life of the worktop. It is people who live in geographical areas with four seasons that have the most trouble with constant freezing and melting.
If your granite countertop has a metal sink, the temperature stresses in it can cause cracks in the stone. In case your worktop will be equipped with a metal sink, contact our installation team for good advice on how to protect your kitchen worktop.
