10 Reasons You Should Give Marble Countertops A Shot

Whether looking to upgrade the look of your kitchen or bathroom countertops, some of the best countertop materials you can go with are marble countertops. Here are 10 of the top reasons you should consider the pieces:

Sophisticated look

Marble has a classic look that sets it apart from plenty of other natural stones. When properly installed, the countertops add elegance and warmth to the house, making it fun and comfortable to live in.

Rich history

The use of marble dates back to ancient Egypt. The Athenian treasury, built in the 6^th century, was the first building to be constructed entirely from marble, and it’s still standing up to date. This is a clear proof of the durability and resilience of the material.

Plenty of color choices

Marble slabs come in a wide range of colors that include white, green, brown, red, and deep black. The varying colors and veining come from mineral impurities within the stone. The many colors give you plenty of choices and assurance that you will get a color that will fit your house.

Unique designs

Since the slabs are natural, they are un-replicable. No two slabs are the same; therefore, when you install them in your home, you can be confident that no other person in the world has a similar piece. For you to get the most from the unique designs, try out different slabs to find the most fitting.

Easy to clean

While the countertop materials give your home a high end look, they don’t require special cleaning materials. Mild dish soap and warm water are enough to give the surfaces a sparkling look. Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean the countertops as you will damage them.

Some specialized stones require experts to clean them, but that’s not the case with marble. You can easily clean marble by yourself with simple materials. When the surfaces get a stain, you can easily remove it using an alkaline product that will pull the stain from the stone and dry it out.

Heat resilience

While marble is soft and porous and tends to stain and etch easily, it’s exceptionally resistant to heat. The marble surfaces don’t burn even when you place hot items on them. The naturally cool temperature makes the countertops the top choice for pastry chefs and other professionals that deal with hot items.

Durable

As mentioned above, there are plenty of buildings built in ancient times, and they are still in good condition. While marble will require some maintenance, it tends to last for a long time when you take good care of it.

Easy to fabricate

Although it’s sturdy and resistant to heat, marble is soft hence easy to fabricate. This feature makes it easy for fabricators to create decorative edges and fancy details that improve the overall look of the stone.

Don’t settle on the cheapest contractors as they often don’t understand their craft. Marble slabs don’t come cheap; therefore, when you hire cheap contractors, you end up losing a lot.

Readily available

Unlike other stones that you have to order from a unique area, marble is readily available in most countertop stores. While you can easily find the stone, many people end up buying the wrong pieces as they are often in a hurry when making the purchase.

For you to get the most from the stone, take time to research and find a store selling high-quality stones at affordable prices. This might require you to visit a number of stores and make comparisons.

Even when you find a good store, don’t proceed to place a large order. Take a few marble samples and go with them to your home. Place them on the countertops and see how they look. Only consider buying pieces that perfectly fit your home.

Increase in home value

The high-end look of the countertops dramatically improves the home value. If you are remodeling the house for sale, you end up selling the house twice or thrice the price you would have sold it had you not installed the countertops.

While this is the case, you don’t have to install ultra-premium pieces as you might not recoup your investment. Work with expert kitchen countertops Raleigh experts who will professionally install moderately priced countertops giving your home a classic look.

7 Tips To Consider When Installing Kitchen Countertops

best quartz countertop

Thinking about installing new kitchen countertops? Good for you as you are on your way to creating countertop surfaces that you will be proud of. Countertop installation is an intricate process, and you need to have plenty of things in place for the project to be a success. To give your kitchen a great look, pay attention to these tips:

Don’t be in a hurry

When they get money, many homeowners rush to get new countertop surfaces. Don’t do this as you end up buying the wrong stones. You also often end up working with the wrong contractor.

Regardless of how unsatisfied you are with the current surfaces, don’t be in a hurry to replace them. Take time to research and find out your options. Visit several stores and see what they have to offer. Also, take the time to interview several countertop contractors to find the right one for your project.

Color shouldn’t be, end-all, be-all

Color is crucial as it defines the look of your kitchen and choosing the wrong one can break the design of your surface. While this is the case, it shouldn’t be the end-all, be-all.

Pay close attention to the quality of the stone you are buying as quality is everything. You can have a stone with the most beautiful color, but if it cracks or stains easily, you are as good as not having installed the stone in the first place.

Always get samples

An average homeowner will visit countertop stores, and when they like the look and design of the stones on sale, they will go ahead and make huge orders. This is wrong as most of them end up hating the look of the countertops after installation.

Instead of doing this, take samples with you and see how they look in your kitchen. While you might like the color, design, or countertop material, you might not like how the countertop looks in your kitchen as it might not go well with your floor tiles or cabinets. It also might not go well with the design of the house.

The right thing to do is to order the countertops only after you have tried out the samples in your kitchen.

Have the right budget

Many people underestimate the amount of money they need to complete the countertop project. As a homeowner, the last thing you want is running out of money in the middle of the project and being forced to put the project on hold or borrow more money.

For you to avoid the inconveniences, take the time to undertake thorough research and come up with a budget before you begin the project. The key is being pessimistic with the amount of money you will need. When doing your budget, factor in hidden expenses such as clean up costs after installation, transport costs, and others.

Think about the everyday use of the countertops

It’s common to visit stores selling countertop surfaces and be wowed by the various stones on display. Don’t rush to buy them as they might not be ideal for your kitchen. What do you use your kitchen most for? This is the first question you should ask yourself.

If you are baker, you want countertop surfaces that can withstand high heat. If you are a culinary master, you want a stone that can tolerate acidic spills without staining.

Thicker isn’t always better

Just like color, a thick countertop doesn’t mean that the stone is excellent. Sometimes the thick surface is simply two stones that have been bonded together, which often leads to plenty of problems.

If this is the first time buying the stones, go to the stores with an experienced professional who has been in the industry for a long time to guide you.

Don’t outclass the other parts of the room

There is nothing wrong with installing the best and highest quality countertops, but when you install extremely high-quality countertops, then don’t touch the other parts of the kitchen, you give your kitchen a cheap look.

To give your kitchen a high end look, don’t just install high-quality countertops, work with granite contractors Durham and other professionals and revamp the entire kitchen.

5 Inexpensive Ways To Update Granite Kitchen Countertops

kitchen countertop

Old granite kitchen countertops not only give your home a cheap look, but they also look dirty and are hard to clean. Many homeowners have the impression that you need to have ultra-deep pockets for you to update your countertops. This is further from the truth. Here are inexpensive ways to give your countertops a makeover:

Paint them up

Save yourself money and the trouble of getting new countertops by simply painting the countertops. Before you get the paint, decide on the look you want. Painting is easy, and with minimal skills, you can effectively paint the surfaces by yourself.

Choose a paint that is specifically designed for laminate countertops. These paints are cheaper than the others in the market and don’t need priming. Buy enough paint for the job. You can do this by taking the measurements of the surface area to be covered. The paint should be enough for two coats.

Before you begin the painting, protect your surfaces. Line all the walls and cabinets with painter’s tape at the areas where they meet. Also, consider removing or covering your appliances such as stoves and sinks to prevent them from getting the paint.

Paints are toxic; therefore, you should protect yourself. You can do this by minimizing the amount of paint you get in contact with. Also consider wearing protective gear such as gloves, long pants, respirators, and even foam collars.

You can sand the surfaces using a pad sander but if you don’t have one, use your hands. Avoid sandpapers with a rough grit as they will damage the surfaces. Smoothen the surfaces using fine sanding block and scrape away any substances that might have congealed, dried, or stuck on the surface. Aim to create a smooth surface as much as possible.

To avoid brush marks on the surfaces, use spray paint, and sealer. After applying the paint, seal the surfaces with three or four coats to protect the finish.

Finish the countertops with cement

Begin with sanding the countertops using coarse sandpaper. Don’t worry about making the countertops smooth as cement sticks better at irregular surfaces. After the surfaces have air-dried, lather them with cement. Give the cement 24 hours to dry.

If there are noticeably uneven surfaces, sand, and clean them. Concentrate on getting rid of as much rough cement as much as possible. Once you are done, seal the cement using a liquid sealer. When buying the sealer, go for one that is food safe. If you don’t find a food-safe sealer, take care that your food never gets into contact with the countertop.

Cover the countertops

If you don’t want the look of cement, you can use other materials such as wood, fabric, veneer, paper, or even metal. Identify the material you want to use then get the right measurements for it. If you have the skills, you can apply the materials on the surfaces but if you have never done it before, hire an experienced contractor to help you out.

Tile the countertops

Did you know tiles aren’t only ideal for floors? You can also use them on your countertops. The beauty of it is that they aren’t expensive. Measure the dimensions of your countertops then get tiles that will fit the surface.

Depending on the design of your countertops, you may have to remove your stoves, disposal units, sinks, and other kitchen appliances before you install the tiles. If you have the skills, you can install the tiles by yourself but if you have never done it before, hire an expert to help you out.

Replace the countertops

If your current countertops are too old or you can’t stand them, consider replacing them. There are many cheap replacement options you can go with, the most common ones being:

Laminate: Laminate countertops are the most affordable countertops options in the market. When installing them, choose a textured surface instead of a flat one. This is to have an easy time concealing scratches and other signs of wear and tear.

Wood: Wooden surfaces are perfect when you are looking for a natural look. When undertaking countertop replacement Raleigh, choose wood that is durable and easy to manage. Some of the options you have include teak, walnut, cherry, maple, and many others.

Kitchen Countertops: 6 Kitchen Renovation Tips To Remember

If your kitchen is old or you want a different look, you need to consider these tips for the project to be a success:

Begin with the countertops

Kitchen countertops have the most significant impact on the design of the kitchen. They also cost a lot, especially if the kitchen is large. For you to avoid wasting money and create a look you love, begin your project by thinking about the type of countertops you will install.

Visit the local stores and find out what is in stock. For you to be content with your project, you need to be happy with the countertops first; therefore, ensure that you choose the right ones. Countertops vary in material, quality, size, among many other things. Choose the ones that fit your project.

Aim for quality

Kitchen renovations are costly, and you can’t be doing them after every few months. To do them once and properly, go for the best quality materials possible. In addition to the high-quality cabinets and appliances lasting for longer, they also have a high resale value.

You don’t have to buy new materials. If you don’t have deep pockets, consider going for used materials. They might be used, but still in good condition and of high quality. Some of the best materials are those bought from a business selling reused building materials.

If you are unlucky in these stores, try your luck online. Find individual sellers selling high-end items at affordable prices.

Pay attention to the layout of the kitchen

The kitchen needs to be practical and functional. How you lay it out depends on your priorities and needs. Think about the look you want to create and the people that will be using it. If it’s more than one person, incorporate more than one workstation.

If you have a large kitchen, add a kitchen island or get a wheeled cart that you can move around and put away when you aren’t using it.

If you aren’t sure of what will work with your household, make use of the classic work triangle; arrange the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangular pattern.

Have a realistic budget

Most large renovation projects end up taking more time and money than you anticipated; therefore, it’s wise to have extra cash on the side in the event the project goes over. A good rule of thumb is to have 10-20% more money for unplanned expenses.

The last thing you want is going to the bank to get another loan in the mid of the project. Even worse is ending up with a half-finished kitchen because you ran out of cash.

When coming up with a budget, remember to factor in the hidden costs. These include labor, materials, taxes, shipping, and delivery costs. These add up fast; therefore, it’s paramount that you put them into consideration when coming up with an approximation of the amount of money you need for the project.

Make use of all areas

You don’t want to spend a lot of money giving your kitchen a makeover and be left with unutilized areas. Make use of all areas in the kitchen. Use the toe-kick storage beneath the cabinet doors to store items that you don’t use daily. These include linens, serveware, and step ladder.

Using all the spaces gives you the satisfaction that you spent your money wisely. At the same time, it keeps your kitchen counters clutter-free.

Work with the right contractor

Not every countertop contractor you come across is right for your project. You can buy premium materials then end up with ugly countertops after hiring the wrong contractor. Many people end up with the wrong contractor as they are in a hurry to hire

To find the right professional, take your time. Approach several granite contractors Durham and ask for their current license and insurance. Also, ask about their past customers. Don’t just get the names of the customers. Call them and ask about their experience with the contractor.

If the professional checks out in every area, go ahead and draft a contract detailing the starting date, completion date, and any other details of the project.

Beyond Granite Countertops: Other Ways You Can Use Granite

Many people use granite countertops exclusively on kitchen and bathroom counters. What most of them don’t realize is that granite is a highly versatile material and you can use it on a wide range of areas. Are you ready to go against the grain and use granite in innovative ways? Here are unique ways you can use granite:

Place granite on the basin or sink

A granite basin is not only elegant to look at, it’s also durable as granite is tough. Thanks to the many designs and options available, you can have basins of any design.

Have a chat with your contractor to install the countertop in your desired design depending on the size of the sinks and look you want to create.

Dining table

How many times have you visited a home and found a granite table? I bet rarely. The tough nature of granite makes it possible to design a sophisticated and low-maintenance dining area. You can make the table completely from granite or with just a granite slab counter.

Since granite comes in many colors, you can have a dining table with tuba or Santa Cecelia colors. It’s up to you to choose the one that is ideal for you.

Floor

A granite floor creates a beautiful, seamless look. You can install the floor with tiles of the same shade and pattern or one with contrasting colors to create a pattern. If you have an open floor plan, use stripes of a complementary color to mark the boundaries.

Since the floor is an integral part of the house, ensure that the installation is done by an expert who is highly experienced at it.

For you to maintain a great look, keep the floor clean. Sweep or vacuum the floor then follow up with a cleaner or hot water. Then mop the floor with a mop or towel. When the water gets soiled, change it.

Granite mosaic

Do you have small pieces of granite lying around? They are perfect for creating a mosaic. You can place the mosaic on the wall or floor. For quick and easy installation, glue it to a larger tile.

Desktop

A desktop made from stone creates a feeling of stability and wealth. In addition to the surface giving your house a high-end look, it’s also highly resistant to wear; therefore, you are guaranteed it will retain its color and look for years.

You can install the desk in the sitting room, bedroom, office, sitting room, or any other area you work on.

Accent shelves

If you have granite remnants that are large to make a mosaic, you can use them to make shelves that you can use to hold toiletries in the bathroom, add more storage space in the kitchen, or serve as mail station at the door.

For a great look, carefully cut the remnants and polish the edges. You should then work with a granite contractor to help you with the installation.

Create a lazy Susan

You can still use the granite remnants to create a matching countertop lazy Susan. A properly installed natural stone combines function with beauty where it improves the look of your house and at the same time makes it easy to access the important kitchen items. You can even use it as a serving station when having a party.

For you to create a perfect lazy Susan, ask a fabricator to cut the remnant into a circle then attach it to your desired area. The unit is easy to attach even with minimal skills, but for a perfect installation, have it attached by an expert.

Make kitchen accessories

Not everyone likes having a lazy Susan in their homes. If you are one of these people, you can use the remnants to make a wide range of kitchen accessories. One of the accessories you can go with is a granite trivet.

In addition to the trivet protecting the kitchen countertops from damage, it’s also beautiful to look at hence improving the look of the house.

Granite countertop installers Durham also advise that you consider making a cheese or cutting board with the remnants. When hiring the installers, ensure they have handled plenty of similar projects in the past.

Upgrade Your Kitchen: How to Select Everything

kitchen countertop replacement

The kitchen is the most important room of your home. It is also the most complicated area when you try to upgrade or remodel. Thanks to seemingly limitless options you have for kitchen countertops, cabinets, and flooring materials, kitchen remodelling task becomes even more difficult. There are so many items available on the market. Choosing the best item as per the needs, requirements, budget and decor of the kitchen is so confusing.

Kitchen remodelling

Homeowners opt for kitchen remodelling when they want to improve the look, comfort and value of their kitchen. It is not possible to achieve this by selecting the wrong item. The homeowners need to be very precise with their requirements. Instead of rushing for shopping, they should first analyze their requirements, gather information about kitchen trends, and then choose the kitchen items.

Kitchen cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are integrated part of the modern kitchens. They have more functional value than aesthetic value. There are plenty of things that you need to consider while choosing the kitchen cabinets, some of them are:

Kitchen cabinets should be installed at the right place
Kitchen cabinets should be easily accessible
Kitchen cabinets should neither be too small nor too large
Kitchen cabinets should match with the kitchen decoration theme
Kitchen cabinets should be made from the durable material
Kitchen cabinets should be easy to clean
Kitchen cabinets should not be too expensive

Kitchen flooring

Generally, homeowners plan for the kitchen remodelling or renovation because of slippery kitchen flooring. Kitchen flooring consumes a lot of kitchen remodelling budget. It is essential to look for following features while selecting the kitchen flooring:

Kitchen flooring surface should not be slippery, even when the floor is wet
Kitchen flooring material should not get stained easily
Kitchen flooring material should be easy to clean
Kitchen flooring material should look good
Kitchen flooring should match with the rest of kitchen decor
Kitchen flooring material should not be too expensive

Kitchen countertops

Kitchen countertop replacement one of the important tasks of kitchen renovation. You need to look for below mentioned features, while choosing the kitchen countertop:

Kitchen countertop should look good
Kitchen countertop should be heat, germ and stain resistant
Kitchen countertop should be easy to clean
Kitchen countertop should be durable
Kitchen countertop should low-maintenance

All About Silestone Countertops

granite kitchen countertops

When remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, silestone countertops are one of the countertop options that you can go with. The units are made from quartz which is one of the hardest natural materials. This feature makes the countertops tough and durable. Since they are hard, they are resistant to scorch and scratches.

Other pros of silestone countertops

In addition to the above advantages, the countertops are also known to be non-porous. This makes them resistant to stains as foods and liquids can’t penetrate below their surface. It’s common for bacteria to grown in bathrooms and kitchens. Since the countertops come with in-built antimicrobials, they are able to prevent bacteria growth.

The reason why you are installing bathroom or kitchen countertops is because you want your kitchen or bathroom to look beautiful. These countertops are elegant looking; therefore, when you install them you greatly improve the look of the room you install them.

Since the units are naturally non-porous you don’t have to seal them. This saves you the time and money that you would have spent doing the work. While the units are tough and elegant looking, they have their fair share of negatives. One of the negatives is that they are expensive to purchase when compared to laminate or granite countertops. When they break, they are not easy to repair compared to their Corian countertops.

How to clean the countertops

One of the basic things that you have to do to keep your countertops in good condition is regularly cleaning them. The best way of cleaning silestone is using soap and water. To give them a cleaner look it’s wise that you use a cleaner. While the material is tough thus you can use any chemical to clean it, it’s wise that you reduce the chances of damaging it by using a mild cleaner. To avoid chipping the surface you should avoid using scouring pads.

After washing the surface rinse it thoroughly using a dry cloth and paper towel. As rule of thumb never allow soap, water or any chemical to stand on the surface as it will result to ugly spots, film or streaks.

Conclusion

This is what you need to know about silistone. For it to last for long you need to take good care of it. In addition to cleaning it regularly you also need to avoid placing hot cooking pots directly on it. During installation, ensure that the countertop is installed by a professional countertop contractor raleigh nc.

Real benefits of granite for your kitchen and bathroom

If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, countertop is one of the important aspects to consider. A countertop can either make or break the decor of your kitchen and bathroom. It is important to select the right countertop material, as plenty of countertop materials are present on the market. Among the crowd of countertops, granite countertops are the most trending countertop material. This surface has its own charm. However, granite countertops are more expensive than other countertops, but they worth every penny you spend on them.

Advantages of granite countertops

Granite is the suitable countertop material for both kitchens and bathrooms. This natural stone is capable of withstanding against heat and load, as well as water and chemicals. Take sneak peek over below mentioned benefits of granite kitchen and bathroom countertops:

Granite Countertops Possess Timeless Beauty

Home decor trends come and go, but timeless beauty of granite countertops remain in trend. This material is always finds its spot at top in home improvement and remodeling magazines. The color and texture of granite countertops never fades.

Granite Countertops Offer Unique Results

Since granite slabs are made from natural stone, every slab has its own unique pattern. No two granite slabs are identical to each other. Thus, you need not have to worry about your countertop from being copied.

Granite Countertops Are Extremely Sanitary

Hygiene is important for both kitchen and bathroom. One of the biggest advantages of selecting granite surface is that it is a non-porous. Thus, it does not require a lot of maintenance and germs can’t hide anywhere. You can clean it with soap water and cloth. However, you need to pay attention over granite countertop sealing.

Granite Countertops Add Value to Your Home

Granite countertops are ultimate addition to home. The granite bathroom countertop apex increases the value of bathroom, whereas granite kitchen countertop increases the value of kitchen. You will get full value of your money with granite countertop.

Granite countertops are can be a value to home. You should choose the right contractor for countertop installation. The countertop installation should be done in an adequate manner.

How to Mix and Match Different Countertop Materials with Carpentry

Different countertop materials have already graced countless kitchens all over the world. On the other hand, cabinetry is also a staple in most household areas including the kitchen. Each option offers its own benefits in terms of functionality, material, and aesthetic value. But how about combining the two?

Apparently, marrying countertops and kitchen cabinetry is already a thing. In fact, there are a lot of countertop-cabinetry combination options to choose from. Imagine having quartz countertops or granite countertops built with high-quality kitchen cabinets. It may be the refreshing change you are looking for in your kitchen.

Choosing a great countertop and cabinetry material combination

It is important to choose the right combination of countertop and cabinetry materials to achieve that aesthetic appeal you are looking for. It also offers several benefits for the homeowner. Aside from enhancing your kitchen’s overall aesthetic value, it can also save you money unlike building entire marble countertops or any other expensive countertop materials.

When matching countertop and cabinetry materials, you can pair them either to contrast or complement each other. Regardless of the options, these can both create a satisfying look to your kitchen. You can also check out different countertop material samples from countertop replacement companies so you can decide which cabinetry material to choose.

Combining countertop and cabinetry in your kitchen can be overwhelming especially if you are not really familiar about it. However, it will be more on implementing good color coordination, striking a good balance between the two materials, and trusting your personal judgment.

In choosing cabinetry material

Choosing the right cabinetry material should not be a chore. On the one hand, there are many cabinetry materials you can choose from. There are also framed and frameless cabinets, and those that can be customized. Framed cabinets are more suitable for traditional kitchens, while frameless ones are more apt for modern and trendy kitchen themes.

There are prefabricated cabinets available that you can simply install and ready to use. On the other hand, there are also semi-custom cabinets that have already basic finishing. It’s up to you to add accessories and paint color as finishing touches. If you want unique cabinetry, you can have a customized cabinet made by a professional carpenter or contractor.

So, here we are in the most important aspect of choosing cabinetry: the material. Among popular cabinetry materials include:

Pine – provides a rugged look on the cabinetry
Cherry – durable and combines well with other wood materials
Maple – ideal for both contemporary and traditional cabinetry designs
Oak – looks good whether dark or light-colored and very durable
Laminate – a good and cheaper alternative for expensive wood cabinetry materials

In choosing a countertop material

Meanwhile, there are also a lot of kitchen countertops materials you can choose from. Among popular ones include granite and quartz. Granite is known for its durability and timeless beauty. On the other hand, quartz is also a good choice because of its non-porous properties.

However, you can choose other types of countertop materials aside from the abovementioned options. Among these include the following.

Laminate

There are different laminate options that look expensive but are actually at a fraction of the cost. It can also mimic different countertop materials of your choice without spending too much.

Marble

This is one classic and timeless option for an expensive countertop. It looks good in every home and the material is also used for other options such as flooring and bathroom walls. Be ready to shell out extra cash to avail this type of countertop.

Stainless steel

This countertop material looks heavy-duty, yet is also a durable and stain-resistant option. Plus, it is easy to clean and maintain as well as it is hygienic.

Wood

It is another popular countertop material that is ideal for a rustic-themed kitchen. However, it can be a little tedious to maintain as it can be prone to wear and tear over the years.

Tips on combining countertop and cabinetry

Here are some tips to mix and match countertop and cabinetry materials. For one thing, it can make your kitchen look more interesting and practical. Also, adding an accent on your kitchen island or countertop can serve as a focal point and enhance aesthetic appeal. This can work better if your kitchen’s color scheme is on the neutral side.

It is also a good idea to create a balance between dark and light accents and materials. It exudes elegance and classic beauty of kitchen interiors. For your needs for kitchen countertops, it is best to hire professional granite companies in Durham.

Best Countertop Materials for Outdoor Kitchens

Most kitchens are not complete without kitchen countertops. There are many countertops you can choose for your kitchen. There are marble countertops, granite countertops, and other countertop material of your choice. Regardless of your option, it should serve you well and your kitchen escapades for many years.

Meanwhile, more and more households have outdoor kitchens in their homes. Outdoor living has become popular in the past few years. It has also redefined how homeowners entertain guests. Instead of staying and spending time indoors, outdoor living has paved the way for homeowners and guests appreciate the outside view while enjoying each other’s company.

One popular addition in many homes today is an outdoor kitchen. Aside from an outdoor cooking area, it also serves as an entertainment area for friends and family. You can install an oven, stove, and refrigerator in your outdoor kitchen. A countertop is also an essential add-on to your outdoor kitchen.

However, it is important to choose the right countertop material for the outdoor kitchen. As mentioned, there are many kinds of countertop materials you can choose from. Yet, not all of these materials are appropriate for outdoor use. That is why you should know the right kind of countertop material for your outdoor kitchen.

Why you should choose countertops that are specific for outdoor use

An outdoor countertop is a must-have for your outdoor kitchen. This is the area where you will do the food preparation and serving. As mentioned, choosing the right countertop material for your outdoor kitchen is important. For one, the countertop will be subjected to constant exposure to various outdoor elements.

Likewise, an outdoor countertop should be weather-resistant, durable, and easy to clean and maintain. Not to mention, it should look attractive as well. The type of countertop will also depend on your budget. Nevertheless, you should choose the one that will suit your outdoor kitchen needs.

Popular outdoor countertop materials

Here are some of the most appropriate countertop materials for an outdoor kitchen.

Granite

Granite kitchen countertops are considered among the top choice when it comes to outdoor countertop materials. It has a durable stone material that can tolerate all types of weather and elements. Granite is also available in different color options that won’t easily fade due to exposure to UV rays. It should also be sealed properly for long-lasting results.

Tiles

It is another countertop material that is more suitable for warmer locations. On the other hand, it is not recommended for areas with cold weather as it can crack during extreme weather conditions. Preferably, you can use either granite or porcelain tiles as it can be less prone to fading, unlike ceramic tiles.

Brick or flagstone

These materials are more commonly used as pathways for patios. However, these can also be a good outdoor countertop material. Brick or flagstone countertops look good in a rustic-themed outdoor kitchen. The materials are also porous, but you can use an acrylic sealer for easier cleaning and stain resistance.

Soapstone

This is another countertop material that can be used for outdoor kitchens. It has a dense material that is also stain and heat-resistant. There is no need for sealing and it won’t easily fade. Just make sure to apply mineral oil periodically to enhance the look of the material.

Countertop materials that should NOT be used outdoors

On the other hand, there are countertop materials that are not recommended for outdoor use. One of them is quartz countertops. For one, the color can easily fade when frequently exposed to sunlight. Formica is also not recommended as an outdoor countertop material. This material may not tolerate humidity and moisture as it also has a particleboard core.

Likewise, Formica is also susceptible to warping and deterioration when exposed to harsh outdoor elements. Concrete can also be a good outdoor countertop material. However, it should be installed properly and applied with sealant regularly to avoid staining and cracking.

Conclusion

Having an outdoor kitchen is a great idea given the popularity of outdoor living these past few years. However, you should also consider the right material you will install in the outdoor kitchen. For one, it should withstand all types of outdoor elements and ensure that it will last for years. You can hire granite countertop installers for your outdoor countertop needs. Better yet, contact the best contractors specializing in countertop replacement in Raleigh.