Find the Best Outdoor Countertops In Ohio

The Best Stones for Outdoor Countertops

Depending on where you live, your outdoor countertops might need to hold up against sharp temperature fluctuations, high temperatures in summer, and ice and snow in winter.

Many synthetic surfaces can’t compete– but natural stone can. Created by forces of nature over millions of years, these natural stone surfaces are excellent options for your outdoor countertop installation.

• Granite is a popular choice for outdoor countertops due to its natural durability, resistance to heat, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
• Soapstone is well-suited for outdoor countertops because of its non-porous nature, resistance to stains, and ability to develop a natural patina over time.
• Quartzite is an excellent option for outdoor countertops because of its high density, resistance to UV radiation, and minimal maintenance requirements.
• Dolomite is prized for outdoor countertops due to its resistance to scratching, heat, and etching.

These choices are all good stones for outdoor countertops. In particular, dolomite is a good choice if you like the look of marble.

While you can use marble outside, it’s not always a good option. Marble is very porous and soft, making it prone to scratching and damage.

If you live in a temperate climate with limited precipitation, you could use marble if you really wanted to– but other stones require less maintenance.

However, there is one stone you should never use for outdoor countertops: quartz. It’s not because of the weather or durability, but because of how quartz is made.

Unlike natural stone, quartz countertops are an engineered stone. They are made from powdered quartz, resin, and pigment– and it’s the resin that’s a problem. Resin yellows in UV light… which is what sunlight is.

So a quartz countertop set up outside will soon be discolored and even prone to damage thanks to the sun.

Caring for Outdoor Countertops

If you choose natural stone for your outdoor countertop installation, you need to be aware of the care and maintenance requirements it has.

Natural stone countertops are relatively low-maintenance, but when you set them up outside, you have to consider how the weather will affect them.

Precipitation and freezing temperatures are a key reason to keep your natural stone outdoor countertops properly sealed. Porous stones like granite, marble, and quartzite can be penetrated by water if left unsealed.

Once the water freezes, it expands, damaging your countertop and potentially even cracking it all the way through. But if the stone is properly sealed, you don’t have to worry about this type of damage.

Outdoor Countertop Installation

It’s always best to go with professional installation for outdoor countertops. Costs will vary based on location and complexity of the installation, but you will likely save money in the long run when you go with professionals.

DIY outdoor countertop installation is prone to errors that can end up in a poorly-installed countertop that will need to be redone, or even a broken countertop.

While outdoor countertops’ costs may seem daunting with the installation fees, doing it yourself is very likely to cost you more over time.

If you’re ready to install outdoor countertops, look no further than Granex! Contact us today for a free estimate for the backyard entertainment space of your dreams.