Kitchen countertops are important design features not only in interior spaces. Outdoor kitchen countertops and bar countertops can also upgrade the look of your backyard while creating a durable surface for your outdoor cooking activities. Thus, you need to choose a material that can withstand climate changes and matches your outdoor space at the same time. But how can you ensure that you are choosing the right one?
As one of the best outdoor kitchen countertop fabricators and installers serving Jacksonville and surrounding areas, A1 Stone World’s experts can help you find the perfect natural stone countertop for your needs. Our years of experience coupled with state-of-the-art technology can guarantee that you’ll have beautiful countertops that can last for years. Reach out to us for more details!
Benefits of a Natural Stone Outdoor Kitchen Countertop
- Aesthetic Appeal. They are impressively beautiful and transition well to outdoor features such as stone paths and garden walls as well as natural water features. Thus, creating a cohesive backyard oasis.
- Design Versatility. If you want consistency in your design, natural stones are your perfect option since you can use them in almost any application. From countertops to walls, backsplashes, and fireplace surrounds, you can use them anywhere you want.
- Weather Resistance. The most durable natural stones can handle heat damage and extreme temperatures with proper care, unlike man-made materials such as laminate and quartz.
- Durability. Natural stones like granite can handle harsh weather conditions and daily wear and tear including stains and scratches from knives. They are also hard and are naturally resistant to bacteria.
- Easy Maintenance. Maintenance is among the biggest issues when it comes to countertops. Natural stones are functional and stress-free materials that are easy to clean and maintain through regular sealing to maximize their longevity.
- Increased Home Value. Natural stones are known for their timeless and luxurious beauty which appeal to many homebuyers. Their sustainability and longevity also make them great long-term investments.
A1 Stone World Offers Affordable Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Fabrication and Installation Services in Northeast Florida
With our more than 15 years of fabricating and installing various natural stone and engineered quartz remodeling projects, we are confident that we can meet your expectations. We offer granite, quartzite, soapstone, and dolomite for the best outdoor kitchen countertops and outdoor bar countertops with guaranteed durability. However, we also offer marble and quartz that are better suited for indoor applications as well as stone remnants if you have smaller remodeling projects.
Our luxurious countertops come in a plethora of stunning colors, styles, and patterns so you can create the perfect design combination for your project. We also offer various sinks and edge profiles to match your design theme. Our team is composed of the best designers, technicians, and customer service staff who can guide you through every step of your countertop installation. Contact us now!
Check Out Other Projects We Cater To
Achieve a coherent design in your home with our other products below:
- Fire Pits
- Indoor Kitchen Countertops
- Bar Countertops
- Backsplashes
- Fireplace Surrounds
- Bathroom Vanity Tops, Surrounds, & Walls
- Tops, Desks, & Shelves
5 Important Considerations to Get First-Class Outdoor Kitchen Countertops
Give your backyard a glamorous overhaul by choosing the finest outdoor kitchen countertops that can stand up to harsh weather conditions outside while giving you the allure you have dreamed of. Here are the major things you should consider:
1. Usage
How you will be using your countertop will influence the type of material that is best suited for your needs. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to better understand how you will use your countertop:
- What type of appliances will you use?
- Will you be placing many hot pots and pans on your countertop?
- Will your countertop be for food preparation only or a buffet setup?
- Will you be using your kitchen often for outdoor entertainment activities?
- What types of food will you be cooking? Do you tend to make a lot of spills and messes?
Your chosen countertop should be able to handle all of your daily activities.
2. Climate
Where you live will also affect the resiliency of your countertop to temperature changes, structurally or visually. Not all materials can handle both hot and freezing conditions. There are countertops, like tile, that are highly sensitive to humidity, freezing, and thawing cycles and have the tendency to crack.
On the other hand, exposure to sunlight and extreme heat can cause discoloration, fading, and warping in some materials like quartz and laminate.
3. Placement
The placement of your outdoor kitchen matters because some materials, like stainless steel, can absorb heat and can become extremely hot when exposed to direct sunlight for a long time. This can be dangerous when cooking and can scorch you, especially if you won’t be covering your outdoor kitchen. So, make sure to position your countertop on shaded structures for safety.
4. Maintenance
If you don’t want to deal with laborious maintenance, consider long-term upkeep. Granite, soapstone, and quartzite are easier to maintain compared to other materials that are highly susceptible to absorbing filth and staining like concrete and tile due to the grout. Take note, though, that easy-to-maintain materials are convenient but also tend to be more expensive.
5. Food Safety
More porous materials will be susceptible to bacteria and will need special care to keep them hygienic. Stainless steel and soapstone are nonporous and are less prone to bacterial growth. However, granite, quartzite, and concrete can also offer excellent resistance to germs when protected with the right sealer to prevent bacteria from seeping into your countertop.
Read more about choosing the best slabs for your project and things to prepare before visiting a slab yard here.
5 Best Materials for Outdoor Kitchen Countertops
1. Granite
- Probably the best outdoor kitchen material based on design aesthetics and durability
- Can withstand outdoor elements including fancy outdoor entertaining and dining activities
- It won’t absorb odors and is highly resistant to staining when professionally sealed
- It will not etch, fade, or discolor due to sun exposure
- Extremely dense and is scratch-resistant
- Can withstand prolonged moisture exposure
Tips:
- Steve Chepurny, a landscape architect of Beechwood Landscape Architecture, recommends choosing styles with less veining for better UV resistance.
- Choose light colors to prevent your countertop from getting too hot under direct sunlight.
2. Soapstone
- A non-porous and easy-to-clean stone that you won’t need to seal regularly
- Naturally resistant to bacteria so it is hygienic
- Stain-resistant and very resistant to heat
- Extremely etch and chemical resistant (it can withstand acidic foods such as tomatoes, citrus, and vinegar)
- Softer consistency compared to other stones so it is easier to shape and cut during installation
- Dramatic style with its darker colors
3. Quartzite
- A nearly indestructible stone that shares the durability of granite and the luxurious look of marble but is easier to maintain
- Harder than granite so it is more scratch-resistant
- Fade-resistant and can withstand the sun’s heat on a hot summer weather
- Stylish and has a beautiful sparkling luster
- Ideal for entertainment and casual drinks
- Won’t etch from acids
Tips:
- Use cutting boards for cutting and trivets to avoid damaging your outdoor quartzite countertop.
4. Concrete
- Infinite options of customizable style for more design versatility
- Provides a clean and contemporary look
- You can integrate other features such as draining boards beside your sink
- Ideal for DIY installation if the time-consuming process of constructing molds doesn’t bother you
Tips:
- We recommend hiring a professional for concrete countertops because they are prone to cracking when not properly reinforced.
- Concrete is a more porous and softer material so make sure to seal it properly to prevent staining and scratching.
5. Stainless Steel
- A customizable and easy-to-install material that is popular in commercial kitchens due to its non-porous and highly hygienic surface
- Has a sleek and contemporary look
- Resistant to bacterial growth and easy to clean
Tips:
- Don’t use stainless steel in humid and moisture-prone areas as it will rust over time.
- Cover your outdoor kitchen when using stainless steel as your countertop will become unusable once it becomes searing hot due to direct sunlight.
- Stainless steel is vulnerable to scratches so handle your utensils with care.
Expert Tips: Materials to Avoid for Outdoor Countertops
1. Marble
- While marble is a great elegant indoor countertop, it is more porous than other natural stones and will absorb moisture easily which will cause staining and discoloration.
- It is softer than quartzite and granite and will be prone to etching and damage from outdoor elements
2. Quartz
- Quartz is a hard and scratch-resistant material that comes in tons of customizable designs which make them great for indoor applications, but they contain binding chemicals that will discolor and fade under direct sunlight
- It can warp or melt when exposed to extreme heat
3. Tile
- Extremely prone to cracking, especially in cold climates, and replacing broken parts will be difficult
- Hard to maintain due to its highly porous grout that can absorb stain, filth, and bacteria which makes it unhygienic
4. Laminate
- The particle boards in it will rot or warp in wet, humid, or hot weather
- Easily gets damaged due to changing weather conditions
5. Stainless Steel
- They are porous and are susceptible to staining
- They will deteriorate due to weathering, thermal change, rain, and wind
- Bluestone is a naturally dark material that will absorb sunlight and will become extremely hot after prolonged exposure to the sun
Work With an Experienced Custom Outdoor Countertop Fabricator and Installer for Your Remodeling Project
Outdoor kitchen countertops are crucial investments that require professional installation to guarantee that your countertop will last for a long time given the harsh conditions outside. Thus, choosing the right materials isn’t the only factor that affects the success of your project.
Finding a reliable fabricator and installer that can provide you with top-notch workmanship is also important. This is where A1 Stone World comes in. Our extensive experience in countertop installation guarantees that we can exceed your expectations. Hire us now!
Some of the areas we serve are:
Green Cove Springs | Jacksonville | Jacksonville Beach | Ponte Vedra Beach | Saint Johns | St. Augustine
Reasons to Choose A1 Stone World
We are proud to have served so many satisfied customers over the last 15+ years. We strive to put our customers first and appreciate the trust they have shown in us to craft beautiful spaces together.
We have one of the largest sections of stones in the greater Jacksonville area. Our indoor slab yard will have something that meets your style and budget. We only work with suppliers that have the strictest standards when selecting stones from quarries so you can be sure every piece you see was chosen with care.
Our in-house team of fabricators and installers each have multiple decades of experience. They take great pride in their work and have the perfect blend of skill and artistic touch. We use the latest technology in our state-of-the-art fabrication facility.
We feel our ability to be honest and transparent with our customers is the main reason we have been able to serve thousands of people like you. We are upfront in our pricing and ensure there are no hidden fees. We communicate every step of the way and make it a point to educate you on the process.