Warm weather, birds singing, flowers blooming and plenty of sunshine mean it is the perfect time of year to start spending more time enjoying and relaxing in our outdoor spaces. During the summertime, there is no better way to entertain your family and friends than in a beautiful outdoor kitchen! Whether you are in the planning stages or are doing a complete countertop replacement, our team at Bad Lizard Granite & Quartz has some tips on how to choose the best stone for the great outdoors. Read on to learn more.
DURABILITY IS KEY FOR OUTDOOR COUNTERTOPS
Before we discuss natural stones, remember, whatever countertop material you choose for an outside setting must be durable. Outdoor countertops have to withstand a wide range of weather conditions, like fluctuating temperatures, sunshine, humidity, rain, wind, frost and snow. And if you live in West Virginia, your outdoor countertops could experience all of those weather conditions in one day! But all jokes aside, this is why choosing a durable stone for your outdoor countertops is a necessity. You want your investment to last!
GRANITE IS ONE OF THE BEST STONES FOR OUTDOOR USE
Granite is one of the most popular and best options for outdoor countertops for several good reasons. This natural stone is known for its robustness and durability. Additionally, granite is stain-resistant, heat-resistant and scratch-resistant, making it a perfect, low-maintenance option for outdoor kitchen countertops. Another appealing feature of granite is that it comes in hundreds of shades. Each slab of this beautiful material is unique, with varying lines, colors and patterns. This stone is porous, but as long as it is sealed and cared for properly, it can last outdoors (or indoors) for many years to come! If you would like to learn more about how you can use granite throughout your home, check out our blog, Using Granite Outside of the Kitchen.
SOAPSTONE IS ANOTHER LOW-MAINTENANCE OPTION TO CONSIDER
Soapstone is another low-maintenance material often used in outdoor kitchens. This non-porous stone does not require sealing and is easy to clean. Furthermore, soapstone is heat-resistant, water-resistant and bacteria-resistant. Soapstone also offers design versatility, ages well and even changes color over time. Like granite, soapstone can last for many years if it is cared for properly. Just remember that soapstone is a softer stone, so we do not recommend cutting directly on it.
WHAT ARE SOME GENERAL DIMENSIONS TO KEEP IN MIND?
When designing your outdoor kitchen, you want to ensure that your countertops are tall enough and deep enough for the space to work correctly. The average height of outdoor countertops is 36 inches. But this number is adjustable based on your needs. Furthermore, indoor countertops generally have a depth of at least 24 inches. However, you may need to plan for 30 inches or more for outdoor countertops. This extra depth is often required to accommodate built-in grills and other features. But do not worry! You do not have to determine these measurements alone. Our expert team will work with you every step of the way to determine the exact countertop dimensions needed for your outdoor space.
WE OFFER A CARRY-OUT OPTION
One option we offer here at Bad Lizard that you may not know about is called “carry-out.” The carry-out process is a simple and convenient option for any small project where you wish to add natural stone to enhance your home (indoors or outdoors), as long as you can install the piece yourself. If you would like to learn more about this option, check out our blog, Carry-Out Projects at Bad Lizard Granite & Quartz.
LOOKING FOR NEW COUNTERTOPS TO ENHANCE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE? CONTACT BAD LIZARD GRANITE & QUARTZ TODAY
Are you looking for new countertops to enhance your outdoor space? Well, look no further than Bad Lizard Granite & Quartz! Bad Lizard is your local source for premium granite and quartz for your new home or remodeling project. We have the largest indoor selection of natural stone slabs in West Virginia. Therefore, we are confident you will find a stone that perfectly fits your outdoor (or indoor) needs!
If you have any questions about outdoor countertops or would like to get the process started, give us a call at 304-472-6483 or email us at info@badlizard.com. To provide quality assistance to our clients and eliminate wait times, please keep in mind that all clients must schedule an appointment before visiting our facility.