When it comes to outdoor countertops, a lot has changed over the years. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, people have become more invested in the quality, aesthetics, and functionality of their screened porches, decks, and outdoor kitchens. With that increased interest came big advancements in exterior countertops.
3 Ways Outdoor Countertops Have Changed
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Natural Stone Isn’t Your Only Option Anymore
In the early days of exterior countertops, your only legitimate options were natural stone. This included materials like granite and marble. With advances in the industry, engineered stone eventually came onto the scene. (What is “engineered stone”? Learn more about the product here.)
With more and more improvements in that manufacturing process, engineered stone became more reliable, more durable, and aesthetically more desirable. Even staunch champions of natural stone eventually starting gravitating toward the engineered products. This included everyone from individual homeowners to contractors.
Today, in many circles, engineered stone has surpassed natural stone in prevalence and popularity.
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Engineered Stone Now Replicates the Look of Natural Stone
In the early days of engineered stone, the product looked distinctly unnatural. It was easily spotted as a synthetic, artificial material. At that time, many people still opted for the natural option because it simply looked better.
Today, products like porcelain and quartz have come a long way. From base coloring to details, such as marbling, engineered stone can now compete aesthetically with natural products.
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Engineered Stone Can Hold Up in Exterior Conditions
Another significant improvement in engineered stone has been its ability to withstand the outdoors. Again, in the earlier days of the product, anything artificial in the countertop, such as resin, would decay and decompose with exposure to natural light and UV. This made the product poorly suited for exterior use.
(Photo courtesy of Danver)
Today, countertops have been specifically designed to hold up to any outdoor condition. This includes the following:
- Rain
- Intense sun (and UV exposure)
- Snow and ice
- Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
- Wind
Just be certain the product you’re selecting is actually compatible with exterior use. For example, Caesarstone is a well-known name in the world of quartz countertops, but only their Solaris outdoor line is for outside applications.
If you’re ever unsure about a particular product, simply ask your contractor. If he or she is knowledgeable and experienced, you should get a clear idea of how well a given material will hold up outdoors.
Building in the Northern Virginia or Maryland regions? Want to discuss your outdoor living space? Get a quote or contact us today.
Want More Resources on Exterior Countertops?
If you’re interested in learning more about what countertops could accompany your outdoor kitchen, check out these additional resources:
Learn the relative pros and cons of four of the most popular materials used in exterior countertops today.
If you love the look, feel, and durability of quartz countertops, you’re not alone! These countertops have become extremely popular over the years. Discover the top ten benefits they offer.
Glass is often overlooked as a material for countertops, but it’s perfectly suited for outdoor use. Read here for a breakdown of the top ten benefits of using this material.
Still have questions? Reach out today.
