Natural Stone: The Outdoor Kitchen Essential

23 hours ago

The grilling season is upon us, and if you're installing an outdoor kitchen in Upstate New York, you need a countertop that can handle everything, from the blistering sun to a hot grill, without fading or warping. For customers in and around Schenectady, Saratoga, and even up to Lake George, Capital Stone will help you figure out what stone is not only going to look best on your patio, but also withstand the elements for many years to come!

Quartz or Natural Stone?

When it comes to outdoor kitchen areas, natural stone will always be the superior option. While quartz is a great material for an indoor kitchen, it performs poorly when exposed to the elements.

Natural Stone (Granites, Quartzites, Marbles, Soapstones)

Natural stones are generally more resistant to UV rays and can better withstand the heat from your grill or hot items placed on the surface.

Quartz

Traditional quartz is highly sensitive to heat and UV rays exposure. UV rays can cause quartz to fade, discolor, and even warp over time and direct heat from a grill could damage the surface.

• Some quartz companies, like Caesarstone, are creating UV resistant quartz specially made for outdoor bars, kitchens, and patios.

Key Factors to Consider

Selecting an outdoor countertop stone involves many of the same considerations as choosing one for your indoor kitchen. Each stone has unique properties that will affect your decision.

• Functionality: Will your space be a high traffic area, such as a built-in grill station used for hosting, or more of a low traffic gathering spot?
• Maintenance: Do you prefer low maintenance options?
• Use: Will you be cutting and handling food directly on the surface?
• Budget: What is your budget for the project?

Sunlight Exposure, Color, and Finish

When your outdoor kitchen is directly exposed to the sun, the stone’s color and finish are also critical for comfort and usability. Darker stones hold more heat and can be hot to the touch with direct sunlight. Polished stones can have a blinding glare from the sun. For optimal comfort, lighter and leathered stones are recommended.

Natural Stone Breakdown

Granite & Quartzite

Your most durable options. Highly UV and moisture resistant. Granite tends to be on the lower end of pricing, while quartzites can be quite expensive.

Marble

Slightly less UV resistant. A more porous stone that requires a lot of maintenance. Stains and etches easier (red wine, sauce, lemon juice, vinegars, etc).

Soapstone

UV resistant and not as porous as other stones. Has a soft surface that scratches easily if not properly maintained.