Outdoor kitchens are a wonderful addition to any home. Whether you like to spend some alone time in your backyard or love having your friends and family over, an outdoor kitchen has various uses and benefits. Additionally, it adds a beautiful space to your home and increases its monetary value.
When it comes to building an outdoor kitchen, granite is many people’s first choice for countertops. Its durability and ability to beautify any space make it a perfect choice if you want to turn a few heads. Shop for Granite countertops today.
Tips for using granite in your outdoor kitchens
- Watch out for the weather.
Sure, your new granite countertops look wonderful. However, it is important to know how to retain this look and make them appear new for a long time. Granite is naturally durable and can withstand many kinds of weather, such as the sun, rain, snow, and wind. Nevertheless, you should still cover the granite surface when not in use to prevent damage.
- Use a non-abrasive cleaner.
Outdoor granite requires the same level of cleanliness and sanitation as indoor granite, if not more. Just use a hose to wash the surface with water and use a non-abrasive detergent to remove dust, dirt, and other stains caused by food items. One good way of keeping dust away is by covering the surface when not in use.
- Keep safe from snow.
Remember to keep your outdoor kitchen granite countertops covered all winter long. Snow can do a number on your granite and reduce its durability. The more you allow snow to land on the surface, the more the material wears down.
- Protect from the heat of the sun.
Heat and sunshine are not granite’s best friends. Even though the material can withstand extreme temperatures, that does not mean it is a good idea to keep your investment exposed to the heat all summer long.
Add a shade over the kitchen area or keep the surface covered and protected from the sunshine. It will also ensure the surface is not too hot to touch during the afternoon.
In case your countertop has overheated, and you want to cool it down, use lukewarm water to do it. Pouring cold and freezing water will cause rapid temperature changes and cause the granite to crack.
- Seal your countertops.
Sealant is important for your countertops. Since granite is a porous material, it can easily absorb liquids and accumulate bacteria. Sealing the surface can avoid this and keep the surface free of germs and bacteria, things you absolutely do not want in your food.
