by Christy Heitger-Ewing
A Stunning Choice for Your Outdoor Kitchen
On a cold winter’s day, many homeowners find themselves dreaming of warmth and sunshine. Of an afternoon spent outside enjoying a chilled drink in the perfect outdoor kitchen. A set up complete with barbecue grill, firepit, and comfy patio furniture, because the only thing that’s better than hanging out with food, friends, and family is doing so in the fresh air.
If you are considering adding an outdoor kitchen to your home, one of the most important design features you will need to choose are the countertops. When deciding what countertops to select, you want to pick something that’s durable and can stand up to harsh weather and extreme temperatures, particularly since the Midwest sees radical temperature swings from summer to winter.
Leathered granite is a new and unique trend many homeowners are gravitating towards for their outdoor kitchen install or remodel because of its durability and natural beauty. Leathered granite is a finishing option that brings out the tactile and textural appeal of the stone. Granite has a beautiful texture that gets lost during the sandblasting process, which is what gives granite that high sheen polished appearance. Meanwhile, a leathered finish highlights the natural contours and coloring of the stone, almost as if it were installed straight from the quarry. It is a perfect complement to a natural setting, such as an outdoor kitchen.
“People are using granite not only for outdoor kitchens, but also inside their homes in bars and bathrooms,” says John Lunsford owner of Indy Custom Stone. “Outside, it blends nicely with the natural surroundings.”
MAINTAINING YOUR OUTDOOR COUNTERTOPS
While not all granite performs the same, the key to preserving granite countertops is proper maintenance; otherwise, it will fade over time. “You may have to use enhancers to bring the color back, like you would a car” says Lunsford. “Just like you have to wax a car to bring back the shine, the same holds true for countertops. However, if you maintain your granite correctly, it will last a lifetime.” This is why it is so important to seal your granite, especially for an outdoor kitchen or bar.
It is also wise to cover your outdoor kitchen in the wintertime to protect the stone from the harsh weather we get in Indiana. Granite has natural pores and when freezing rain or snow sits on top of the stone, the moisture seeps down and freezes inside the granite. This causes the stone to crack like concrete.
Whether you are ready to start your first outdoor kitchen project or remodel an existing one, the experts at Indy Custom Stone are here to help you select the perfect countertop for your project.
Indy Custom Stone is located at 564 Industrial Drive, Carmel, IN 46032. For more information, call (317) 887-1000 or visit indycustomstone.com.
