An outdoor kitchen is a fantastic addition to any home, offering a space to entertain guests and enjoy alfresco dining in the great Australian outdoors. The heart of any outdoor kitchen lies in its benchtop, and stone is the perfect choice for a durable, stylish and functional surface. In this article, we’ll discuss several types of stone and how to customise your outdoor kitchen stone benchtop.
Choosing the Right Stone
Selecting the ideal stone for your outdoor kitchen is crucial to ensure longevity, aesthetics and functionality.
Natural Stone
Natural stone offers a timeless and unique appearance, with each piece boasting its own distinct patterns and colours. While natural stone may require sealing and more maintenance than other options, its beauty and authenticity make it a top choice for outdoor kitchens.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant option that adds a touch of sophistication to any outdoor kitchen. However, it’s a softer stone and may be prone to staining, chipping and scratching. Regular sealing may be required to protect your marble benchtop from the elements.
Granite
Granite is a popular choice for outdoor kitchen stone benchtops due to its durability, heat resistance and low maintenance requirements. With a wide range of colours and patterns to choose from, granite is a versatile option sure to suit any design style.
Engineered Stone
Engineered stone is a man-made material that combines natural quartz with resins and pigments. This option is highly resistant to stains and scratches, making it an excellent choice for outdoor use. Engineered stone also comes in a variety of colours and finishes, making it easy to match your benchtop with the rest of your outdoor kitchen design.
How to Customise Your Stone Benchtop
Once you’ve chosen the perfect stone for your outdoor kitchen, it’s time to customise it to suit your needs and preferences. Here are some popular customisation options:
Edge Profiles
Adding a unique edge profile to your benchtop can elevate its appearance and make it stand out. Some popular edge profiles include bullnose, bevelled and ogee edges.
Integrated Sinks
An integrated sink creates a seamless, streamlined look in your outdoor kitchen. With a variety of materials and styles to choose from, you can select the perfect sink to complement your stone benchtop.
Splashbacks
A stone splashback not only protects your outdoor kitchen walls from spills and splatters but also adds an extra element of design. Choose a matching or contrasting stone to create a stunning visual effect.
Keep Your Stone Benchtop Looking Great
Proper care and maintenance will ensure your outdoor kitchen stone benchtop remains beautiful and functional for years to come.
- Regularly clean the surface with a mild detergent and water, avoiding abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
- Reseal natural stone and marble benchtops every 1-2 years, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Use trivets or heat-resistant mats to protect your benchtop from hot pots and pans.
- Avoid placing heavy objects on the edges of your benchtop to prevent chipping.
Transform Your Outdoor Kitchen with Vivid Stoneworks
Ready to bring your dream outdoor kitchen to life with a stylish stone benchtop? At Vivid Stoneworks, we offer a wide range of beautiful stone options and expert craftsmanship to create the perfect benchtop for your space. Contact us today to discuss your vision and let us help you design an outdoor kitchen that’s both functional and visually stunning.
