There is nothing like entertaining outdoors, in your backyard, where you proudly built your outside kitchen with its main attraction: a beautiful granite countertop. Granite is a favorite material for backyard kitchen countertops, and easy to know why. It is durable and beautiful and comes in an assortment of natural colors.
In order to maintain your granite countertops looking great, you will have to go for a couple of proactive measures.
Granite is great as an outdoor countertop, and it’s great for a lot of other uses too. Do you want to know more about granite countertops? Then be sure to read our definitive guide on them!
How can you take care of your outside kitchen’s granite countertop?
Granite is stone, but that does not imply it is impervious. In order to stay away from abrasions and staining, acquire the following habits: always make use of a cutting board when dicing or chopping food.
Stay away from scraping stoneware or any other rough materials across the surface.
Be particularly mindful with wine, oils (such as salad dressing Citrus fruits, vinegar), because these may all discolor the granite. It is a wise idea to keep these on a tray as an additional precautionary measure. In case you spill anything, clean it up with a fresh cloth.
Since granite is porous, meaning fluids are able to enter the stone. It is bad news in case you spill a drink or maybe cooking oil, because the stain is able to go deeper than you are able to really clean. Those tiny spaces also can harbor other microorganisms and bacteria.
That is the reason it is crucial for a lot of granite countertops to be sealed – but only some granite varieties require it. (Dark granite particularly might need or perhaps respond nicely to some sealant). When in doubt, speak to your outside kitchen contractor and figure it out!
Yes, you should seal your countertop!
Sealing is also a great idea, so you don’t become one of those hosts who are always warning guests about the preservation of furniture. “Please, do not forget to use a coaster”, “drinks with lime should go on this table”, mind your glasses while you are eating.”…
In case you do not know whether your granite coutertop has been sealed, you can do an easy water test: put a little quantity of it upon the countertop and observe. The seal is there in case the water beads or even takes a very long time to sink in. However, it is time for a brand new sealing process in case it requires just a couple of minutes for the granite to take in the water.
You will find a great deal of sealers on the market, therefore you will have to do your homework. Since your outside kitchen is going to be subjected to the elements, make sure you choose a water-resistant sealer.
Best Sealers for Outdoor Granite
Fluorocarbon aliphatic resin is able to protect your countertop for many years, and it is found in the highest quality sealers. A somewhat more affordable choice is a sealer that has siloxane or silane (not to be wrongly identified as silicone). Every three to five years, these sealers might have to be reapplied.
Cheap sealers that have silicone or maybe linseed oil aren’t a great idea. These may cause more damage than good. Most spray-on sealers do not require polishing steps. Make sure you stay within the directions on the bottle, of course – and also make sure the countertop is as clean as you can before you apply the products.
Cleaning agents that must stay far away from your granite countertop
Keep away from you countertops:
- Acidic cleaners, including vinegar anything with citrus juice
- Ammonia-based cleaners (including Windex—sorry, Gus Portokalos)
- Bleach (including Clorox wipes)
Granite could be discolored by acids along with other strong cleaners. When you are looking at cleaning, always begin conservatively. Soft-Bristled brushes or soft cloths should be utilized rather than coarse cleansing pads to dull your counter’s shine. Microfiber materials also go very well.
Never use non-specific cleaning items for granite, as they will certainly wear away its surfaces, making them opaque, aged, and possibly with marks that can no longer be removed.
Professional Help on Countertop Installation and Maintenance
Eagle stones specializes in the fabrication and installation of Granite, Natural Stone and Quartz countertops.
Visit Our Showroom In Sarasota
At our store, you will find a huge diversity of granite, natural stone and quartz slabs, shipped from different places around the world, and sold to you at an affordable price.
We’re waiting for your visit.
