Gene McDonald “The Countertop Rock Star”

So, you are thinking about building an outdoor kitchen? This idea of yours is a great way to enhance resale value. We already know the kitchen is the command center of any home for potential buyers, so what do you think that potential buyer would do if they walk out into the backyard and see another kitchen? You can see them smile now as if they are visualizing all the Good Times to come, watching the kids play outside while cooking as friends and family are laughing and enjoying the great outdoors.

Whether you choose to call this a Backyard Bistro or an Outdoor Oasis, We need to consider outdoor countertops?

Outdoor kitchens used to be a Luxury, nowadays its mainstream especially here in Tampa Bay; we realize the backyard is basically another room. When Choosing Outdoor Countertops, Durability must come first, and looks second. Let’s take a look at a few of these materials to see what may work for your lifestyle.

Granite: I am sure you heard this is the best option from everyone. Most professionals know that not all granite is the same, and although it may be durable, there are other concerns. Dark Granites may get so hot from the sun that nobody will want to rest their forearms on. Some may even get a bad burn and spoil their beautiful Saturday. Granites with many grains may have epoxies and fillers inside those grains that may not like the sun. Raise these concerns with your granite fabricator and if they disagree with my statement, get it in writing. Lighter stones may be the best to defend heat, but then the stains may show if not properly maintained. Last month’s issue of Panache Vue I wrote an article on healthy Countertops with some tips on Sealers. That may also help you decide on how to protect your beautiful granite.

Concrete: Concrete is a durable surface with many color options and design flexibility with items to mix in. Concrete countertop artists can actually add nice veining and designs. Just like granite, the lighter the color, the cooler the top, the smoother the texture, the more stain resistant it is, the better the sealer the easier the clean-up.

Recycled Glass: there are many brands out there of Recycled Glass tops, some are made with resin and some are made of Concrete. Make sure you know the difference in durability; they look the same but react differently to the elements. The tops made with resin need to be covered from direct sunlight, but have the benefit of being non-porous for more stain resistance. The Concrete mixes can be in direct sunlight, the glass might get hot to touch. Brands like Vetrazzo are stained dark and will not fade from direct sunlight, many may tell you stained concrete will fade, that may be true when staining concrete is not done by a professional. Vetrazzo backs up this statement with a warranty. Brands like Icestone the color is mixed in the cement, so they may have more options for you with color.

Glass Tops: I know many think Glass will break. It will break just as much as granite would. However, you may want to get to know which type of Glass to use, Glass Tops come very thick and have nice chiseled edges or designs that can be artistically painted underneath. Glass2 is a new brand of recycled glass fused together which is great for outdoors but is still in testing stages to be in direct sunlight.

Avonite or Corian Surfaces: The lighter colors will stay cool and darker colors will fade in time. it has been used in many outdoor applications such as playground fixtures, wall cladding on the exterior of buildings, and Pool surrounds. Many of these pictures and data can be found by simply searching online.

Avonite Polyester Surfaces: this is a material that is outstanding but would need to be covered and can withstand the elements as it is non-porous. The designs are endless with this material.

Polymer King Starboard ST: this material is mostly used for outdoor cabinetry and comes in many colors. This material can be made into a cool durable countertop with using multiple colors in edge treatment and backsplash options.

Other materials available are tile (think about the grout though), Metals like copper and stainless, Slate, Soapstone, Teak, Quartz, and Honed Marble. Remember it’s the Design application not the material that will fail.

I really hope this article helped you extend the celebration of your home to a Backyard Oasis filled with many friends and family smiling at the beautiful weather of Tampa Bay. Reading Panache Vue in your Backyard Oasis…ahhhh it doesn’t get much better than that.

Gene McDonald, aka “The Counter Top Rock Star” is the President of Refresh Interiors Design.com. To schedule an appointment or Visit his showroom, visit www.ReFreshInteriorsDesign.com or Call 727.527.0206.