If you are considering a BBQ island countertop for your outdoor kitchen, you’re probably wondering which material is best for the task. You can choose from various options such as stone, quartz, or concrete. Let’s take a look at what these materials have to offer. You might be surprised to know that some of them are actually cheaper than others! And you’ll also find out what these pros and cons are.
Stone
There are a number of options for barbecue island countertops, including natural stone. Stone is an excellent choice for outdoor kitchens because it is fire-resistant and has many benefits. In addition to durability, stone is also easy to maintain. A professional contractor can do the installation for you. If you are handy with a toolbox, you can also bullnose edges and polish the countertop yourself. Stone can be costly, but is well worth the investment.
A natural stone with a casual, rustic look is soapstone. Soapstone is also a good choice for a rustic or Old World-style kitchen. The stone’s gray and white tones make it very attractive and durable. Despite its high cost, soapstone is easy to maintain and can last for decades. If you’re willing to spend more than $1,000, you can choose soapstone, but it is not as beautiful as marble or granite.
Among the many natural stone choices, soapstone is an ideal choice for an outdoor kitchen countertop. This material is more porous than other stone options, but it can withstand heat well. While soapstone requires some maintenance, it is a gorgeous option for an outdoor kitchen. It is important to protect it by sealing it and applying oil. It is susceptible to scratching, but it can be repaired. While it isn’t the best material for a BBQ island countertop, it will last for many years, especially when used outdoors.
Granite
When it comes to a BBQ island, you can’t go wrong with a granite countertop. This type of countertop is weather-resistant, resists heat, and does not chip. If you’re unable to afford granite, tile can be a durable choice. But ceramic tiles are prone to cracking and chipping, and their durability depends more on their substrate than on their quality. A plywood surface will deteriorate over time if exposed to water or heat, while a concrete backer board will be sturdy and waterproof.
When it comes to granite for barbecue island countertops, you have two options: honed or polished. Honed surfaces are not as durable as polished surfaces, and fingerprints will show more easily than on a polished surface. However, if you’re worried about staining, polished surfaces can be easier to clean. Compared to other countertop options, polished surfaces are easier to keep clean. Although a polished surface looks better than honed surfaces, you should be careful when choosing this material for your countertops.
Compared to other materials, granite is a great choice for an outdoor kitchen. It’s durable enough to withstand hot pans and the harsh climates of South Carolina. You can also seal the countertop with a sealant to protect it against stains and mold. The best part? Granite doesn’t require much maintenance. Just remember to keep the sealer up! Choosing a sealant on granite is important to prevent staining.
Quartz
Before deciding on a countertop material for your outdoor kitchen, you should consider the type of weather you’ll be exposed to. The countertop you choose should be resistant to stains and fading. Depending on the climate where you live, some colors may last longer than others. Quartz does not absorb liquid or grow bacteria, but you must be vigilant about proper maintenance. You can also opt for a more natural look by choosing a natural-looking stone, such as quartzite.
Aside from durability and beauty, quartz is also affordable. It can cost as little as $60 per square foot, and a simple installation can cost as much as $5,000. You’ll be glad you chose quartz over marble or granite. While marble and granite tend to be more expensive, quartz is the easiest material to maintain. For more information, contact a countertop contractor today. Quartz is the best option for any outdoor kitchen.
However, if you’re worried about the maintenance of quartz, you should consider the price. Because quartz countertops are inexpensive and highly durable, they are the best choice for outdoor kitchens. However, if you live in a hot, humid area, you may find that it is not the best option. Fortunately, quartz countertops are also easy to clean. If you have a large barbecue island in your backyard, quartz countertops can be a great choice.
Concrete
A concrete BBQ island countertop is a durable choice for outdoor kitchens. However, concrete countertops are porous, causing staining and bacteria to grow on it. Proper sealing is necessary to prevent cracking. If you plan to host many parties, this type of countertop is an excellent choice, as it requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. Its durability also enables it to withstand the coastal climate of South Carolina all year long.
If you are planning to install a concrete countertop for your barbecue island, you should know that the process is more expensive than a standard countertop. You can opt for a prefabricated countertop or get one custom-built. Remember to measure the space between the countertop and the grill to make sure that it has enough space for food preparation. A concrete countertop will take longer to cure than a quartz countertop, so you should plan accordingly.
The cost of a concrete countertop depends on the size and shape of the space. A countertop made from concrete will cost around $60 to $150 per square foot. Customizing concrete countertops increases the price and the time it takes for installation. You should also keep in mind that you can’t make any changes to your countertop after it is cast, so you should always consult a professional before you begin the project. It costs between $60 and $150 per square foot, depending on the type of concrete.
Pre-made outdoor kitchen islands
The cost of a pre-made outdoor kitchen island varies depending on its materials and features. Pre-made outdoor kitchen islands are often all-in-one solutions, consisting of a five-foot stucco-clad island, a drop-in gas grill, and access doors for a propane tank. You can add extras like shelves or cabinets, and you can customize its features to suit your particular needs.
A laminate countertop with storage shelves is a less expensive option, but it doesn’t have granite countertops and cannot accommodate plumbing or electrical hookups. A kitchen island in the $1,500 price range will be 60x28x39 inches with granite countertops and a pot rack attached. It may come with fold-out seating. Some islands even have sinks and refrigerators that can accommodate gas appliances. For a slightly higher cost, a professional plumber may be needed, which will add to the cost.
While pre-made outdoor kitchen islands may have a lower price tag, they are not without their drawbacks. These pre-made units are primarily assembled in a workshop and installed by a contractor. The labor and materials involved in setting up the kitchen are usually prohibitive. They’re not always made of high-quality materials. For the most part, though, they’re made of durable materials.
Brick
If you’re putting in a built-in barbecue area in your outdoor living space, consider brick for the countertop. Brick holds heat extremely well, so it’s a great choice for this area. For more style options, you can also cover the framing with brick veneer. Tile countertops are also a great choice, because they are relatively inexpensive and are easy to maintain. The following are materials and costs to consider when choosing a countertop for your BBQ island.
Granite costs $75 to $400 per square foot. This metamorphic stone is a durable choice, containing high concentrations of quartz, feldspar, and silica. It’s highly durable, and comes in a variety of colors. The darker colors, however, require less sealing and tend to hold up better over time. Choosing a darker color is recommended to avoid the maintenance required with lighter-colored granite.
Soapstone
Soapstone as a BBQ island countertops material and cost varies greatly. Soapstone comes in a variety of colors, including black, gray, and white. Each slab is unique and may contain veining. The color of soapstone countertops may also vary from one slab to the next. You may find slabs that have lighter or darker veining, and the cost is about $52 per square foot.
Soapstone has excellent thermal properties, making it an ideal material for BBQ island countertops. In addition to being used for countertops, it can also be used as a surround for an outdoor grill, pizza oven, or even a fireplace. Soapstone’s unique thermal properties mean it can resist extreme temperature changes. Once warmed, the stone retains heat for a long time.
Soapstone as a BBQ island countertops material and cost will vary according to the size and color of the BBQ island. A 30-square-foot soapstone countertop will cost you between $2,100 and $3,600. Whether you install your own countertop or hire a professional, soapstone countertops add aesthetics to your kitchen. Ultimately, they enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen.
