Natural stone has been a staple of interior design for decades. It has been used in everything from islands and countertops to showers and floors, and it’s easy to see why. Natural stone is smooth, durable and customizable. It comes in a wide variety of colors and enhances every space with an air of sophistication and beauty.
However, that feeling doesn’t have to be kept behind closed doors. Natural stone can be leveraged outside the home in just as many ways. It would lend a unique texture to an exterior set of stairs or a beautiful sheen to an outdoor countertop. The many types of natural stone only elevate and expand these options. Below, we examine some common natural stone materials for outdoor countertops so you can select the right one for your home.
Durability and Weather Resistance
One of the most important factors to consider is the durability of the stone used. It must stand up to the weather in your area and the day-to-day activities it’s exposed to. If you’re installing a walkway, the stone must withstand significant foot traffic. If you’re installing a countertop, the stone must be able to survive exposure to the sharp edges of silverware unscathed.
With that idea in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of natural stone and evaluate their durability and level of weather resistance. Common options include:
- Granite: Widely considered one of the most durable natural stones on the market, granite has been used throughout and beyond the home. It is resistant to scratches, chemicals and even extreme heat, making it an excellent material for outdoor countertops and other fixtures. The longevity, customizability and recyclability of granite slabs only enhance the appeal.
- Marble: This natural stone is a bit more sensitive than granite. However, it more than makes up for it with its refined, classical aesthetic. If sealed and maintained properly, marble slabs work wonders in an outdoor environment, imbuing your space with a sense of grace and tradition that cannot be matched.
- Soapstone: Spills can be a problem for some natural stones if they aren’t sealed properly — this isn’t the case for soapstone. It is nonporous, meaning liquids and other messes cannot seep into it and stain it over time. Soapstone slabs are also relatively low maintenance and develop a unique sheen that can enhance their appeal. That said, soapstone is softer than granite and even marble, so the countertop must be treated with care to preserve its appearance.
- Quartzite: Like granite, quartzite makes for some of the most long-lasting and durable natural stone countertops out there. It is resistant to heat and can handle everything from pouring rain to sharp-edged knives, especially when sealed and maintained properly. Quartzite slabs also come in a wide range of colors, giving you the power to customize your outdoor countertop to your heart’s content.
The durability and longevity of these stones can all be increased by sealing them regularly to protect them from scratches, chips and harmful weather phenomena. Sealing is especially important when it comes to the freeze-thaw cycle. During the winter, water can seep into and freeze inside your outdoor countertop. As the water freezes, it expands, which can lead to cracks in the stone. Sealing helps to keep the water out in the first place, thereby preventing these cracks and extending your countertop’s lifespan.
Maintenance Requirements
Natural stone countertops may be durable, but they aren’t indestructible. However, regular cleaning and sealing can significantly extend their lifespan. Some natural stone countertops may require more or less care than others, but there are several maintenance practices that you can use, no matter the type of natural stone you’re using. These include:
- Cleaning up spills quickly: While you don’t have to worry about spills with sealed countertops, you should still do what you can to keep the surface pristine in case of gaps in the sealant. This will help protect your countertop from grime.
- Spraying and wiping down the countertop after use: Mold and bacteria can breed on seemingly pristine countertops, especially when said countertop is outdoors. Spray your countertop with an antibacterial cleaner and wipe it dry after use.
- Treating the countertop with care: Even the most durable countertops can be vulnerable. When wielding sharp or heavy objects, do your best to keep them clear of the countertop to prevent scrapes and breakage. Avoid sitting on the edge of the countertop whenever possible.
- Using hot pads and trivets: Most natural stones are heat-resistant to some degree. Heat pads and trivets can go an extra step in protecting your countertop from extreme temperatures.
- Resealing the countertop regularly: Sealing protects your countertop from stains, the freeze-thaw cycle and all sorts of potential contaminants. It is perhaps the most vital part of maintaining your countertop’s health. When you should reseal your countertop varies based on the natural stone you’re using, but resealing is not optional if you want your countertop to maintain its beauty and shape.
Slip Resistance
Any surface people will be walking on needs to prioritize slip resistance. Some natural stones, including quartzite and granite, have a natural grit that supports traction. However, all outdoor stone tiles should still be equipped with anti-slip sealant. Some stones can even be sandblasted or honed to increase their grip further.
These slip-resistance techniques are especially important when it comes to outdoor pools, showers and walkways. Puddles are common in these areas, so the material you choose can play a significant role in preventing falls and injuries. While there is no single best material for outdoor stone tiles, you can make every stone more slip-resistant by using the proper sealant.
Local Climate Considerations
Certain regions may present unique challenges for outdoor natural stone fixtures. Homes in the southeastern United States, for example, may have to deal with rain and storms more regularly, especially during hurricane season. Keeping your countertops and walkways sealed is vital under these conditions.
Some regions, such as the southwestern U.S., may have to deal with extreme heat instead, which can affect the lifespan of both the stone of your countertop and the sealant covering it. In these regions, you may have to adjust your maintenance practices to compensate.
Find the Perfect Stone for You With Modul Marble
Finding the right stone countertops for outdoor use can be difficult, but you don’t have to go it alone. Modul Marble is here to support your search with world-class staff and a world-class inventory of natural stone slabs sourced from all over the world.
To learn more, fill out our contact form online today.
