Have you suddenly noticed Outdoor worktops and kitchenettes popping up at your friends and neighbours’ places? If so, this is not just a coincidence. You have witnessed the increasing adoption of outdoor cooking and hosting in the UK. According to a recent report by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, outdoor kitchen worktop sales in the UK ramped up by 18% in 2020. While this looks like the perfect time to spruce up your garden with a healthy dose of kitchen fixtures, choosing between materials like marble or ceramic kitchen worktops requires conscious decision-making. Let us look at the pros and cons of the various choices of materials you have for the perfect outdoor kitchen ambience.
Terrazzo worktops: The undisputed champion if you consider the eco-friendly qualities, this material has been making waves in the countertop market. Terrazzo slabs are made from carefully selected marble and granite chips, offering you precise control of the colour and texture of the countertop. These offer the best of both worlds by providing you with the beautiful shades and patterns of marble and granite without requiring much intricate care. Along with their unique designs, these worktops feature everything from heat resistance to unparalleled durability that you need from a long-lasting outdoor surface. If your overall décor screams creativity and unique quirkiness, terrazzo countertops are a no-brainer.
Porcelain worktops: Unlike indoor kitchens, outdoor worktops sit in the sun for long durations, exposing them to the sun’s UV rays. Sunlight exposure can create stains and discolouration in natural stones like marble over time, giving them an unappealing yellow hue. Materials like porcelain have been the popular choice for outdoor worktops since the 60s, thanks to their UV-resistant properties. Coupled with their unmatched resistance to heat, stains, and chipping, porcelain is a strong contender for outdoor needs. What’s more? Porcelain does not require sealing, saving you a fortune in maintenance costs in the long run.
Ceramic worktops: Arguably one of the simplest yet classy surfaces that requires minimal maintenance. If you want a worktop that lasts you decades without losing its beauty with minimal maintenance and upkeep, the hard-wearing nature of ceramic is hard to beat. Modern ceramic worktops are sintered slabs that are manufactured using cutting-edge technology at a mind-boggling temperature of 1000 degrees Celsius, creating a smooth yet tough surface that is exceptionally resistant to heat. With high compactness and non-porosity, ceramic kitchen worktops are resistant to stains, scratches, and chipping, making them ideal for cooking purposes. The non-porous nature of ceramic renders it immune to bacteria, mould, and mildew infestation, creating the perfect outdoor solution for the UK climate.
In Conclusion
The primary requirement of any outdoor surface is its ability to deal with the elements. From rain and snow to the occasional heat waves, the outdoor kitchen worktop needs unmatched durability. Materials like terrazzo, porcelain, and ceramic do the job in style while lasting you decades with minimal upkeep. From the unique patterns of terrazzo to the classy sheen of porcelain, create the perfect outdoor retreat with cutting-edge modern worktops.
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