Outdoor Countertops: What’s the Best Option?
Creating the perfect outdoor oasis in your backyard in Salem, Oregon is a labor of love. Every detail matters, and unless you love endless projects more than relaxing, you want to get it right the first time. Countertops play a crucial role in your quality of life outdoors, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetics of your outdoor living space. With this guide, we'll help you choose the right outdoor countertop for your space!
When it comes to choosing outdoor countertops, 3Rs Construction & Remodeling, your professional contractor in Salem, Oregon, can help find you the best option!
What Types of Materials are Good for Outdoor Countertops?
When choosing the best outdoor countertops for you, you want to remember that they will be exposed to the forces of nature. While style is incredibly important, function might come first. The type of material you choose will determine how long your countertops will last when exposed to sunlight, rain, temperature fluctuations, and the occasional spilled drink. We recommend you take a look at materials like: steel, granite, quartz, tile, or concrete, and we'll explain why down below!
Solid Surfaces — Our Favorite Materials for Outdoor Countertops!
Chic and seamless, solid surface countertops are 3Rs Construction & Remodeling's favorite countertop installation choices. These are incredibly popular in Salem for outdoor living spaces because they are non-porous, which means they don't absorb moisture and won't grow moss (read why that's bad below). Plus, this also makes them incredibly durable and easy to clean! Here are our favorite choices for your countertop.
- Treated Granite countertops have a timeless, natural beauty. They are slightly porous, however, so make sure you get them treated to enhance their natural resistance against the elements.
Best Choice For: fans of a "natural" look, ideally with plenty of exposure to sunlight
- Quartz countertops have a non-porous surface and require minimal maintenance demands, making them a great choice for the practically-minded.
Best Choice For: dim or damp spaces, folks who don't want too much upkeep
Need help with choosing countertops for your outdoor living space? Contact 3Rs Construction & Remodeling, located in Salem Oregon today!
- Tile countertops are versatile and offer a wide range of design options — but it's crucial to select weather-resistant tiles and ensure proper sealing for long-lasting durability.
Best Choice For: folks who love the design possibilities of tile, specific color schemes
- Concrete countertops offer a bold, classic appeal that complements outdoor spaces. While you'll need to get them treated, they are known for their durability!
Best Choice For: a bold, modern space
Moss: The Outdoor Countertop Killer!
Moss is one of the biggest threats to the longevity of the countertops in your outdoor oasis. While the soft green stuff definitely fits certain aesthetics. Here are a couple reasons why:
- Moss retains moisture, which promotes the growth of other organic materials like algae, fungus, and bacteria — talk about a germ factory!
- Once moss works its way into your favorite outdoor countertop, it will cause the material to deteriorate. This leads to cracking, weakening, and discoloration.
- Moss becomes slippery and unsafe when humid or wet! You weren't planning on setting your drink down, were you?
Looking for an experienced Salem home contractor to remodel & design your outdoor living space? Contact 3Rs Construction & Remodeling today for a FREE quote!
What Kinds of Materials will Grow Moss?
We recommend you avoid these materials when choosing the perfect option for your outdoor countertops. In general, you want to avoid anything porous, like these options. Avoid them at all moss — I mean costs!
Natural Stone:
Natural stone, such as limestone and sandstone, has a porous surface that absorbs and retains moisture.
Untreated Concrete:
While concrete is a great option, if it is left untreated, the surface provides a great habitat for moss to grow — especially if exposed to consistent moisture and shade.
Wood:
Untreated Wooden surfaces are prone to becoming damp and fostering moss growth. If you go with wood, make sure it gets treated!
Grout and Tile:
Porous grout lines can trap moisture, allowing moss to develop in the crevices. Ew!
So How Do I Choose the Best Outdoor Countertops for My Backyard?
Choosing the best outdoor countertops for your space or outdoor kitchen requires a blend of practicality and passion. You want your space to be built to last, but you also want it to look like you've always dreamed.
Make sure you consider important factors like the amount of sunlight, exposure to moisture, and temperature fluctuations. Unless you want to be redoing this project in a few years due to moss infestation, avoid porous materials like natural stone and wood, and make sure you treat your concrete! At 3Rs Construction & Remodeling, we highly recommend materials for your outdoor countertops like steel, treated granite and concrete, quartz, and tile, because they offer a solid surface that is sure to last.
If you're ready to begin your Salem outdoor living backyard remodeling journey, we're happy to help!