Serving Glastonbury, CT, Ambiance Stone provides custom stone fabrication and installation for outdoor kitchen countertops. We creating durable, weather-resistant surfaces that blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Outdoor kitchens often face harsh environmental conditions, so choosing the right stone and ensuring proper installation are key to creating long-lasting countertops. Here’s an overview of our process:
1. Material Selection
- Durability and Weather Resistance: Unlike indoor countertops, outdoor kitchen countertops need to withstand extreme weather conditions like rain, sun, and temperature fluctuations. Stones like granite, quartzite, and soapstone are ideal because they are resistant to heat, UV rays, and moisture. Marble, while beautiful, is more prone to staining and weathering, making it less suitable for outdoor use.
- Non-Porous Options: Engineered quartz is another option, but because it can discolor under prolonged sun exposure, natural stones like granite or quartzite are often preferred. These stones are less porous, making them more resistant to outdoor elements.
- Color and Texture: In an outdoor environment, lighter colors tend to stay cooler under direct sunlight, while darker stones may absorb more heat. Rougher textures or honed finishes are often recommended to prevent slipping or scratches, especially when dealing with wet or humid conditions.
2. Design and Layout Planning
- Custom Shapes and Features: Outdoor kitchens often include unique layouts, such as built-in grills, sinks, and seating areas. The design phase involves creating a countertop that fits the overall layout, considering cutouts for grills, sinks, and other appliances. Overhangs for bar seating or extended cooking prep areas may also be incorporated into the design.
- Space Considerations: Measuring the available space accurately is crucial, and the design should take into account how the outdoor kitchen is used. The countertop may be designed to create a natural flow between cooking, serving, and entertaining areas.
- Functionality and Aesthetics: The stone’s design must align with the outdoor setting, so natural finishes that complement the landscape or surrounding architecture are often chosen. It should also offer a practical, easy-to-maintain surface for food preparation.
3. Fabrication Process
- Precision Cutting: After the design is finalized, the chosen stone slab is transported to a fabrication facility where it is cut according to the specific dimensions. CNC machines or water-jet cutting tools are typically used for precision, especially when creating intricate shapes or cutouts for grills and sinks.
- Edge Profiles: Just like indoor countertops, outdoor countertops can feature custom edge profiles. However, more durable and simple edges like straight, bullnose, or beveled edges are often preferred for outdoor use because they are less prone to chipping.
- Surface Finishing: For outdoor use, a honed or leathered finish is often selected over a polished surface because these finishes are more resistant to showing scratches and less slippery when wet. They also offer a more natural look that complements outdoor settings.
4. Installation Process
- On-Site Assessment: A thorough evaluation of the outdoor space is conducted to ensure proper placement. Installers will check the structure that will support the stone countertops (such as masonry, concrete, or outdoor cabinetry) to ensure it can hold the heavy weight of the stone.
- Placement and Fitting: The countertop is delivered to the site and carefully positioned. Since outdoor kitchens can have irregular layouts, precise fitting is crucial to ensure that the countertop aligns with the grill, sink, and other elements. Large pieces may be installed in sections for ease of transportation and handling.
- Seaming and Leveling: If multiple pieces are required, they will be joined together using epoxy or other outdoor-grade adhesives. The seams are leveled and polished to ensure a smooth surface, with extra care taken to make them as invisible as possible. Any gaps or uneven areas are filled and adjusted.
5. Sealing and Protection
- Sealant Application: After installation, the stone is typically sealed to protect it from outdoor elements like moisture, grease, and UV rays. Sealers designed for outdoor use help to maintain the stone’s appearance and reduce staining or etching from spills and weather exposure. Depending on the stone, resealing may be recommended every 1-2 years.
- UV and Weather Protection: Some stones, particularly lighter-colored granites and quartzites, may require additional UV protectant coatings to prevent discoloration over time.
6. Post-Installation Care
- Maintenance: Outdoor stone countertops are subject to more wear and tear, so regular cleaning with mild soap and water is recommended. Avoid using acidic cleaners that could damage the stone’s surface. Depending on the material, periodic resealing is essential to maintaining the durability and beauty of the countertops.
- Weather Considerations: Although the stone is weather-resistant, using covers when the outdoor kitchen is not in use can help prolong the life of the countertops by minimizing exposure to extreme weather conditions, especially in colder climates.
Ambiance Stone’s comprehensive process ensures that the outdoor kitchen countertops are durable, functional, and aesthetically integrated into the outdoor space. Proper installation and care will result in a long-lasting feature that adds both beauty and utility to the outdoor kitchen.
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Our Service Areas:
Base in Berlin, CT, Ambiance Stone services the following an surrounding towns of; New Britain, Newington, Cromwell, Middletown, Portland, Meriden, Wethersfield, West Hartford, Hartford, Bristol, Cheshire, East Hartford, Wolcott, East Hampton, Prospect, Killingworth and beyond!
