Outdoor kitchens have become increasingly popular as homeowners aim to extend their living space to create a more enjoyable outdoor area. Gatherings with friends and family become more social and relaxing when you can cook and dine together outdoors.
With their increasing popularity there are plenty of modern designs and features available as outdoor kitchens evolve from a luxury feature to a sought-after extension of everyday living.
Choosing the right worktop for your outdoor space is important as they have to be able to withstand the harsh weather conditions (especially in the UK). Ensuring you choose a suitable surface will reduce repair costs and replacements overtime. Sintered Stone is a high performance, modern and popular choice for your outdoor worktops. It has the necessary qualities while offering plenty of designs to choose from to suit your vision.
In this blog we explain the durability of various outdoor surfaces, the benefits, drawbacks, design ideas and whether Sintered Stone is suitable for outdoor use!
What is Sintered Stone?
Sintered Stone is a manufactured product made using natural materials and minerals formed into strong and durable slabs through a process called ‘Sintering’. The Sintering process uses extreme heat and pressure to bond materials together without melting it. Due to the manufacture process and the materials used, it carries characteristics which respond well to outdoor conditions. There are many qualities which make Sintered Stone a suitable choice for outdoor use including:
- Heat Resistant
- UV Resistant
- Highly water resistant/ non-porous
- Plenty of designs available
- Able to withstand the freeze-thaw cycles and heat fluctuations
- Low maintenance
- Extremely durable
Sintered Stone being used for Outdoor Kitchen and BBQ Areas
Sintered Stone is similar to Granite with it’s qualities and suitability for outdoor use however it is far less maintenance and easier to look after. Unlike Granite, Sintered Stone doesn’t require re-sealing to prevent water and liquids soaking through the surface- it is naturally non-porous.
Quartz is probably the most popular choice for interior worktops however due to containing resin it can discolour in the sunlight and has very little UV resistance. Sintered Stone is a far better option for outdoor use, but can be a more expensive material compared to Quartz for indoor worktops.
Quartz worktops used for interior kitchens.
Sintered Stone is typically the more advanced and durable material for outdoor use but is often grouped together with Porcelain due to having similar qualities. Compared to materials such as wood it has a far longer lifespan outdoors with far less maintenance required. Wood requires regular oiling and can absorb moisture and bacteria over time becoming a less hygienic surface choice.
Sintered Stone has become a popular material for both indoor and outdoor use, with premium brands such as Cosentino offering a wide variety of stone designs. It combines the appearance of natural stone with the extremely low maintenance and durable characteristics well suited to busy kitchens.
Silestone and Dekton materials being used for interior use.
Can Sintered Stone be used Outdoors?
Yes, Sintered Stone is designed to perform outdoors. It is fused together under extreme heat and pressure rather than being held together with UV sensitive resins and surface coatings making it an ideal material for outdoor use. It tolerates the intense summer heat and rapid temperature changes due to being thermally stable prior to installation. Sintered Stone has a very low to no water absorption level which prevents freeze-thaw damage in cold weather conditions. Due to having no resin in the make up of the material the colour wont fade in the sunlight unlike materials such as Quartz.
It works really well for outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas as it’s easy to clean with warm, soapy water after use, and requires little to no maintenance. Compared to other materials such as wooden surfaces it is incredibly easy to keep looking like new. Wood can mould and warp if not treated and is far less hygienic when dealing with food. Sintered Stone is generally valued because it maintains colour consistency, a good surface finish and structural stability.
As good as Sintered Stone is there are a few drawbacks too including:
- It can be brittle under sharp impact
- Has a more premium price point compared to wood and Granite.
- Requires professional fabrication and installation
- Some finishes may show finger prints and marks more easily
Although it is a tough material, you do have to be more careful with the edges and around sink cut outs. Sharp impact on the worktop can cause it to chip. Being a hard material to repair, replacement would be a more likely option.
Stone used for an outdoor kitchen, coffee table and dining table.
Is Sintered Stone a sustainable material?
Cosentino produce Silestone and Dekton Sintered Stones which are environmentally friendly options as they utilise recycled natural materials. Their manufacture process includes zero water wastage and Dekton is carbon neutral across its entire life cycle.
Outdoor Kitchen Design Trends
Homeowners are moving beyond the simple set ups to fully integrated extensions of their home. It is popular to co-ordinate the indoor colours with the outdoor colours, to create more of a flow throughout your space which feels softer and calmer. Warm, natural colour palettes are preferred rather than the cool greys, with greens and blues helping you feel more connected to nature.
Consider lighting and ambience as this will help provide atmosphere and can help determine the calmness of your outdoor space. Warm lighting pendants, under counter lighting and pathway lighting can be more subtle rather than a direct outdoor spotlight. Why not mix up the materials you use for a more ‘layered’ effect including: stone, stainless steel, bronze, brass, timber and blackened steel- a popular design craze!
Life outside as we know provides many health benefits and creating a wellness inspired space in your garden can encourage you to get outside more. Consider water features, herb gardens and fire pits when designing your new outdoor kitchen space. Create that wellness vibe perfect for entertaining guests!
Various Cosentino Silestone and Dekton Samples reflecting current Outdoor Kitchen Trends.
How to care for your Sintered Stone Worktops?
Sintered Stone requires very minimal upkeep! Compared to natural materials such as Granite and Wood which requires re-sealing and oiling, Sintered Stone is naturally non-porous. This means it doesn’t require a protective coating. Simply clean with warm, soapy water or non-abrasive kitchen cleaner to remove slightly tougher stains.
Being a low maintenance and premium surface it is sure to add value to your home! Outdoor kitchens are also an up and coming sought-after feature so it’s definitely worth the initial investment!
Conclusion
If you’re looking at building an Outdoor Kitchen and BBQ space ready for summer make sure you check out the various Sintered Stone options to ensure you choose a durable surface that will stand up to busy life outdoors. With its beneficial characteristics and wide range of designs and colours you’re sure to find the stone worksurface to suit your new space. It will stand up to entertaining guests while being a long term investment with low maintenance requirements. Ideal for entertaining guests with ease!
What are you waiting for? Time to start designing your new outdoor space!
Check out our Outdoor Kitchen Planning Guide for things to consider prior to building your new outdoor kitchen feature. Book A Visit to our showroom to view a wide range of Sintered Stone samples!