https://madeinstone.com.au/5-care-tips-to-protect-exterior-stone-benchtops/
There is no better way to encourage spending time outside than an exceptional outdoor living space complete with alfresco stone benchtops.
However, similar to all exterior surfaces, alfresco stone benchtops are not indestructible, so to ensure the longevity of your exterior stone benchtops, it is essential to learn how to care for your stone correctly.
For a quick introduction to ensure your stone kitchen benchtops Sydney look great for many years to come. Here are some simple tips to care for outdoor benchtops and how to avoid damaging your external stone kitchen benchtops.
What is the Best Material for Outdoor Kitchen Benchtop Sydney?
Before continuing our discussion on exterior stone care, you should read the previous Made in Stone blog post discussing the best material for outdoor kitchen benchtops Sydney!
If you haven’t checked it out, we concluded that the best type of material for outdoor kitchen benchtops in Sydney is generally Natural Stones or Porcelain.
Natural stone benchtops, such as granite and marble, match the landscape’s natural beauty, making an excellent accent to any outdoor bar or kitchen. Natural stone benchtops also provide a long-lasting solution that can withstand harsh weather conditions and last a lifetime with proper maintenance. Plus, the use of natural stone in your outdoor space might potentially improve the value of your property!
On the other hand, with recent technological advancements, Porcelain such as Dekton stone is now so advanced, it has altered the way the industry uses manufactured stone in outdoor areas. At Made in Stone, we have seen Dekton become the most popular option for exterior kitchen benchtops Sydney, even overtaking natural stone benchtops.
Porcelain is a specialised engineered kaolinite-based material, and its best trait is high resistance to heat and UV rays, which is usually a characteristic that only natural stone holds. Porcelain is an ultra-compact stone with superior durability that will not fade in the sun, does not need sealing, will resist scratches from food prep, heat from barbecues, extreme cold and stains from liquids.
Now you know the best types of stone for quality outdoor kitchen benchtops in Sydney, let’s get into the stone maintenance tips and tricks!
Tip One: If Possible, Keep Your Stone Benchtops in the Shade
Installing an overhead covering above your benchtops can be beneficial for several reasons. Since prolonged direct sun exposure can damage your stone’s colour and quality, a veranda roof or a simple umbrella can limit direct sun exposure. Plus, the shade will also minimise the quantity of dirt and other debris that falls onto the benchtop making the stone less prone to staining and easier to clean.
For better coverage when your benchtop is not being used, cover it with some form of water-proof tablecloth to prevent stains from water, animal droppings, dirt, etc. Even a simple technique like this will extend the life of your stone’s polish dramatically.
Tip Two: Avoid Physical Stress
Even though natural stone and Porcelain are both very durable surfaces, to ensure the longevity of your outdoor stone benchtops, you should avoid unnecessary physical stress when possible. For example, avoid cutting directly on your natural stone benchtops with knives, meat tenderisers, or other tools. Instead, we recommend utilising cutting boards and butcher blocks while preparing a meal.
Tip Three: Use Specialised Cleaning Products
If you’re not sure how to clean your benchtops, it is best to consult with the stone experts at Made in Stone as our friendly staff can recommend the best-specialised cleaning products suitable for your type of stone.
As a general rule, never clean natural stone benchtops using common home cleaning solutions since many contain acids that break down the protective barrier and harm the natural stone, causing apparent etching and making the surface more susceptible to ugly stains.
If you’re not cautious, a variety of items may discolour your natural stone benchtops. For example, some common stains and their cleaning solutions specific to outdoor kitchen benchtops in Sydney includes:
- To avoid waxy residue, place a tray under candles.
- For oil stains from cooking, clean gently with a soft nylon brush and specialised liquid cleaner.
- Garden tools can leave rust on the benchtop if left too long. For a quick fix, try using hydrogen peroxide and lightly scrub with a soft nylon brush.
Tip Four: Ensure Your Stone is Sealed Properly with Expert Stonemasons
Sealing natural stone benchtops is vital no matter where they are installed. Although, sealing is especially imperative for outdoor stone kitchen benchtops to ensure the stone’s resistance against Sydney’s challenging outdoor weather.
Sealants make the benchtop less porous and less susceptible to stains and etching. As a result, when accidental spills occur, the liquids pool rather than soak into the stone, allowing the grill master to clean up before any harm happens!
Tip Five: Avoid Extreme Heat
When exposed to high temperatures, almost all benchtops will have a reaction. The last thing you want is discolouration and stains from hot items on your lovely outdoor stone benchtops! So, to prevent any heat damage when placing hot things on stone benchtops, always use a trivet or a silicon pad. You’ll be glad you did it!
Sourcing the Best Outdoor Kitchen Benchtop Sydney
Not only will a new kitchen benchtop completely revamp your outdoor space to suit your liking, but it is the most effortless renovation without requiring much work or an entire remodel. Ready to pick out your next outdoor porcelain or natural stone benchtops?
If you need advice on installing a new kitchen island or new kitchen benchtops, consider selecting a stone kitchen benchtop from Made in Stone – Sydney’s leading stone supplier. Contact Made in Stone today on ph:(02) 9756 4599 or get a FREE kitchen benchtop quote online.
