If you have purchased an outdoor bar countertop or are considering doing so, there are several factors to consider in terms of choosing the right one and caring for it over time. This article will help you with that process!
Choosing an Outdoor Bar Countertop Material
There are a variety of outdoor bar countertop materials you can choose from, including concrete, marble, granite, and glass. To decide which material is best for your bar countertop, think about how it will be used. If your outdoor bar countertop will be subjected to high humidity or hot temperatures, you might want to consider a softer material such as glass. But if you’re planning on using your outdoor bar mainly for storage—say an indoor/outdoor storage area—you could go with something sturdier like stone or glass-reinforced resin. Also, keep in mind that some materials may require special care; for example, glass must be cleaned often because water marks can build up quickly. If you have any questions about caring for your chosen material, check with a local contractor or home improvement store before making your final decision.
Types of Granite
Granite is one of your best options for outdoor countertops. It’s heat resistant, easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and won’t chip or crack when used with metal utensils. With just a little TLC from you (it needs occasional sealing), it can look brand new many years down the road. However, not all granite is created equal. Quartz is more commonly used as a material in indoor countertops; it’s cheaper than granite and thus easier on your budget—but it’s also less durable outdoors due to its tendency to chip or scratch easily. So if you plan on using your outdoor bar counter regularly, we recommend using natural stone such as granite over quartz or other man-made materials.
Composite Materials
Rather than being made of a single material, composite materials combine more than one substance. These materials are ideal when you need strength, water resistance, and/or heat retention. Outdoor bar countertops typically use a variety of different composite materials, including plastic resins that look like natural stone but have none of its drawbacks; concrete countertops; metals such as stainless steel or zinc; plastics such as polypropylene or acetyl resin with fiberglass backing; wood veneers on a wood frame with plastic laminate on top for durability; any combination of these can be used in outdoor bar counters. The most important part is to consider what you will be using your outdoor bar for. If it’s just decoration, there is no need to spend big bucks!
Types of Concrete
Concrete is one of those materials that has many applications, but some of them may surprise you. You may have thought about concrete in terms of a walkway or patio, but there are other uses for it as well. When it comes to outdoor bar countertops, you’ll see that concrete is used often because of its durability and other features. If you’re interested in adding an outdoor bar top or your own backyard bar, it’s important to know what type of concrete can best suit your needs while also making sure you care for it properly, so it lasts a long time without looking dull or worn out. Keep reading to learn more about how each type works!
Saltillo Tile
If you’re looking for a sturdy outdoor bar countertop, there are many options out there. One of our favorites is Saltillo tile, which is made with natural lime cement. This material ages well and becomes more beautiful over time—it develops a dark, rustic patina when exposed to water or oxygen. The porous nature of saltillo also makes it resistant to staining or absorbing liquids, meaning that spills wipe off easily with minimal effort. The only downside is that saltillo does scratch rather easily in high-traffic areas like bars; because it has excellent thermal properties, it’s typically used as an exterior tile rather than an interior one.
Care Tips for Your Outdoor Bar Countertop
Once you’ve picked out your countertop, it’s time to seal and care for it. A patio bar is an excellent place to entertain guests or enjoy a cold drink on warm summer evenings; follow these simple tips in order to keep yours looking great over time. Good luck!
An outdoor bar countertop should be properly sealed from day one. If you will be using it under extreme weather conditions, then a specific type of sealant should be used to protect it from rain and snow. For most homes, however, regular exterior grade varnish will do just fine. To get started with sealing your new outdoor bar countertop: The easiest way to clean any surface is by washing it down with soap and water. You can use any mild dishwashing liquid that does not contain bleach or other harsh chemicals that could damage your countertop. Be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward so no residue remains on your countertop.
If you have grease stains on your bar top, mix some baking soda into some warm water until it becomes a paste-like consistency. Apply directly onto greasy areas of your countertop and let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off with cool water. The residue should come right off.
If you notice mold or mildew growing on your outdoor bar countertop, then use an anti-mold/mildew cleaner to get rid of it as soon as possible. Some cleaners are specifically designed to clean outdoor surfaces like concrete or wood decks; if not, try mixing 1 cup of bleach with 1-gallon hot water and apply directly onto the affected area(s). Let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing clean. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when handling bleach so that no skin comes in contact with it.
If all else fails, scrub down your outdoor bar countertop with a pumice stone. It’s an abrasive substance that can remove dirt and grime from most surfaces (just be careful not to scratch!). You can find pumice stones at any hardware store. Just wet it slightly before using to prevent splintering. Use a circular motion while scrubbing in order to avoid creating grooves in your countertop surface. Rinse afterward with cool water until all traces of pumice have been removed.
Conclusion
When choosing your bar countertop, there are a few factors you’ll want to consider. While it might be tempting to go with a less expensive option, keep in mind that cheap materials may seem great in terms of price but can lead to issues down the road. Finding an affordable option that offers value is key.