Material for outdoor exposed bar top

[ErVikingo]

I have an outdoor kitchen bar area which is exposed to the elements. Current top is natural stone and has taken a beating by the sun/rain and its cracking.

There is no easy way ($$$) to add shade to the area except sails.

What material do you guys recommend for a new top?

[MBAtarga]

Concrete seems to be one of the materials that is popular on the home shows.

[ErVikingo]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

Concrete seems to be one of the materials that is popular on the home shows.

Yes Mark. My concert is cracking which I guess is handled by "planned cracks".

I have had contractors come quote an aluminum awning and the quotes have blown me away (its a 12' long section and I'm hoping for a 3 to 4' extension aka width). Cheapest so far 15K. WTH

[unclebilly]

Arborite does work ok. My dad used it on the dash of several boats for the flying bridge that was 100% exposed everyday, all day. Some are more prone to fading than others. This may not be the look you want but the nice thing is that it is easy to replace if it fades or you get sick if it.

How about tile? I’ve seen this look nice and is used quite a bit in Texas.

[wilnj]

My answer to every question about countertops is the same.

https://www.soapstones.com/soapstone-countertops-outdoor-kitchens/

[GH85Carrera]

Stained concrete.

It can be treated and stained to look like wood, or just about whatever you want. Depending on how big the countertop is you might be fine with no expansion slots. I have seen some back porches that were poured, stamped and stained to look and feel like fancy porcelain tile or even wood.

[MBAtarga]

Originally Posted by ErVikingo

Yes Mark. My concert is cracking which I guess is handled by "planned cracks".

I have had contractors come quote an aluminum awning and the quotes have blown me away (its a 12' long section and I'm hoping for a 3 to 4' extension aka width). Cheapest so far 15K. WTH

Can you go the DIY route? $835 for a 12 foot awning from the depot -
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Advaning-12-ft-SG-Series-Manual-Retractable-Patio-Awning-118-in-Projection-in-Gray-MA1210-A118NG/303831314

[Zeke]

I can't imagine granite wouldn't be the answer. It will only suffer from pollutants but can be easily polished with the correct compound. I polish marble all the time but it's softer.

[ErVikingo]

Thanks for all the info which I am researching:

Arborite over marine grade plywood might work thanks.

Stained concrete has been the winning option for now as it goes well with my contemporary home. 12'long 2' wide plus a corner (its an L shape). BUT WillJ introduced Soapstone!

Soapstone looks very nice and reading at the description seems like a great option and the natural color is complimentary! Looking for a local supplier...

Awning - I have been considering one of those as an option. Price is right and I am very handy thus not concerned with install. A plus is that it is retractable for hurricane season

[ErVikingo]

Originally Posted by Zeke

I can't imagine granite wouldn't be the answer. It will only suffer from pollutants but can be easily polished with the correct compound. I polish marble all the time but it's softer.

Polishing marble, that is something I must learn to do to take care of one of the kitchen areas. (yes one of the counters is marble). A friend made margaritas.... you can imagine what the lemon juice did to it.

[wilnj]

Not sure of your wants and needs but soapstone is also very DIY friendly. You can use woodworking tools to cut, shape and finish it.

One word of caution is that the stone is easily scratched and chipped. Especially for an outdoor kitchen, I would suggest that you avoid fancy edge treatments.

Our kitchen has a very simple slab profile and after 20 years, they are far from pristine but I consider it a patina. Not damage.


Boynton Beach, Florida
3600 S Congress Ave
Suite G
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
561-228-1332
Florida@soapstones.com

[ErVikingo]

Originally Posted by wilnj

Not sure of your wants and needs but soapstone is also very DIY friendly. You can use woodworking tools to cut, shape and finish it.

One word of caution is that the stone is easily scratched and chipped. Especially for an outdoor kitchen, I would suggest that you avoid fancy edge treatments.

Our kitchen has a very simple slab profile and after 20 years, they are far from pristine but I consider it a patina. Not damage.


Boynton Beach, Florida
3600 S Congress Ave
Suite G
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
561-228-1332
Florida@soapstones.com

Already emailed them!

Scratch resistance is important but lets see! thanks!

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by ErVikingo

Already emailed them!

Scratch resistance is important but lets see! thanks!

Light scratches on the surface can easily be sanded out. The edges are where the damage won’t lend itself to repair. I suggest you buy a sample or two and experiment abusing it. See what you think.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by ErVikingo

Polishing marble, that is something I must learn to do to take care of one of the kitchen areas. (yes one of the counters is marble). A friend made margaritas.... you can imagine what the lemon juice did to it.

Most of these work. If you already have an RO angle polisher, you're all set.

[LWJ]

Contrarian view here: I love the look of copper. Would need to wax it every now and then or similar or it will oxidize. Stainless could be cool as well.

[ErVikingo]

Originally Posted by LWJ

Contrarian view here: I love the look of copper. Would need to wax it every now and then or similar or it will oxidize. Stainless could be cool as well.

I tried stainless on a small section but on pool days, it gets way too hot.

[ErVikingo]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Most of these work. If you already have an RO angle polisher, you're all set.

Thanks Z! I have a Griots RO! Going to give it a shot.