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Granite countertop for outdoor kitchen

6 years ago

We chose a slab of Portofino granite for our outdoor kitchen. The fabricator has let us know that it has microfractures. Will this weaken the granite or require more maintenance? Should we choose another slab?

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PRO

Granite City Services

6 years ago

I am a fabricator. Granite is a great choice for outdoors as it doesn't fade like the various quartz products and won't crack from normal changes in ambient temperature. I consider the microfractures a non-issue. If you are real fussy then a quick wipe down with a disinfectant before cooking should provide peace of mind. The sealers used on natural stone work by filling the pores in the stone with an inert and food safe compound which also significantly reduces the possibility of any bacterial growth.

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Comments (9)

Mrs. Gopher #BringBackSophie
6 years ago
it spend thousands of years in the ground. And is probably outside at their stone yard. I am sure it can last as an outdoor kitchen for you .
cpartist
6 years ago
My quartzite has some microfractures too and is being used outdoors and in. I think you'll be fine.
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PRO
Fire Pie Oven Company
6 years ago
Depending on the number of microfractures, you may want to ask for another piece that has less/no microfractures. One of the main issues with microfractures harbor bacteria that can eventually be a concern for food safety.

No matter what you go with, it's important to stick with maintenance best practices. Feel free to check out our blog to learn more about these!
PRO
Fire Pie Oven Company
6 years ago
@oldryder makes a good point!
chispa
6 years ago
Food safety! I don't consider outside counters as a clean surface to prep food on. We have birds, lizards, raccoons, rats and the occasional dog (who thinks there is a rat behind the grill) that get up on the outside counters. So yes, plenty of bacteria outside, none of which are going to touch my food.
Helen
6 years ago
Would anyone prep food on an outdoor counter?

And do people actually prep food when they have an outdoor kitchen? I know people who have nice outdoor grill stations including sinks but they prep the food - marinate it - cut up veggies or whatever else in their kitchen and just cook and eat outdoors - although in SoCal often people cook outdoors and eat indoors just because it's easier to bring in the few grilled items than set up everything outside. :-)
PRO
The Outdoor Kitchen Design Store
5 years ago
Hi there from Outdoor Kitchen Design Store. A good seal as an impregnator type will help protect the stone and any undulations you may have found. Enjoy it!!
PRO
The Outdoor Kitchen Design Store
5 years ago
Helen a good outdoor kitchen can handle the food prep and thus keeps family and guests out of the personal space of the indoor kitchen. When guests arrive it is always nice to have a buffet server or station mid distance from the indoor kitchen to the outdoor kitchen space inviting guests to drop their food and drink offerings outdoors. Outdoor Food prep and conversing continues to be fabulous.

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