While marble and quartz aren't great for outdoor countertops, there are two natural stones that work well outside, Soapstone and Granite.
Granite — Not only is granite beautiful, but it's also more durable and resistant to freeze-thaw cycles than most other hardscape materials. In addition, granite has a low absorption rate and is highly resistant to fire and heat. Depending on the type, granite is rated six or seven out of 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
In terms of resistance to long-term sun exposure, quartzite is more UV-resistant than granite. Sunlight causes the tiny quartz crystals in quartzite to shine and sparkle, causing a glimmering effect. This is one reason designers favor it for outdoor kitchens.
Corundum (such as ruby and sapphire) however are the most durable stones, measuring 8 on the Mohs Scale and considered 'excellent' for toughness. If you're wondering which stones are best for everyday wear such as an engagement ring, sapphire, ruby and diamond are wonderful choices.
Granite is very durable, so it's very difficult to scratch. It has high heat resistance and doesn't easily crack or chip. When properly sealed the stone doesn't stain, so if you clean up spills quickly and ensure the sealer is strong, there's really very little maintenance to worry about.
The word diamond is derived from adámas, which is Greek for unbreakable. People's fascination with the diamond is as unbreakable as the stone itself.
Granite is one of the best choices of natural stones to use in outdoor areas. It is incredibly resistant and easy to maintain. As long as you seal it, it will be protected against the cold and it won't crack.
Too much sun exposure can damage your quartz countertops over time, leading to issues like fading, warping, and voiding of your warranty. Additionally, the UV lights can cause the colors in your countertops to fade—and even begin to have a yellow hue!
Extreme cold or moisture can damage some countertops
Unfortunately, some countertops are sensitive to extreme cold. For example, quartz countertops aren't just sensitive to heat. They can also crack if they're exposed to very cold temperatures.
Landscaping rock is available in multiple colors, shapes, and sizes, so it's easy to find one that will fit your needs. The three cheapest options for landscaping rocks are pea gravel, river rocks, and crushed concrete.
We would recommend a flagstone such as the Chollah Beige which is very dense and hard wearing and is suitable for outside use too. Slate is also a great stone for porches and come in black grey and green. Take a look at our grey slate flagstones as an idea for your porch.
Made from the crystalized form of hot liquid magma, granite is one of the toughest natural stones. This incredible material is also one of the most heat and scratch-resistant natural stones available. It resists chips and cracks and burn marks, so you can place hot cookware on it without worry.
Porcelain Tiles Offer Better Slip-Resistance Than Other Outdoor Paving. Porcelain is a non-porous material. This means that moisture will not penetrate the surface of the porcelain paving slab. This helps prevent any moss build-up and algae growth too.
If kept outside, the filler will yellow and sometimes bead-up on the surface, giving a rough texture. Quartz, also known as engineered stone, is held together with resins and glues. Unfortunately, the resins will react when exposed to direct sunlight and begin to fade and discolor.
Quartz is made to withstand most weather elements like rain, snow, and humidity. Most weather will also not stain or discolour the quartz. However, be sure to secure loose objects (including pots and pans) if you live in an area where high winds are common.
Without sealing, stone countertops are porous and prone to water damage and stains. Quartz doesn't have this problem. It never needs sealing — it's always waterproof and nonabsorbent.
It does not fade when exposed to the sun, and with very little maintenance, it can last for years. All you have to do is to apply a sealant once per year, and your countertops will remain gorgeous for as long as you want. Granite countertops will put all your outdoor entertainment ideas into motion.
Similar to granite, soapstone is also highly heat resistant so you can place hot pans directly on its surface. This material's natural qualities also make it a fantastic choice for the outdoors because it can withstand rain, sunlight, and even cold temperatures.
Granite is arguably the best choice for an outdoor countertop. Granite is very durable, and when properly maintained it is not easily stained by moisture or sunlight. While granite does require sealing periodically, it is relatively easy to maintain.
Yellow, brown, or red colored amber is believed by some to be a powerful gemstone with uses ranging from treating headaches and stress to promoting self-expression. It's also said to promote cleansing and purification, which may help to bring illnesses out of the body and alleviate pain so that the wearer can heal.
No other gem will be as hard or as durable as a diamond. While sapphires and moissanites come close, diamonds are the gemstones best equipped to last a lifetime.