What to consider while designing your outdoor countertops. 

Direct Sunlight: Sunlight gradually wears things down. Even with natural stone, not all materials are UV stable. This means the look and feel can be changed over time. Most commonly, the colors fade and the tops get a scaled, rough texture. Many modern windows drastically reduce this for interior stones. It can also help to seal your stone annually with an oil-based color enhancer. 

Freezing and Thawing: Your outdoor area needs to withstand the Missouri climate of freezing winters and baking summers. Depending on your project, this can be less of an issue in partially covered or enclosed areas. The less precipitation it has to withstand, the less weathering effect you will see. This can also be prevented by using a natural stone sealer.

Stone Characteristics: Your stone will be the decisive factor in how it will hold up over time. Shading, movement, and finish are three common aspects that should be considered. A solid dark stone with no veins and a polished finish will be the best bet for most outdoor projects. Light stones with lots of veins and a different texture can be used as well, but with more maintenance. Light-colored stones with lots of movement that are not polished tend to be more porous, which allows moisture to get between crystals. It also gives a place for pollen and dust to settle.

Need help?
Here’s Your go-to

John Martellaro
(573) 395-0141
10011 Marina Rd., JCMO
MartellaroRocks.com