Selecting Outdoor Countertop Surface Finish

QUESTION:

I am installing a Stoney Creek Granite top on my outdoor kitchen (in New England); what is the best surface finish type - polished, honed, or flamed?

ANSWER:

For the most part the choice of surface finish on granite outdoor kitchen countertops is a matter of personal preference, but here's a few considerations:

A flamed surface is not a great choice for a countertop simply because it is a rough surface that will be much harder to keep clean. A great look for floors and walls though.

A honed surface is fine, but the color won't be as intense. Other than that there's not a significant difference in performance.

I'd go with a polished surface. Very easy to keep clean and polishing will bring out the color and pattern more than any other finish type.

Polished granite for an outdoor kitchen countertop (or any countertop) is certainly the most common. A honed finish is sometimes considered with a marble countertop for maintenance reasons (to control etching) but this is not an issue with granite.

Good Luck,
Ryan