If you’re renovating your patio this spring and summer, you may be thinking of a full outdoor kitchen. You may need to consider if you need a sink in the space, as well. Maybe you just want more counter space around your grill to line up the prep items or serve your barbecue items without taking up table space. Adding an outdoor sink can make entertaining more convenient and encourage you to use your outdoor spaces all year long.

Top Reasons for an Outdoor Sink:

If you’re still unsure about the outdoor sink concept, here are a few reasons you’ll love it on your patio.

Easy Cleanup During Parties and Play

Prepping vegetables for the grill? Just wash them in the sink. Wash produce from your garden directly in the sink before bringing it inside or cooking on the grill. When your children play outside, they can easily wash their hands before running into the house, and they’ll have access to clean drinking water outside instead of drinking from the hose (although we know they’ll do it anyway).

Food Safety

Keep your outdoor space safe from cross-contamination just as you would in your indoor kitchen. When you’re grilling, there’s often raw meat on cutting boards near other items you’re preparing. With an outdoor sink, you can wash utensils, hands, and prep tools without dragging everything back inside.

Entertaining

Don’t miss out on time with your guests because you’re trying to clean up. With a full outdoor kitchen and sink, you can still chat with guests and enjoy the fresh air while cleaning up. You can serve drinks, make lemonade, and rinse fresh vegetables without leaving the conversation.

More Options

The options are endless and easy when you have an outdoor sink on your patio. Whether you want to offer multiple types of meats, cheese, or vegetable options, clean water will be easily accessible.

Why Custom Soapstone Sinks are Great Outdoors:

When you’re choosing the materials for your outdoor kitchen, you’ll want natural stone options that stand up to the elements of nature and the heat of the sun. Soapstone has many characteristics that make it a top choice for outdoor spaces, and it can be completely customized to the dimensions you need for your sink.

Weather Resistance:

Soapstone is inherently resistant to the weather. It doesn’t deteriorate or lose its structural integrity when exposed to sunlight, rain, or fluctuating temperatures. Soapstone sinks and countertops are great options for outdoor kitchens because they look great no matter the weather. You don’t even need to cover soapstone in the fall or winter because the surface won’t stain from leaves or freeze from snow.

Non-Porous Surface:

One of soapstone’s defining features is its non-porous surface. Soapstone sinks will not experience water damage because they won’t absorb moisture, harbor bacteria, or crack due to freeze-thaw cycles.

Aesthetic Appeal:

Beyond its functional benefits, soapstone makes a statement in your outdoor kitchen and patio. The subtle veining and completely customizable options make it more than useful: it’s beautiful and interesting, too.

Planning Considerations for Outdoor Kitchen Design:

Designing an outdoor kitchen requires careful planning. Consider the following aspects to ensure a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor culinary space:

Layout and Flow:

Plan the layout of your outdoor kitchen to facilitate a smooth flow between cooking, prep, and cleanup areas. Ensure that the sink is conveniently located for easy access without disrupting the overall workflow.

Material Selection:

Choose materials for your outdoor kitchen that can withstand exposure to the elements. While stainless steel works, it reflects the sun and gets hot outdoors. Natural stone options like slate and soapstone don’t absorb the heat, so they won’t be hot to the touch despite the dark colors. These materials not only ensure durability but also contribute to the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space.

Plumbing Considerations:

Talk to a plumber about adding the outdoor sink to your space. If you use your existing outdoor plumbing, you’ll want to add filtration to the sink to keep everything clean for drinking and washing.

Appliance Placement:

Strategically place appliances, including the sink, to maximize convenience. Consider proximity to the grill, countertop space, and storage areas to create a cohesive and efficient outdoor cooking environment. You may add a refrigerator to build a bar outside or a dishwasher if you plan to eat all your meals outside during the summer months.

Shade and Shelter:

Soapstone counters and custom sinks can withstand all the elements, but any appliance may not be so durable. Consider adding a pergola over the space to add some shade, especially for the chef already cooking over a hot grill.

Perfecting Your Outdoor Space

When you have the opportunity to renovate a patio, you imagine all the options of spending your days outside and eating every meal with produce straight from your garden. Your visions become reality with beautiful, durable soapstone for your countertops and custom sink. Build a space that resists the elements and looks great every time you step into your yard.

If you’re ready to start building your outdoor oasis, schedule a showroom visit at Garden State Soapstone, Slate, and Wood Countertops to see all the possibilities.