How do you protect granite countertops from the elements? Here are a few tips to help you protect your granite countertops from the elements and keep them looking fabulous for as long as you live in your home (and beyond):

Make sure your countertop fabricator uses an exterior glue on all the edges. Otherwise the constant cycle of freezing and thawing, freezing and thawing can cause your countertops to separate from their bases.

Keep your countertops covered all winter long. Snow and sleet can really do a number on your granite and cause it to wear down more quickly. The less you allow it to land on your countertops the better.

Provide shade during the hot summer months. You don’t necessarily have to purchase custom-made covers (although it’s probably the best way to protect you countertops), but you should try to use umbrellas or awnings to keep the sun’s rays off the countertops as much as possible.

Seal your countertops. Sealing your countertops is simple, and you can do it in about 20 minutes.

Keep your countertops clean. Sure, granite countertops are extremely durable, but they can still stain if spills are not quickly cleaned up. And if a spill–mustard, wine, juice, etc.–is left to bake in the summer sun, the damage it can do to your countertops can be more severe.

If you take these steps, the granite you have installed in your outdoor kitchen should stand the test of time. If you do notice that your outdoor kitchen countertops have become a little worn due to being exposed to the elements, don’t worry. It is possible to have them resurfaced by your granite fabricator.