Outdoor kitchens are one of this summer’s biggest home improvement trends – and it’s not hard to see why. A combination of product innovation and changing lifestyles has turned them from a niche luxury into a genuine – and feasible – extension of the home. We’ve now got better waterproofing systems, infrared heating, retractable pergolas, modular kitchens and materials that are built to cope with the British weather. Throw in our love of alfresco dining, warmer summers and the chance to keep smoky, smelly cooking out of the house, and it’s no surprise they’ve become such a popular addition.
For us in the tiling trade, there’s much more to an outdoor kitchen than the latest pizza oven or barbecue. Surface finishes play a huge part in both the look and longevity of the installation, and good advice can really add value. Concrete and granite continue to be favourites because they’re tough, practical and look great, but they’re not maintenance-free. A good quality impregnating sealer that provides oil and grease repellency is essential, helping to protect everything from worktops to wall tiles and floors. The LTP range offers a number of different options, including water-based LTP External Stone Sealer for concrete and rough and honed granite, LTP Paving, Patio and Masonry Sealer, and LTP MPG Sealer H2O for polished granite worktops.
Choosing the right cleaner is just as important as selecting the right sealer. It’s amazing how many people still reach for the washing-up liquid, but it’s not the best thing to use. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind a greasy residue that attracts dirt, meaning surfaces actually get dirty more quickly. In contrast, a quality, rinse-free pH-neutral cleaner will keep surfaces spotless and eliminate the need to use a hose or buckets of water. It’s also especially important for acid-sensitive materials like concrete and granite, where acidic cleaners can damage the stone and any protection applied.
The chemistry is clever too; professional stone and tile cleaners contain surfactants that cling to the fibres of the mop or cloth, breaking the bond between the dirt and the surface and lifting contaminants into the cleaning solution. When the mop is rinsed, the dirt falls to the bottom of the bucket, leaving the cleaning solution ready to tackle the next section without redepositing grime onto the surface.
For routine and deep cleaning, we recommend LTP Grimex, which can be used at a variety of dilutions for different tasks. For daily cleaning, the range also includes rinse-free spray-and-wipe LTP Multipurpose Cleaner, LTP Waxwash and LTP Stonewash, and for porcelain tiles, rinse-free LTP Porcelain Floor Tile Cleaner. LTP Porcelain Tile Enhancer can also be applied to create a ‘just washed’ look, resistance to wear and stains, and to facilitate easy cleaning.
A quality installation deserves good aftercare. Specifying suitable sealing and cleaning products from the outset will protect the investment, reduce maintenance issues and help ensure the finished space keeps performing and looking good for years to come.
To find out more about protection and maintenance, please visit https://www.ltp-online.co.uk or contact the LTP team on tel. 01823 666213 and email [email protected]. Also, for online help on-the-go, visit LTP TV on YouTube and Product Selector at https://ltp-productguide.co.uk
