If you’re on the hunt for the best countertop for your outdoor kitchen, know what works best for your budget, climate, and backyard design. To help you decide, I’ll go over the best outdoor countertops—and a few ones to avoid!
What’s the best counter for outdoor kitchens?
This is an important question to ask when building a backyard cooking station. Before building your counters, you must first determine how much space you’ll need for them. Check the dimensions, such as the slab thickness, bar height, and length.
Then comes the material. You must pick a countertop material that suits your environment, home, and cooking style.
Natural stone, tile, and concrete countertops are great options. Stainless steel and wood are great, but they lack the allure of natural stones. But whichever countertop material you choose, they will all require some type of care and maintenance to keep them in good shape.
And to take full advantage of its utility, excellent craftsmanship is at play. Keep in mind that your outdoor countertop is a permanent fixture. This means they will be constantly exposed to seasonal conditions and temperatures.
Poor craftsmanship, regardless of the style of counter type, will deteriorate soon. Make sure to hire a skilled installer.
So now, without further ado, here are your choices for outdoor kitchen countertops.
Stunning Outdoor Kitchen Countertops
Concrete
Rustic and contemporary. Concrete outdoor kitchen countertops are one of the most durable options, and you can have them poured in various shapes and sizes to suit your space. Concrete countertops are in the mid-range, so they’re not as expensive as stones.
On the downside, however, if it’s not fitted properly, it is likely to crack. Make sure it’s reinforced with tensile steel, however, this won’t eliminate the possibility of cracking. A concrete countertop is also porous, so they are prone to staining and bacterial growth.
Don’t let these drawbacks scare you away from opting for concrete countertops, though. Just reseal it regularly and you’ll have a solid, no-frills countertop—if you don’t mind a few unavoidable cracks.
Pros:
• Durable and can be formed into different sizes and shapes
• Man-made but has the look of natural stone
• More affordable than natural stones
• Easy to install
Cons:
• High-maintenance
• Prone to cracking
• Porous so it absorbs stains and spills
Tile
One of the best things about tile countertops is that you can choose from endless design options. You can choose from various patterns, go for a natural stone look, or plain. Tiles can also be as colorful as you want. Plus, they are typically inexpensive and it’s the simplest DIY surfacing material.
If you’re going for tiled countertops, opt for freeze-proof or porcelain tile over ceramic as it is less prone to fading or discoloration.
Despite being relatively durable, you might find the grout joints a bit of an eyesore. Plus, the grout is porous and can stain even if you seal it. I’d say go for darker grout but that may not complement your preferred design. And if you reside in a cold region, the freeze-thaw cycle can cause grout and tiles to fracture.
Pros:
• Inexpensive
• Offers endless design possibilities
• Easiest installation
Cons:
• Unattractive grout joints
• Porous grout attracts dirt
• Not ideal for cold climate
Porcelain
Comes in nearly any color and finish, a porcelain counter is non-porous unlike most of its counterparts. It’s very durable, low-maintenance, and fade-resistant. It’s also incredibly heat resistant and can withstand cold temperatures.
However, this material can chip and fixes will be visible. Be careful while handling heavy items near such counters.
Pros:
• Available in various colors and finishes
• Durable and withstands hot and cold temperatures
Cons:
• Prone to chipping
Soapstone
Soapstone countertops are also an excellent choice. Dark, dense, and water resistant, this natural stone won’t require sealing against stains. It’s easy to maintain and to give it a gorgeous dark gloss, rub on some mineral oil.
These counters are also very heat resistant so you can put hot pans directly on them. It can weather through rain, sunlight, or even cold temperatures.
The naturally dark color, however, can get it too hot to touch. And despite its density, it’s a very soft material. If used outdoors, it can be scratched by sharp items though you can still buff it out.
Pros:
• Non-porous, no sealing required
• Dense and weather resistant
Cons:
• Chips easily
• Gets too hot under the sun
Granite
Granite is probably the best outdoor kitchen countertop material. Its durability can easily withstand harsh—hot or cold. If sealed correctly, it will resist stains, mold, and mildew. A granite countertop is quite easy to care for, and with the right sealant, it’ll be even simpler.
They come in a wide range of colors and finishes. Opt for a honed finish over polished surfaces if you want to mimic the beauty of the outdoors.
Note: It absorbs heat well and can become extremely hot when exposed to direct sunlight.
Pros:
• Very durable and virtually indestructible
• Comes in a range of colors and finishes
Cons:
• Gets too hot under direct sunlight
Quartzite
Quartzite (not quartz) is yet another lovely material for outdoor countertops. It has many of the same properties as granite and resembles marble, but it’s much easier to maintain with no special cleaning solution required. And you need not worry about its color fading under sunlight.
However, it can get scratched easily so use caution when using sharp knives. You need to also wipe it down right away as it gets stained. Also, it can’t endure high temperatures so use trivets or pot holders when working with hot pans.
If you seal it once a year, you’ll enjoy its durability for many years.
Marble
Best used as indoor countertops, marble countertops can also work as outdoor countertops. They come in various colors and unique veinings. However, there are a few caveats. Rain and wind can wear down the polished finish. Acidic foods and drinks will create etchings and stains.
You can take advantage of the weather, though. The rain will help by wiping out stains and blending in the etching marks. Let it age naturally for a rustic look and it will last outside with very little upkeep.
You can keep it looking new by sealing it regularly. But if you don’t want all that work, go for a honed finish. All in all, marble is an extremely durable stone.
Pros:
• Durable
• Beautiful unique surfaces
• Looks even better when it ages
Cons:
• Weather can wear it down
• Gets stained
Wood or Butcher Block Countertops
Not particularly common, but wood outdoor countertops and butcher blocks are also great options. However, these will require a lot of upkeep and will not last as long as granite or other options. But, the inherent beauty of woods will blend well with the outdoors.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel countertops are one of your best choices. It’s not as eye candy as stone worktops, but they have a super sleek and modern look that’s so easy to clean. And due to its non-porous surface, it’s very hygienic and won’t absorb water or stains.
You may, however, consider shading your stainless steel counter. It’s metal so it will get extremely hot under the sun, which will make it almost ineffective. It can also rust over time, especially in humid areas. Plus, it’s prone to scratches.
Pros:
• Modern and sleek surface
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Non-porous surface resists stains
• Hygienic
Cons:
• Gets hot under the sun
• Rusts over time
• Prone to scratches
Countertops Materials To Avoid:
Quartz
If you can, avoid quartz countertops. It’s an engineered option and when exposed to sun and elements, the resin used in the production process will turn yellow. But it’d be a decent alternative to granite for indoor kitchens.
Corian
Corian is a plastic aggregate material. While it won’t get hot under the sun, I don’t recommend it. The color of its countertop surface can fade and become splotchy outside. but some of them may stand up better than others and can be lasting—thanks to UV-resistant technology!
It also scratches easily and is not heat-resistant, so no hot pots on the surface.
FAQs
What is the best stone for an outdoor kitchen?
Each stone countertop has its own pros and cons. While they’re all durable, stone countertops will require proper care and maintenance. Some will weather eventually, while others can absorb stains and spills. The best stone counter for your outdoor kitchen will also depend on your climate.
What is the cheapest outdoor kitchen countertop material?
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, tile will be your best bet. Opting for tiled countertops will not only save you money but also offer more design options. There are designs that resemble a natural stone without the price of slabs. And if one tile breaks, you won’t have to replace the counter altogether.
