Choosing the right countertop for your Outdoor Kitchen

Posted on October 29, 2021

Are you contemplating adding an outdoor kitchen to your home? We all do! After scrolling through thousands of beautiful outdoor kitchen online pictures, you are set on building the perfect one.

Today we’ll discuss an integral part of any kitchen, countertops. Countertops are more than just a beautiful touch to a kitchen and cabinets; they are the “tabletop” for everything happening in your kitchen.

In outdoor kitchens, countertops will also be exposed to more abuse, such as weather and temperature changes not incurred by indoor kitchen countertops. This is why it is important to choose the right countertop. In this article, we discuss important topics like aesthetics, durability, and applicability.

What Makes a Good Outdoor Kitchen Countertop?

Durability and ability to withstand the elements are key aspects of an excellent outdoor-ready countertop.

When choosing an outdoor kitchen countertop, the priority should be durability. Durability will have a lot to do with the type of stone the countertop is made of. When exposed to the elements, poor craftsmanship and inferior materials will deteriorate quickly, and this also applies to countertops.

Sometimes we are drawn to beautiful stone patterns found in marble and limestone. However, porous stones like marble, limestone, and bluestone stain easily, so you may be left with counters stained by grease or wine.

Another tip is to be cognizant of countertops with lots of “veining.” Fillers and other materials are often used in certain countertops that will deteriorate when exposed to harsh sunlight.

On the other hand, granite and quartz are popular, durable options. They stand up well to the elements, do not absorb stains or odors as easily as other stones, and should not fade in the sun.

If you are looking at manufactured countertops like glass, watch out for coloring chemicals used during the manufacturing process, which can fade over time when exposed to the elements.

Overall, stone is a great material for countertops and will do well for outdoor kitchens.

How To Choose the Right Countertop for Your Outdoor Kitchen

There are several tips to follow when looking for the right countertop for your outdoor kitchen. They include:

Use the help of a professional or contact our countertop experts to get the right measurements.
Choose the design, style, and theme of your outdoor kitchen before selecting a countertop.
Consult with a specialist and share your outdoor kitchen’s cooking style and end goal for expert tips and advice.
Choose at least two options and compare prices.

What To Consider When Selecting a Countertop for Your Outdoor Kitchen

When selecting a countertop for an outdoor kitchen, there are few factors to consider. These include:

Weather: Weather varies from state to state. In some states, there is sun year-round, while in others, cold climates are a part of at least half the year. Think carefully about how your countertop will be opened to the elements. Your counter will likely encounter hot and cold temperatures, so you do not want to choose a material that will expand, contract, and crack.
Cost: Consider the countertop cost and how much you are willing to spend on an outdoor kitchen countertop. Your indoor kitchen countertops will last a long time because they are inside; however, an outdoor countertop can be damaged by weather or heavy use. So reflect on what you feel comfortable spending.
Maintenance: Be sure to speak to one of our countertops specialists to learn more about maintenance requirements for the countertop you choose. Depending on the counter you choose, extra maintenance might be needed to keep the countertop in top shape.

One Last Word

When choosing a counter top for your outdoor kitchen or new project, simply carefully consider a few considerations and select a material that is appropriate for local outdoor weather patterns, cost, and design preferences.