If you would rather consult with a stone restoration professional, feel free to give us a call and we will be more than happy to assist you.

When choosing countertops for your outdoor kitchen, durability is important. Countertops must be able to withstand high temperatures, as well as the elements. 

For example, if you live in an area with a lot of sun, you'll want to choose a countertop that won't fade in the sun. If you live in an area with a lot of rain, you'll want to choose a countertop that won't stain or mildew.

In terms of style, there are many options for outdoor countertops. You can choose from traditional materials such as stone or granite, or more modern materials such as concrete or glass. It's important to choose a countertop that fits with the overall style of your outdoor kitchen.

Finally, you'll need to consider maintenance when choosing outdoor countertops. Some materials, such as stone or granite, require regular sealing and polishing to maintain their appearance. Other materials, such as concrete or glass, are much easier to maintain.

When choosing outdoor counters for your outdoor kitchen countertop, keep these factors in mind to choose the best option for your outdoor space.

This helpful guide will make your countertop choice easier as you plan and design your dream outdoor living space.

We will look at 8 different outdoor countertop materials that we would recommend for an outdoor kitchen. We will look at Granite Countertops, Quartz Countertops, Concrete Countertops, Stainless Steel Countertops, Soapstone Countertops, Porcelain Countertops and finally Marble Countertops.

Granite countertops are a popular choice for outdoor countertops because it is durable and has a natural beauty. 

Granite is a strong stone that can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for use near grills and other heat sources. However, granite countertops do require regular maintenance, including sealing and polishing, to keep it looking its best.

If you're looking to install a countertop that doesn't require extra care and will look fabulous for many years, granite is perfect for you. With its vast array of colors and patterns, you're guaranteed to find one that fits your style perfectly.

Advantages of Granite Outdoor Kitchen Countertops
Heat-resistant: ideal for use near grills and other heat sources
Durable: can withstand years of use
Beautiful: natural beauty with a wide range of colors and patterns
Stain-resistant: easy to clean and maintain

Non-porous: does not absorb liquids or odors
UV-resistant: won't fade in direct sunlight
Affordable: comparable in price to other countertop materials
Easy to install: can be cut and installed like any other countertop material
Scratch-resistant: can withstand years of use without showing wear and tear
Low maintenance: only needs to be sealed and polished every few years

Disadvantages of Granite Outdoor Kitchen Countertops
Requires sealing: must be sealed every few years to prevent staining
Can crack: stone is susceptible to cracking if not installed properly
Can chip: edges can chip if hit with a heavy object
May require special cleaners: some cleaners can damage the countertop

Quartz is another popular choice for outdoor countertops. Quartz is a man-made material that is composed of 90% ground quartz and other minerals, making it extremely durable. Quartz is also non-porous, making it resistant to staining and easy to clean. However, quartz countertops can be more expensive than other materials.

Advantages of Quartzite Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Highly durable: composed of 90% ground quartz, one of the hardest minerals
Non-porous: does not absorb liquids or odors
Stain-resistant: easy to clean and maintain
Heat-resistant: can withstand high temperatures without damage
Low maintenance: hardly ever needs to be sealed
Highly UV-resistant: won't fade in direct sunlight
Scratch-resistant: can withstand years of use without showing wear and tear

Disadvantages of Quartzite Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Prone to Scratches: Although quartzite is strong and durable, it can be damaged by sharp objects. For example, chopping vegetables on your quartzite kitchen countertop will mark up the surface and leave scratches.
Expensive: Even though quartzite is cheaper than marble, it is still an expensive material for countertops. This is because it is a natural stone that needs to be cut with diamond cutters. This process is expensive and requires skilled workers.
Porous: Quartzite is a porous material that needs to be sealed. Without sealing, spills can seep in and cause tough stains as well as bacterial growth, especially if spills are not wiped up right away. Seal your quartzite countertops at least once a year to keep it shiny and free from stain. Depending on the type of quartzite you’ve purchased, you may need to seal it more than once.
Tricky to install: Quartzite is not a good material for DIY types to work with. It is hard and heavy, so it needs to be installed by a professional. Make sure you hire a fabricator who can also install your countertop.

Concrete countertops are a popular choice for outdoor kitchens because they are durable and low maintenance. Concrete is a porous material, so it is important to seal concrete countertops to prevent staining. Concrete countertops can be customized with various colors and textures, making them a versatile option for any outdoor kitchen.

Concrete outdoor countertops are susceptible to fading and becoming yellow in the sun. If you stick to lighter earth tone stains, avoid any color, or completely block the concrete countertop with a tarpaulin, this isn't as obvious.

Advantages of Concrete Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Incredibly durable: can withstand high temperatures and heavy use
Customizable: can be customized with various colors and textures
Low maintenance: easy to clean and only needs to be sealed every few years
Resistant to staining: if sealed properly, concrete countertops will not stain
Heat-resistant: can withstand high temperatures without damage
Easy to clean: just needs to be wiped down with a damp cloth

Disadvantages of Concrete Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Not very water-resistant: concrete is a porous material, so it can absorb water and stain easily. It is important to seal concrete countertops to prevent staining.
Can fade in the sun: if left unsealed, concrete countertops can fade in direct sunlight.
Prone to cracking: concrete is a brittle material that can crack under heavy use or extreme temperatures. It is important to reinforce concrete countertops to prevent cracking.
Expensive: concrete countertops can be expensive to install, especially if you hire a professional.

We are a family-run business based in Canary Wharf, London, offering professional marble restoration services in the greater London area. With years of experience, our skilled team is dedicated to restoring the beauty and elegance of your marble surfaces to their original glory. Whether your marble surfaces are dull, stained, scratched, or damaged, we can provide a tailored restoration solution to meet your specific needs. Our services include cleaning, polishing, honing, repairing cracks and chips, and sealing to protect against future damage. 

Stainless steel countertops are a popular choice for outdoor kitchens because they are durable and easy to maintain. Stainless steel is resistant to staining and scratches, making it a low-maintenance option. Stainless steel countertops can be expensive, but they will last for many years with proper care.

Stainless steel countertops for outdoor kitchens are not nearly as popular as other materials, but it has some advantages. Not only does stainless steel look great and match everything, but it is also durable and easy to clean! Finally, a material that looks good AND is functional.

Advantages of Stainless Steel Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Low maintenance: Stainless steel is resistant to staining and scratches, making it a low-maintenance option
Easy to clean: Stainless steel countertops can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth
Durable: Stainless steel is a very tough material that will last for many years with proper care
Resistant to heat: Stainless steel countertops can withstand high temperatures without damage
Resistant to water: Stainless steel is a non-porous material, so it will not absorb water and stain easily.

Non-reactive: Stainless steel is a non-reactive material, so it will not react with food or chemicals.

Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

May look one-dimensional, uninspiring, or "cold": Some people find that stainless steel countertops lack personality.
Can be expensive: Stainless steel countertops can be expensive, especially if you hire a professional to install them.
Can show fingerprints and smudges: Because stainless steel is a smooth surface, it can show fingerprints and smudges easily. You may find yourself wiping down your countertops more often than with other materials.
Prone to scratches and dents: Stainless steel is a soft metal, so it can scratch and dent easily. If you're not careful, your countertops will soon show signs of wear and tear.

Soapstone is a nonporous, heat-resistant natural stone. Its muted colors blend well with other earthy tones like granite, as well as stainless steel appliances. Soapstone's nonporous surface means it's incredibly easy to clean.

Granite and stainless steel are cheaper options if you're working with a budget. Also, take extra care not to drop pots and pans while cooking outside because soapstone counters can chip easily.

Advantages of Soapstone Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Heat-resistant: Soapstone is a heat-resistant natural stone, making it ideal for outdoor kitchens.
Nonporous surface: Soapstone's nonporous surface means it won't absorb water or stain easily.
Easy to clean: Soapstone is a very low-maintenance material that can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth.

Muted colours: Soapstone's muted colours blend well with other earthy tones like granite, as well as stainless steel appliances.

Disadvantages of Soapstone Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Prone to scratches: Soapstone is a soft stone and can scratch easily.
Can chip easily: Soapstone is a brittle material and can chip if you drop something on it.
Expensive: Soapstone countertops can be expensive, especially if you hire a professional to install them.
Colour fades over time: Soapstone's colour can fade over time, especially if it's exposed to direct sunlight.
Limited color options: Soapstone is only available in a limited number of colors.

Porcelain tile countertops are a popular choice for outdoor kitchen countertop material because they are durable and easy to maintain.

 Porcelain is a non-porous material, making it resistant to staining and easy to clean. Porcelain countertops can be expensive, but they will last for many years with proper care.

Advantages of Porcelain Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Incredibly durable: Porcelain is a very strong and durable material that will last for many years with proper care.
Resistant to staining: Porcelain is a non-porous material, so it won't absorb water or stain easily.
Easy to clean: Porcelain countertops can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth.
Heat resistant: Porcelain is heat resistant, so it can withstand high temperatures without damage.
Variety of colors and styles: Porcelain countertops are available in a variety of colors and styles to match your outdoor kitchen.

Low-maintenance: Porcelain countertops are a very low-maintenance option for your outdoor kitchen.

Doesn’t require sealing: Porcelain countertops do not require sealing, unlike other materials like marble.

Disadvantages of Porcelain Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Prone to cracking: Porcelain is a brittle material and can crack if it's dropped or hit with a heavy object.
Can be expensive: Porcelain countertops can be expensive, especially if you hire a professional to install them.
Low resale value: Porcelain countertops may have a lower resale value than other materials because they are not as widely used.
Limited edge designs: Porcelain countertops typically have limited edge designs because of their brittle nature.
Fragile during installation: Porcelain tile countertops are fragile during installation and require special care to avoid damage.

Marble is a luxurious outdoor kitchen countertop material that looks beautiful on indoor countertops; however, it's made from a softer stone, making it more susceptible to cracking. Marble is also a porous material, so it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining.

Apply a long-lasting food-safe sealer to your marble countertop to extend its lifespan. To keep your countertop in great shape, reseal it every year.

Marble is one of the most elegant, modern materials for your outdoor kitchen if you maintain it properly.

Advantages of Marble Outdoor Countertops

High-end modern look: Marble has a luxurious, high-end look that can add value to your home.
Variety of colours: Marble is available in a wide range of colours, from classic white to black and even pink.
Unique patterns: Each piece of marble has unique veining and patterns, making your countertop one-of-a-kind.
Heat-resistant: Marble can withstand high temperatures without damage. However, trivets are still recommended.

Naturally cool surface: Marble is a naturally cool surface, making it ideal for rolling out dough or working with chocolate.

Disadvantages of Marble Outdoor Countertops

Prone to cracking and chipping: Marble is a softer stone, making it more susceptible to cracking and chipping.
Porous surface: Marble is a porous material, so it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining.
High maintenance: Marble countertops require regular cleaning and sealing to maintain their appearance.
Expensive: Marble countertops can be expensive, especially if you hire a professional to install them.
Requires sealing for outdoor use: You'll need to apply a sealer specifically designed for outdoor use to protect your marble countertop from the elements.
Vulnerable to fading in direct sunlight: Marble countertops can fade in direct sunlight, so they may not be the best choice for an outdoor kitchen in a sunny location.

When choosing countertops for your outdoor kitchen, there are many factors to consider, such as durability, style and maintenance. However, the most important factor is durability. Outdoor kitchens are exposed to the elements and high temperatures, so it's important to choose a countertop material that can withstand these conditions.

Granite is the most durable countertop material, making it the best choice for your outdoor kitchen. Granite is heat-resistant, scratch-resistant and stain-resistant, so it will withstand the elements and high temperatures.