When planning an indoor kitchen renovation, choosing countertops is a major decision to be made. Now that homeowners are bringing the indoors out, choosing outdoor kitchen countertops is becoming a key part of designing your dream outdoor living space.

Selecting the right materials for your outdoor kitchen countertops starts with a focus on durability. Once you’ve selected a resilient material, you can dive into the aesthetics of it. If you neglect the durable aspect of this feature, you’ll essentially be pouring money down the drain.

You can choose many different materials, each with its pros and cons. In this article, we’re guiding you through the product selection phase, guaranteeing you pick an outdoor countertop that both matches your style and lasts you a lifetime! Now, let's get your backyard makeover started, shall we?

1. Stone

The advantage of using stones is that they are offered in various styles and offer long-term durability. It’s a win-win! Homeowners use stones to dress up the ground in their outdoor living spaces but don’t think of continuing the theme with stone countertops.

Not only are landscape stones offered in a variety of colors, but they are also offered in an array of textures, allowing you to get creative with your outdoor kitchen countertops. Match your outdoor counter to your patio slabs, or select a unique stone that will stand on its own. The choice is yours!

Furthermore, landscape stones also benefit from long-term durability. When selecting an outdoor kitchen countertop, the key is choosing a material that can withstand the outdoor elements year-round. That is what landscape stones offer you: long-term durability and color resistance.

Tip: For extra durability, consider sealing your stone. Although this step is not necessary, it certainly adds an extra layer of durability which never hurts! 

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2. Concrete

Concrete outdoor countertops are currently all the rage! The sleek, uniform look attracts many contemporary design lovers, and it’s not difficult to see why. Although it is a stylish option, concrete outdoor kitchen surfaces are not as maintenance-free as one may think. In fact, concrete countertops must be sealed on installation and resealed regularly, and can experience fading over time if exposed directly to sunlight.

Tip: Make sure that it is installed properly by a professional who knows how to work with concrete since it can be prone to cracking. If you’re careful and keep this tip in mind, you too can enjoy the customized look of a concrete outdoor countertop in your exterior living space!

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3. Tile

This countertop material offers the widest range of style options. Keep it smooth for the ultimate modern design, or spice it up with some patterns for an eclectic look. You can even go with a natural stone look for a more traditional feel. The choice is yours!

Tile countertops can be difficult for those of us who live in colder climates. In fact, the freeze-thaw cycle can put the tile at great risk of cracking. Also, in terms of maintenance, grout stains can be difficult to clean over time, even when sealed.

Tip: If tile is what you want to go with, talk to your landscape designer, or contractor about it. They will be able to instruct you on the maintenance involved depending on your climate.

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4. Laminate

Laminate is a popular first choice among homeowners because of its low price tag. At first glance, this material seems like an ideal choice, especially because it is easy to clean and is fairly durable.

However, the particle board underneath the laminate surface can cause problems over time. Humidity and moisture are frequent issues that arise with this material.

While this is a perfectly suitable choice for indoor kitchens, laminate just doesn’t hold up as well once it is exposed to outdoor elements over time. Your backyard kitchen investment should be worth it!

Tip: Keep laminate countertops for the indoors! Consider other outdoor-friendly materials, such as those mentioned above!

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5. Wood

Many homeowners love the rustic look of wood outdoor countertops, and so do we! 

While it is an aesthetically pleasing material to select for an outdoor kitchen design, wood is high maintenance. Even in indoor kitchens, wood can be difficult to maintain. This fact is amplified in the outdoors, once it is faced with elements such as rain, heat, and sunlight. For some, the look is worth the work.

Tip: If you want a more durable version of a wood countertop, might we suggest a wood-look-like paving stone? Our Borealis slab, for example, will offer you the rustic charm of real wood, without all the maintenance. Everybody wins!

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6. Stainless steel

The look of stainless steel is effortless. Sleek, clean, and modern, this material is a staple in indoor and outdoor kitchen counter ideas. Not only can stainless steel elevate your outdoor kitchen game, but it is also a durable, anti-bacterial, low-maintenance outdoor kitchen countertop option to choose for your outdoor feature.

Stainless steel is a great countertop alternative! Plus, stainless steel can complement any paver patio style, from modern to traditional! 

Tip: This material gets very hot when exposed to the sun. Make sure your countertop is in the shade to ensure you get the most out of it.

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7. Marble

Marble is a popular choice among homeowners for indoor kitchen countertops. While it is suitable for outdoor spaces, it does come with some maintenance requirements.

While it is a hard countertop material to the touch, it is actually a soft stone compared to other countertop options. For that reason, the weather will wear it over time. That is something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a one-time investment that will keep its shape for years to come.

Tip: As a rule of thumb, with outdoor kitchen countertops, you should choose a honed or tumbled marble, since a polished marble will just wear over time. Because your marble countertop will get scratched and spilled on over the years, starting with a honed surface will mask that damage over time.

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8. Quartz

Who doesn’t love quartz countertops? While they are an ideal choice for indoor kitchens, they aren’t as suited for outdoor ones.

This countertop material, while it does not need to be sealed, may discolor in the sun and is likely to not hold up in warmer climates. So depending on where you live, that could be an issue for you.

Tip: If you really want a quartz countertop, talk about it with your landscape designer. They will be able to guide you towards your best options!

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9. Granite

Last but not least, granite! This material is the toughest, most durable type of stone on the market. Granite countertops will not stain, come in different varieties (honed, or polished), and hold up well to outdoor elements, such as cold and hot weather. It also does not scratch or etch as easily as other natural stone options.

Tip: If you’re looking for a high-quality natural stone option for an outdoor kitchen countertop or an outdoor bar top, granite might be your best bet!

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10. Porcelain

Porcelain, like most types of stone, may very well be a win-win type of material. Not only does porcelain look nice, but it is also highly durable, low-maintenance, and won’t fade in the sun. What more can you ask for?

Furthermore, porcelain outdoor kitchen countertops won’t etch or stain and don’t need sealing. But it doesn’t stop there! This countertop material is also scratch-resistant, except for ceramic knives, so you need to be careful with those. Otherwise, you’re good!

Tip: If you love the look of porcelain, try Dekton countertops. They are similar to porcelain but are an upgraded material. In fact, this material will not crack even in the most frigid, or hottest temperatures. From the cold Canadian winters to the tropical heat of the Southern United States, there’s nothing a Dekton outdoor countertop can't endure.

Featured product: Highland outdoor kitchen         

Now that you've chosen your countertop material, it's time to get started on that backyard makeover! 

For more inspiration, check out our outdoor kitchen landscaping ideas!