Outdoor Countertops - Best Options of 2022

Choosing kitchen countertops is never an easy decision. But choosing outdoor kitchen countertops can be quite the challenge. Unlike indoor kitchens, outdoor counter surfaces need to withstand the elements — and for cold regions, that means storms, snow, and ice. As such, the question of which counter material to use is one you should pay careful thought to.

Unfortunately, there aren’t too many choices on the market that can handle outdoor kitchen tasks effectively, which is why some homeowners may find this decision-making process difficult.

Before rushing to make this decision, let’s explore what features to look out for in an outdoor kitchen countertop. We’ll also dive into countertop materials that are up to that very tough challenge.

Let’s get started.

Best Outdoor Countertop Features 

When making a decision on what countertop to have for your outdoor kitchen, consider these features:

Durability

When it comes to choosing an outdoor kitchen counter material, the durability of the countertop material is critical. Whatever material you’ve chosen should have the ability to combat the elements.

Weatherproof

Consider if the material can withstand the various weather conditions in your local region. If the weather gets cold in the winter, consider if the material is freeze resistant. Outdoor countertops in cold climates are at risk of cracking in freeze-thaw cycles.

Likewise, if the climate is very hot in the summer, consider that the material will not fade or burn. Given the varied effects of climate change, your safest bet is to choose a material that is almost completely weatherproof.

Stain Resistance

The material chosen for your outdoor kitchen should be non-porous. A non-porous material will not allow spills to seep through and stain the surface. Such a surface is also highly resistant to mold, mildew and bacteria.

Competitive Pricing

It’s important to select a material that provides the benefits covered earlier at a reasonable price. Opting for a material that delivers more value per dollar spent means having extra funds to use towards decor and other design choices in order to create the perfect outdoor oasis. 

While we’ve outlined these essential features for an outdoor countertop material, please note that it’s difficult to find a surface that will meet all of these considerations. Instead, it’s best to know what features are most crucial for you, and to go from there.

With that said, let’s explore the most popular outdoor kitchen countertop materials and their unique benefits.

Most Popular Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Materials 

Quartz Countertops 

Quartz is a well-loved countertop choice for its durability, non-porous nature, and eye-catching appeal. It’s highly impenetrable — the reason why it resists stains — which makes it a hygienic choice. Beyond these features, quartz is timeless, making it a key outdoor kitchen countertop material.

While not all quartz countertops are resilient outdoors, Caesarstone’s Outdoor Collection is. These surfaces are not only striking and offer all the many benefits of indoor quartz countertops, but they also are made to withstand the sun, rain, and snow. Homeowners can choose from the following colours: 405 Midday, 515 Palm Shade and 406 Clearskies. 

Concrete Countertops 

Concrete countertops are among the most popular surfaces for outdoor kitchens, for a good reason. They are built with supreme durability in mind, can withstand extreme weather conditions, and come in a variety of colours, styles, and textures. If you’re looking for a contemporary design for your patio or garden kitchen space, concrete is a great choice. To keep concrete in optimal condition, sealing is required to ensure it does not crack.

Natural Stone Countertops 

Natural stone is a popular indoor countertop choice among homeowners, due to their opulent charm and investment quality. But when it comes to outdoor surfaces, there are a few things you should take into consideration.

For instance, marble is a delicate choice as it is very porous, which makes this countertop material highly prone to damage from outside weather conditions.

To use marble for outdoor kitchen countertops, a honed finish is required. While marble countertops will naturally etch when exposed to changing weather, these surfaces can work well for those looking to achieve a more rustic look in their outdoor kitchen design.

Granite Countertops 

As one of the most popular outdoor countertops, granite works well with sun exposure. It isn’t easily faded, is resistant to stains, chips and scratches, and is highly durable. These stone countertops require minimal care, and when properly sealed, can stand up to changes in weather without cracking. If you opt for outdoor granite countertops, choose a surface with minimal veins or patterns to reduce any adverse effects from the sun.

Tile Countertops 

If you’re looking for versatility in your outdoor kitchen design, tile is a great choice. It comes in a virtually limitless range of colours, styles and designs. It’s also one of the most affordable countertop materials on the market, and can be installed on your own.

But just before you settle on tile as your outdoor kitchen countertop material, there is something to be aware of: tile requires more care that some other surfaces. The material is more susceptible to discolouration and is prone to cracking from warm temperatures or cold weather conditions, making this a high maintenance surface.

Conclusion 

Above, we’ve outlined the best countertop materials for an outdoor kitchen. Ultimately, this material choice is up to you, and your budget, region’s climate, and aesthetic preferences. Once you are clear on the benefits and drawbacks of each outdoor kitchen countertop material, you can pick the surface that works best for you.