Are you looking for the best material for outdoor countertops? If yes then you are at the right place. When you have a kitchen outside, you need surfaces to prepare food. The outdoor countertop is used a lot. You can cut veggies or make burger patties on it before grilling them. It gives you space for dishes, utensils, and condiments too.
The countertop material matters since it’s outdoors and used for food prep. Some factors are frequent use, food exposure, and outdoor conditions like sun and rain. Some materials are only for covered areas. Others can withstand elements without damage or looking dull quickly.
This article talks about different outdoor countertop options. It explains the pros and cons of each material. This helps you choose what works best for your home’s outdoor kitchen.
Some countertop materials are sturdier outdoors than others. Some require more maintenance. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages helps pick a suitable one for your needs. In this article, we will closely look at the best material for outdoor countertops. Let’s get started.

Table of Contents
Highlights
- Think about weather conditions: Will your countertops be exposed to sun, rain, or freezing temperatures?
- Consider how you will use the countertop: Will it just be for food prep, or will it be used for other things like gardening?
- Choose a non-porous material: This will make it easier to clean and prevent staining.
- Look for something heat-resistant: You will want to be able to put hot pots on your countertops without worry.
- Pick a color that will stay vibrant: You don’t want your countertops to fade in the sun.
Here are some popular choices for outdoor countertops:

- Granite: Very strong and durable, comes in many colors, easy to maintain.
- Quartzite: Needs less upkeep than granite, and resists sunlight well.
- Concrete: Can be custom shaped and colored, easy to clean.
- Tile: Less expensive than other options, requires more upkeep.
- Stainless steel: Easy to clean, shows scratches and dents easily, and can get hot in the sun.
- Soapstone: Doesn’t need sealing, can scratch easily.
- Bluestone: Needs to be sealed regularly, and handles sun and heat well.
- Marble: Not as weatherproof as other options, can stain easily.
- Glass: Easy to clean and hygienic, can scratch from acidic foods.
- Limestone: Needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining.
- Slate: Very strong, some slabs are more porous than others.
- Ipe wood: Super strong and weather resistant, requires some maintenance.
Why Your Outdoor Countertop Material Is So Important?

An outdoor kitchen’s countertop is arguably one of the hardest-working components, even more so than the grill itself. This surface is subjected to a wide range of demands that test its durability. From spills and food/drink stains to hot temperatures and sharp cutting implements, a backyard food prep area must withstand various challenges.
The role of countertops extends beyond just preparation if your outdoor kitchen includes a bar and dining area. In such a multi-functional living space, the countertops become a hub of activity. They will be utilized for dining, mixing drinks, resting beverages, and even leaning on during conversations. These surfaces are magnets for constant use.
However, outdoor countertops don’t merely need to be sturdy enough to handle rigorous usage; they must also contend with Canada’s harsh weather conditions. While aesthetics are important, durability should be an even higher priority when selecting outdoor countertops.
Keeping this in mind, here are the key features and qualities (beyond appearance) to prioritize when purchasing outdoor countertops:
- Overall weatherproofing performance: Countertops should be able to withstand exposure to various outdoor elements.
- Ease of maintenance: Cleaning and upkeep should be straightforward to ensure longevity.
- High-strength construction: The countertop material must be robust and able to bear significant weight and impact.
- Abrasion and impact resistance: The surface should resist scratches, dents, and other types of damage from regular use.
- Non-porous materials: Choosing non-porous surfaces helps prevent staining and moisture absorption.
- UV resistance: Countertops should be able to maintain their color and integrity despite prolonged sun exposure.
- Color stability: The colors should remain vibrant and resist fading over time.
- Resistance to high temperatures: The countertop should be able to tolerate exposure to high heat from grills or other sources.
What To Look for in an Outdoor Kitchen Countertop?

Having an outdoor kitchen creates many fun times with loved ones, without feeling closed in. Choosing countertops wisely is key since they’re seen and need to last. Here’s what to think about when picking outdoor countertops:
Consider how sturdy the material is. Outdoors have changing weather, so it must resist stains, cracks, and fading. Think about costs too – some fancy stones get pricey. But style matters, so pick something you like the look of. Simple care is ideal, with just soap and water cleanup needed. And don’t forget heat resistance for grilling spots.
1. Climate: The weather in your area will impact your countertop, visually and structurally. Very bright sunshine can make some objects lose color and get stains. In areas with cold weather, freezing and thawing cycles again and again can cause cracks, leading to damage to buildings. Sylvia Fountaine is a professional chef who made Feasting at Home. She says stainless steel counters can get extremely hot when in direct sunlight. She has gotten burns while using them with clients.
2. Aesthetics: Think about color and texture so the countertop effortlessly blends in instead of standing out. An expensive, high-end countertop can look out of place in a rustic setting. Ben Neely, owner of Riverbend Homes, says if your outdoor kitchen features a lot of masonry, choose a stone countertop to complement it.
3. Durability: Carefully assess how you plan to utilize the outdoor kitchen countertop. Will it solely serve as a food preparation area and buffet setup? Or will it also function as a staging zone for gardening activities and other outdoor projects? This consideration is crucial in determining the appropriate level of robustness required for your countertop material.
4. Ease of Cleaning: Non-porous countertop materials, such as stainless steel, granite, and soapstone, offer the convenience of effortlessly wiping away spills and grease spots. In contrast, porous surfaces like tile grout, unsealed concrete, and wood are more susceptible to staining from substances like red wine, cooking oils, and condiments, making maintenance more challenging.
5. Food Safety: As Fountaine emphasizes, “The more porous the substance, the greater the opportunities for bacteria and foodborne illnesses to proliferate.” Stainless steel, granite, and sealed concrete countertops are easy to maintain in a sanitized condition, with their smooth, non-textured surfaces providing minimal crevices for germs to hide. While porous materials like unsealed tile and grout are not necessarily deal-breakers, Fountaine strongly advocates for the use of cutting boards outdoors and avoiding direct food contact with the countertop surface.
6. Maintenance: Porous countertops necessitate the application of a protective sealant coating every couple of years. Not only is this process inconvenient, but it also adds to the long-term ownership costs. Neely suggests that keeping your countertop in a shaded area can extend the intervals between resealing, depending on the specific material used.
7. Cost: There is a wide selection of outdoor kitchen countertop choices available at different price ranges. Normally, the more costly the better as far as material durability and ease of keeping clean are concerned. Although cheaper versions might appear attractive at first due to lower initial costs, potential future outlays for repairs, sealing again, and challenging cleanups could cancel out any savings made during purchase. As Fountaine advises, “If your budget is limited, prioritize food safety above all else.” Tile typically represents the most affordable option, starting at around $10 per square foot, while high-end quartz countertops can cost as much as $200 per square foot.
Best Material For Outdoor Countertop

Let’s begin our study of outdoor countertops by looking at the most common types found in backyard kitchens. There is a wide range of excellent countertop choices available. Here are the top materials for outdoor countertops, listed randomly.
Many great options exist when selecting outdoor countertops. We will go over the best materials used outdoors, without any specific order. Variety abounds, so you are sure to find something that fits your needs.
Material | Pros | Cons |
Granite | Very tough, withstands harsh weather, heat resistant, easy to maintain | Needs sealing often, and can get hot in dark colors |
Quartzite | Sun-resistant, needs little maintenance, heat and moisture resistant | Needs sealing every 2-3 years |
Concrete | Can be formed into various shapes, offers custom finishes, stain resistant | Can crack, may fade in sunlight |
Tile | Tough, long-lasting, many options to choose from | Grout needs to be sealed and maintained |
Stainless Steel | Easy to clean, non-porous | Can scratch and dent, gets hot in sunlight |
Soapstone | Doesn’t require sealing, heat resistant, easy to maintain | Can scratch, dark color absorbs heat |
Bluestone | Tough and long-lasting, handles sun and heat well | Needs to be sealed every few years |
Marble | Durable, beautiful | Requires regular sealing, can etch and stain |
Glass | Easy to maintain, hygienic, many customization options | Can etch from acidic foods |
Limestone | Strong, heat resistant, many beautiful patterns | Needs sealing every few years |
Slate | Very strong, heat-resistant | Can scratch and crack, and some slabs need to be sealed every year |
Ipe Wood | Super strong, hard, and durable, weather resistant, heat and fire resistant | Requires sealing yearly to prevent fading |
Granite

Granite is a great choice for outdoor kitchen countertops. This stone is very tough. It can withstand harsh weather conditions on the South Carolina coast. Granite can handle heat from the sun and hot pans easily.
With a proper sealant, granite is also stain-resistant. It won’t get moldy or mildewy. Even messy gatherings or rainy days won’t damage it. Granite is already easy to maintain. With a sealant, it is even easier to care for.
Homeowners love granite because it comes in many colors and finishes. No matter what style you pick, it won’t fade in sunlight. Although dark colors might feel practical, they absorb light, getting hot quickly. You might want to think about a brighter shade if your kitchen can’t get a lot of sun.
Avoiding shine for your finish creates more of a natural appearance to your granite. In general, granite makes excellent outdoor countertops because it is a challenging material.
Choosing granite for outdoor kitchen countertops is wise. It’s strong, durable, and UV-resistant for outdoor use. It comes in various colors and patterns. Granite resists heat, ideal for busy outdoor cooking.
Granite countertops need sealing often. Granite has little holes. If not sealed, germs, mold, and wetness can get in. This damages the countertop over time. But granite works great! Just seal it every two to three years.
Quartzite

Quartzite is a rock choice that works well outside. It can resist the sun’s rays and needs little work. This stone is natural. People sometimes mix it up with engineered quartz. But it’s vital to understand the differences when choosing counters for outdoor kitchens.
Quartz is great for inside counters, but outside, the sun’s rays can fade it badly. Quartzite did not have this problem. It can resist strong sunlight very well.
Compared to other stones like granite, quartzite is often the top pick. It doesn’t need much upkeep yet it is sturdy and tough. It can handle heat and moisture.
But you do need to seal quartzite counters every 2-3 years. This protects the porous stone from things like mold and water damage.
Concrete

Concrete is an excellent option for outdoor kitchen countertops due to its high durability. Concrete can be poured into various shapes to perfectly fit your outdoor kitchen’s dimensions.
It also offers multiple custom finishes. For a distinguished look, embed tiles or stones in it that cannot be found with other materials.
Although it is possible to stain concrete in just about any color imaginable, there are some downsides. Many colors may fade over time due to exposure to sunlight and turn yellowish-brown in shade.
However, this is not an issue if you choose natural earth tones or place the countertops under constant shade. If you prefer utilitarian or rustic styles, concrete countertops are a perfect fit.
If you choose concrete countertops for your outdoor kitchen, ensure they are sealed during installation. Concrete is tough and hard-wearing, but even as such is still porous and susceptible to staining and growth of bacteria from outdoor conditions.
Sealing also prevents cracking which is an issue with concrete. However, these should not discourage you because it is easy to maintain and clean concrete and it can withstand the coastal climate of South Carolina all year round.
Tile

The tile is tough and long-lasting. Ceramic and granite tiles share the same great qualities as their slab forms. But outdoors, tiles have some issues. The grout used to install tiles gets dirty, stains, and breaks easily.
So tile countertops need more upkeep than slabs to stay pristine. The grout lines must be sealed to prevent staining and other problems that could damage outdoor tile countertops.
One perk of tiles is they cost less than full slabs, an attractive choice for some homeowners. You can also pick from many stone tiles like granite, porcelain, slate, marble, and more. But consider how different materials withstand your local climate and weather patterns.
Stainless Steel

Commonly found in restaurants, stainless steel counters for kitchens can take lots of types of heavy use. Steel is easily wiped clean because it’s nonporous steel.
Topical water will never affect its look if left standing on any surface for any length of time. However, over time stainless will begin to rust, requiring regular maintenance and polishing to prevent this problem.
Outdoor kitchens with countertops should have an overhang where the stainless is going to be installed. The heat from the sun can make handles and other parts of the counter scorching hot if they aren’t adequately protected. For this reason, covered outdoor kitchen areas are ideal places for stainless steel counters.
One thing you need to remember about these types of countertops is that their sleek appearance may be susceptible to scratches and dents if not treated carefully while using them so make sure you take precautions when working around one!
Soapstone

Soapstone is an excellent choice for outdoor kitchen countertops. This dark-colored natural stone is very thick and does not absorb liquids. Because of this, soapstone does not require sealing to prevent stains.
However, if exposed to liquids or oils from the hands, soapstone will become darker in color. But don’t worry, these stains can be easily washed off. If you want a beautiful dark shine, consider applying mineral oil to soapstone countertops.
Although dense, soapstone is a soft material. Be aware that sharp objects can scratch or nick soapstone countertops. Fortunately, these scratches can be buffed out using sandpaper. Maintaining soapstone is simple – just use soap and water to keep it looking clean and new.
Like granite, soapstone is highly resistant to heat, so hot pans can be placed directly on its surface. Its natural properties also allow soapstone to be the perfect choice for outdoor applications since it can endure rain, sun, and freezing conditions.
But remember that the dark color may get extremely warm under direct sunlight therefore if the sun has been shining on it all day, be careful. Overall, soapstone’s well-rounded properties make it an excellent choice for outdoor kitchen countertops.
Bluestone

Bluestone is a popular choice for outside building projects. It comes in many different blue-gray shades. You can pick polished or unpolished bluestone for a modern or rustic look.
Bluestone is hard-wearing, but like most natural stones, it requires sealing every few years to keep out mold, stains, and moisture.
Bluestone handles sun and heat well, so you don’t have to worry about hot pots on the counter. However, natural stone can’t be reinforced, so an unlevel or unsupported counter could crack or split.
Marble

Many individuals assume marble is an indoor material. However, it can also be utilized outdoors. If you like marble and wish to use it for your outdoor kitchen countertops, there are a few things to consider.
In South Carolina’s typical rain and wind, a polished finish will likely get worn away. But, if you regularly seal it, you can keep it looking fresh. If you dislike maintenance, opt for a honed finish instead.
Rather than dealing with constant upkeep, let the weather work for you! Since you will be preparing food on this surface frequently, be aware that acidic food and drinks will leave etching and stains.
However, if you want your marble to age naturally for a rustic look, the rain will help by washing out stains and blending in the etch marks.
Marble is a very durable stone, so it will definitely withstand outdoor conditions even with minimal maintenance if you decide to let it age naturally.
Glass

For facilities, glass kitchen countertops are. It is a tough material, despite doubts about its durability at first. The thickness of 1.5 inches to 4 inches is available in many thicknesses so that it can be strong enough for everyday use.
To prevent fading or damage from rain, wind, and sun, glass counters are durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions. They do not react with these elements because they have no reaction with them which makes this material last longer outside as well as inside any building.
Glass counters are easy to keep clean and hygienic for food preparation areas too. They will not absorb any bacteria, grime, or dirt since the glass is non-porous. With different cleaners, there is no need for special products when cleaning them off so you can use any cleaner you want except strong acidic ones that might etch your surface if left unattended too long.
But what about acid etching on such surfaces caused by spills from fruits like lemons etc? Wipe these off immediately with coasters just as if it were another type of surface.
To create a unique look for your outdoor kitchen space, try embedding shells, small stones, or other objects in the glass.
Glass can also have shells or any other objects added to it before they harden, which creates an original design idea that ties everything together and makes them look fabulous with one another any time people come over.
When people come together during gatherings glass offers many customization options so people can enjoy their time together even more by looking at bright colors (reds/yellows), smooth finishes, or rough textured surfaces. You may also install LED lights underneath some parts. It may light up in various shades.
Limestone

Limestone is a strong natural stone. It can take a beating. It keeps its cool when things heat up. You get lots of lovely patterns to pick from. Each has its own special veins and mineral details. So your kitchen counter looks unique.
Like other natural stone, limestone counters need a fresh seal every few years. This helps stop mold, mildew, germs, and moisture damage. If you skip the seal, limestone will stain easily. So don’t forget this simple upkeep task.
Slate

Slate is a great choice for outdoor kitchen countertops. It’s a very strong material. But, each slate slab is unique. Some slabs are denser and harder than others. The denser slabs can resist stains and heavy use easily. However, more porous slabs may crack, stain, or scratch more easily.
For porous slabs, you need to apply a sealant each year and clean them regularly. Denser slabs may not need sealing as much or at all. Although slate is tough, it’s still a soft stone. So, scratching and chipping can happen, but it’s uncommon. Like soapstone, you can lightly sand out any scratches.
Slate is also heat-resistant like granite. So, you can place hot pans on it without worry. If you buy high-quality guaranteed slate, you won’t need to worry about potential flaws. Slate’s quiet, elegant look and feel might make you want to spend more time outdoors!
Ipe Wood

Do you want a natural, beautiful surface for your outdoor kitchen? For outdoor areas, Ipe is the top choice among all other kitchen woods. This is because it can stand being exposed and attacked by mold, pests, insects, etc due to its resistance to mold, rot, weather damage, and insects, unlike any other wood.
Also known as Brazilian Walnut or ironwood Ipe lumber is perfect for decking. It’s incredibly strong super hard and ultra durable making it ideal for outdoor use. These qualities make Ipe was ideal for outdoor countertops.
Ipe comes in rich, medium to dark brown shades. The smooth finish looks tropical and stylish for outdoor spaces. You can safely prepare foods right on this splinter-free surface.
It’s also heat and fire-resistant, so hot cookware won’t harm the wood. To keep Ipe looking new, some basic upkeep is required. After installation, seal the wood to protect against weathering.
Reapply a quality sealer yearly to prevent fading to a silver tone. Or, minimize this by keeping the counters shaded or covered when not in use. Taking good care of your natural Ipe is a sure recipe for many satisfying years spent working in an outdoor kitchen.
On the whole, Ipe makes sense when used as a long-lasting material for outdoor countertops. You can’t find any other type that looks more exotic, is harder, or withstands weather conditions better than this one. If it’s properly cared for, then even after some time, you’ll still have beautiful, functional kitchen surfaces that do not disappoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of countertop is best for outdoors?
Natural stone is the best choice for an outdoor kitchen and is also typically the least expensive option (depending on what color you choose). No matter what color you go with, granite will not crack or fade, even in the presence of the relentless summer sun.
What is the best material for outdoor countertops?
Granite is a fantastic choice for outdoor kitchen countertops. It’s incredibly sturdy and built to last. Granite can withstand high temperatures without any issues. It also won’t get damaged by harsh sunlight. The countertop material is tough enough to handle outdoor conditions year after year. Granite countertops are the ultimate low-maintenance option. They won’t crack, chip, or stain easily. These countertops don’t require special cleaners or treatments. A simple wipe down with mild soap and water keeps them looking brand new.
What is the best worktop for an outdoor bar?
Granite is the top choice for outdoor countertops. It is a tough and reliable material. Granite is as sturdy as concrete or quartz. However, it does not get discolored by the sun. The granite surface is also scratch-resistant.
What is the toughest countertop material?
Quartz is the toughest material for countertops. It is an excellent option for kitchens and bathrooms. Quartz countertops combine crushed quartz and a resin mix.
What is the best outdoor countertop in cold climates?
Reinforced concrete and granite countertops for outside use are definitely the most long-lasting choices. With proper upkeep, they will not lose color from sunlight exposure. They are extremely resistant to stains and scratches. They can withstand any climate or weather conditions with ease.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the perfect countertop material for your outdoor kitchen, granite stands out as the top choice among the various options available. However, other alternatives also offer impressive qualities that may suit your needs.
If you want to come to a solid conclusion, then you must take into account various points. This involves your design taste and preference, financial plan, the climatic condition of where you live, and how much work you plan to put into caring for it.
Granite is highly valued because of its tough nature and ability to resist scratch, stain, or heat thus making it perfect for outdoor use where it will be exposed to the elements.
In addition to this, natural beauty characterized by distinct patterns as well as colors adds elegance to every setting of an outdoor kitchen made from this material. Moreover, being relatively less demanding in terms of maintenance; only periodic sealing is needed so as not only to keep up with its sheen but also to guard against staining.
However excellent a choice granite may seem; there are other materials such as concrete, quartzite, and porcelain which have their unique benefits that could suit your requirements and taste more. For example; you can have custom concrete countertops made with different textures matching any color you want thus giving them a personal feel.