Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Guide: Materials and Weather

What outdoors does to stone

Sun can fade resin, rain can stain porous stone, heat from grills stresses surfaces and freezing water can crack stone that is not properly supported or sealed.

Outdoor tops need materials and details made for it.

Indoor choices may not work outside.

Walk your outdoor space at different times of day. Notice where sun and shade fall, because dark surfaces can get very hot in direct sun and affect where you want to cook and sit.

Good outdoor materials

Granite, porcelain and sintered stone handle sun and weather well. Some quartzite works too. Concrete can work with sealing.

Quartz is usually not recommended outdoors because of fading.

Ask about the specific product.

Ask your mason or contractor to confirm that the base is level and drains well before the countertop is installed. A good base is the foundation of a good top.

Support and drainage

Bases must be level and rigid. Surfaces should shed water, and edges can have drip details. Joints are sealed with outdoor-rated products.

Overhangs need supports.

Water that sits causes problems.

Check the specifications of your grill and side burner. The cutout size and clearances come from them, and the countertop needs to match.

Grills and equipment

Grills, side burners and sinks come with spec sheets for cutouts and clearances. We follow them. Combustible materials must stay away from heat.

Plan the layout early.

Your grill installer connects gas.

Plan lighting and outlets before the countertop is installed. Cutting stone after it is set is difficult, and good planning avoids it.

Care

Seal natural stone, wipe grease and spills and cover or clean seasonally. Check seams and sealant each year.

Avoid harsh chemicals.

We offer care visits.

Ask about overhang depth for seating. Outdoor stools and weather call for strong supports, and the right depth makes seating comfortable.

Seating and bars

Bar tops outdoors need strong supports and edges. Shade makes them more comfortable.

Choose light colors if the top gets full sun, since dark stone gets hot.

Test samples in the sun.

Cover or clean the surface at the end of the season. Leaves, pollen and grease can stain, and a quick cleaning keeps the top looking new.