What’s the Best Countertop for Outdoor Kitchens?

This page ranks outdoor kitchen countertop materials by health, safety and weather durability — and names the ones we think you should avoid. If you want a straight side-by-side rundown of every material instead, see our full guide to outdoor countertop options and how to choose between them.

Not just any material will suffice for an outdoor kitchen exposed to wind, sunlight, rain, or snow. Several popular materials resist the weather but do more harm than good, whether through etching, staining, bacterial growth, or the hazards of artificial stone.

Below, seven materials are scored on abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, immunity to mold growth, and long-term durability, with pros and cons for each — from quartzite and granite at the top to wood, concrete and fake quartzite at the bottom.

Header Source Image: ExtCabinets

Source Image: ExtCabinets

What’s in an Outdoor Kitchen Countertop? 

While there is some overlap with indoor kitchen countertops, there are also a few key differences. Before we dive into the best outdoor countertops, you need to be equipped with general knowledge on outdoor kitchen countertops.

Abrasion-Resistant 

All kitchen countertops need to be safe for handling food. Like your indoor kitchen, your outdoor kitchen needs to hold up to scraping, rubbing, chopping, and food build-up by being:

• Smooth and even
• Extremely hard 
• Metal-free (metal can leech metallic flavors into your food)

Safe for Your Health

You don’t need a material that could leech harmful contaminants into your food or cause long-term health complications. Keep an eye out for materials that have qualities that could increase your maintenance, such as:

• Porous surfaces
• Wooden surface
• Harmful materials such as silica 

Weather-Resistant 

You shouldn’t have to worry about a surprise shower or a little snow ruining your set-up. Your outdoor kitchen countertop needs to be weather-resistant features to keep warping or mold build-up at bay like:

• Non-porous surface
• Thickness of at least 3cm thick
• Metal-free (even stainless steel can rust over time)

Available in Varied Colors and Patterns 

Finding the best countertop for your outdoor kitchen won’t mean much if it doesn’t match your set-up. Some materials are visually diverse, such as quartzite and granite.

Thanks to today’s readily available materials, you don’t have to choose between style and substance. If you still crave the appearance of wood, you can find wood imitation colors or patterns. If you prefer marble but don’t want the high cost, go for a marble finish.

It’s time to jump into our list and see the best countertops for your outdoor kitchen.

Source Image: ExtCabinets

The Best Countertops for Your Outdoor Kitchen

You shouldn’t have to juggle good and bad qualities with an outdoor kitchen. Our top option lets you have the best of all worlds when it comes to durability, longevity, and appearance.

1. Quartzite Countertops are Beautiful, Safe, and Tough

When you want a countertop that’s beautiful, safe to use, and long-lasting, you just can’t go wrong with quartzite. This incredible material is one of the best countertops for outdoor kitchens because of its mountain of benefits.

First things first: quartzite, quartz, and fake quartzite are all completely different materials! Quartz is manmade, composed of natural chunks of quartz mixed with resin to strengthen it. Some companies will also change its appearance by mixing in pigments. 

Quartzite is a completely natural stone that originates from sandstone that’s come into contact with magma. Needless to say, this exposure to extreme heat and pressure results in a material that’s more than tough enough for your outdoor kitchen. Quartzite countertops don’t fade in the sun and have no risk of growing mold, mildew, or rust. 

However, quartzite can still be scratched or stained with liquids, so you’ll need a cutting board when cooking. If you spill anything on quartzite, wiping it up quickly will also avoid a stain. You’ll also pay a little more than other materials on this list between $50 to $120 per foot. However, when it comes to the money you’ll save in the long-term, it’s a cost many homeowners find worth it.

When you want a well-rounded list of benefits, quartzite kitchen countertops are a no-brainer.

Pros:

• Beautifully marbled appearance
• Quartzite doesn’t fade in the sun like PVC or wood
• No risk of mold, mildew, or rust
• Holds up to extreme heat without noticeable temperature difference

Cons:

• A little more expensive
• Extremely heavy
• Susceptible to visible scratches
• Can stain when exposed to certain liquids like coffee or wine

2. Granite Countertops are Weather and Temperature Resistant

When you want a tough, no-nonsense outdoor kitchen countertop, granite is another wonderful choice. This material regularly appears in outdoor monuments and cemetery headstones, so you know it can hold up in your outdoor kitchen. 

Granite countertops’ most compelling feature is how well they hold up to the elements. They don’t warp, wrinkle, or weaken from exposure to sun or snow. They also have no risk of mold, mildew or rust. Since granite countertops are so tough, they don’t get scratched or scuffed easily. If you have a large family, kids, or pets, this is a must-have feature to avoid constant maintenance. 

Keep in mind darker granite colors will still absorb heat from the sun, so use lighter colors or put dark granite in a shaded area. If you don’t, your countertop could become painfully hot to the touch. Granite also needs a sealant to retain its appearance over time or it can still stain. 

Granite costs about $40 to $65 per square foot on average, which is an affordable range compared to quartzite. All in all, the benefits of granite countertops are numerous – get these when you want a long-lasting option with minimal maintenance.

Pros:

• Doesn’t warp, weaken, or wrinkle from sun exposure
• No risk of mildew, mold, or rust
• Scratch and scuff resistant
• Generally affordable 

Cons: 

• Needs sealant to avoid staining
• Darker colors absorb heat easily

3. Glass Countertops are Durable, Yet Prone to Etching

While glass countertops aren’t the worst option on our list, they’re far from the best. This classy material is durable in several ways, but still more fragile than granite or quartzite. 

Let’s start with the positives – glass is still rather tough as long as you get the proper thickness (an inch to an inch and a half). However, if you don’t plan on using your glass countertop for a lot of cooking and activity, you can do three-fourths of an inch. Think carefully on this material so you don’t accidentally crack your counter during a family gathering.

Glass also has absolutely no risk of mold, mildew, or rust, so file these reasons away when considering a purchase. They’re also incredibly eco-friendly and can be recycled endlessly without a dip in quality.

Consider glass when you want an affordable option that’s easy to clean and recycle. If you want longer-term durability, though, stick with quartzite or granite.

Pros:

• Very eco-friendly with endless recyclability lifespan
• Resistant to mold, mildew, and rust
• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons:

• Prone to etches or scratches which are hard to remove
• Can still shatter with rough movements or heavy weights if too thin

4. PVC Countertops are Somewhat Tough, But Not for the Long-Term 

PVC is a popular material for kitchens thanks to being affordable and readily available. However, it’s a poor option for outdoor kitchen countertops because it’s not nearly as safe and durable as granite or quartzite.

You may be wondering if PVC is good for countertops as long as you maintain the material. If you don’t mind being extra careful not to expose your outdoor kitchen to sunlight or heat, you’re good to go. PVC is resistant to corrosion, rust, and insect infestations, so you’ll have some peace of mind. It’s also resistant to stains.

However, PVC is hazardous to your health if licked or chewed on. If you have kids or pets who play around nearby, skip this material for your outdoor kitchen. PVC countertops also become weak and warped with ongoing exposure to sunlight. You also will notice scratches or scuffs accumulated over time, so don’t expect the appearance to hold fast.

If you want an affordable, short-term option, PVC countertops will do the trick. However, they’re a health risk and don’t last very long – we recommend skipping it.

Pros:

• Resistant to corrosion, rust, and insect infestations
• A stain-free material

Cons:

• Potentially hazardous to your health
• Loses strength from sunlight and heat exposure
• Easy to scratch and scuff

Source Image: ExtCabinets

5. Wood Countertops Require Too Much Maintenance

A wooden countertop for outdoor kitchens may be rustic and romantic, but we can’t recommend them, either. They simply require too much maintenance and are susceptible to many problems (hence why we offer HDPE cabinets with woodgrain patterns instead).

First, the positives – using primer to protect your wood can protect your countertops from rain or moisture build-up. Wood also comes in many beautiful patterns and textures that will lend a classical air to your outdoor kitchen.

However, you need to apply primer every few years to keep your wood countertops protected. Be careful not to miss a spot and encourage stubborn mold growth or an insect infestation. Mold isn’t just unsightly – it can cause breathing problems, aggravate asthma, or lethargy from long-term exposure. While damaged wood is not impossible to fix, it can be expensive and time-consuming. 

Why not choose a material that won’t invite so many problems in the first place? Keep wood for your indoor kitchen and use a less unpredictable material like granite. 

Pros:

• Available in beautiful patterns and textures
• Generally easy to recycle (depending on potential contamination) 

Cons:

• Manufacturers can recreate wood patterns with more durable materials
• Needs new primer applications every few years to retain its protection
• Risk of mold growth or insect infestations

6. Concrete Countertops are Prone to Stains or Bacterial Growth

Concrete has a reputation as being one of the toughest materials on the block (literally!), but it’s not entirely true. Outdoor kitchen countertops have a few characteristics that make concrete one of the lesser options. 

Positive things first – concrete is incredibly resistant to corrosion. You don’t have to worry about building up scuffs or scratches as you work, making it easy to maintain over time. Additionally, concrete is quite customizable in terms of colors and patterns. With just a few tweaks, you can enjoy granite, marble, slate, or wood-like appearances. 

However, concrete is a porous material, which immediately puts it at risk for bacteria growth from moisture. Bacterial growth becomes trapped in tiny grooves or holes and becomes hard to remove, putting you and others at exposure for cross-contamination. Concrete also yellows and stains quite easily, so ongoing maintenance is a bit of a chore.

Similar to granite, concrete retains heat very easily. If you live in a hot environment or don’t have much shade for your outdoor kitchen, there are more suitable materials. 

Pros:

• Tough against corrosion, scratches, and scuffs
• Broad selection of colors, patterns, and finishes

Cons:

• Extremely heavy
• Retains heat easily, particularly darker colors
• Porous material is susceptible to bacteria growth

7. Fake Quartzite and Artificial Stone Countertops are Hazardous

The worst material on our list is easily fake quartzite and artificial stone. Sometimes called faux quartzite or soft quartzite, this cheap material isn’t just a waste of money – it’s potentially hazardous to your health. 

Recent medical studies have found fake quartzite to have a serious impact on people’s health when cut, releasing tiny particles into the air that lead to serious lung damage. While construction workers and installers are the primary victims of silica exposure, this is still a risk you don’t want to take. Is it worth getting a poorly cut piece of artificial stone that kicks up silica into the air upon arrival? 

Even without such a massive health hazard, cheap artificial stone and fake quartzite is simply unreliable. Since shady companies will throw every material into the mix to cut costs, the result often ends up a porous, brittle, or weak mess. Unlike the carefully measured out composite of concrete, artificial stone materials are less predictable.

Don’t gamble on your health, money, or time. Avoid artificial stone or fake quartzite and go for the tried-and-true materials instead.

Pros:

• Just avoid questionable materials entirely

Cons:

• Potentially hazardous to your health if ingested or breathed in
• Often brittle and unreliable to corrosion, heat, or moisture
• Doesn’t last as long as quartzite, granite, or glass

Source Image: ExtCabinets

Choose Quartzite or Granite Outdoor Kitchen Countertops to Save Time and Money

The best countertop for an outdoor kitchen should solve several problems at once. Not only should it look beautiful, it should hold up to all sorts of wear-and-tear without losing its integrity…which makes granite and quartzite are our top picks!

Granite and quartzite are the best outdoor kitchen options because they allow you to enjoy your set-up to the fullest. They’re both resistant to rust, mold, mildew, and insect infestations. They also hold up to wear-and-tear such as scuffs and scratches. However, granite needs sealant to avoid staining and quartzite can still build up scratches if you’re not careful.

Don’t gamble on a cheap or questionable service for your outdoor kitchen countertop. Get a quote from us today to enjoy low prices and refundable samples on the toughest materials.