Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Ideas

If you’re looking to renovate your existing outdoor kitchen or planning to build a new one, choosing the right countertops is a big decision. Not only do you want to choose a material that suits your décor style, but it’s important to make sure your choice is suitable for exterior applications that are exposed to sun and rain. Keep this in mind when shopping for your outdoor countertops to make sure you can continue to enjoy your kitchen for years to come.

Let’s take a look at some stylish outdoor kitchen countertop ideas that are just as functional as they are beautiful.

#1: Honed Soapstone

Soapstone is a natural stone that offers serious versatility in both form and function. With a unique look and color that resembles a mix of concrete and marble, soapstone counters can lend your outdoor kitchen an industrial look, a rustic vibe or even an ultra-modern style depending on how it’s used.

Honed soapstone looks natural in an outdoor setting and the gray color pairs well with just about every other material you’re likely to use in your outdoor kitchen, from brick to stone stack to stainless steel appliances to travertine patio tiles.

Soapstone also happens to be a very practical choice for outdoor counters. Not only does it stand up well to sunlight and moisture, but it also doesn’t expand and contract as easily as some stones, making it a good choice for climates with cold winters.

#2: Porcelain Tile

If you’re aiming for a rustic yet contemporary look, porcelain tile countertops are a beautiful choice. Choose a porcelain tile that looks like natural stone for a stunning stone alternative that’s easy to maintain, or make a statement with a patterned porcelain tile. Either choice is the perfect complement to a classic stone stack (or porcelain stack) bar.

Note that not all climates are well-suited to outdoor tile counters, as grout has the potential to crack when freezing and thawing.

#3: Contrasting Granite

Granite is a classic stone that looks great on any outdoor bar or kitchen setup. When choosing the perfect granite for your space, look for colors that bring contrast to your patio. For example, if your kitchen bar is made of a lighter-colored stone stack, choose a darker granite variety to make it pop—likewise, a light granite can brighten up a dark-colored kitchen design.

Granite is a popular choice for outdoor countertops—for good reason. It’s a durable natural stone that can withstand the elements. Of course, you’ll need to make sure to maintain it properly by cleaning and re-sealing it about once a year. Some varieties and colors of granite may not be suitable for full-sun applications, however, so if you don’t have a covered patio, be sure to speak with an Arizona Tile expert before making your final selection.

A Note on Quartz

While we are huge fans of quartz countertops in indoor kitchens, we’d like to mention that they are not recommended for outdoor use. Quartz is prone to fading over time when exposed to direct sunlight, so it’s best to go another route when designing your outdoor space.