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Best Countertop for Outdoor Kitchen: Affordable Materials for Every Backyard Design
Updated: October 07, 2024
At Granite Selection, customers often ask which countertop is best for an outdoor kitchen. And if you’re looking for a quick answer to that question, our choice is granite!
Granite has all the necessary advantages to be in the first place of honor: it is durable, it can withstand scratches, heat, and the elements, which is very important for outdoor kitchens, and it has aesthetic appeal, and is a good long-term investment in your property, which, although not by much, increases its value. Granite is not without its disadvantages, though…
Continue reading our article and you will find out where granite countertops can give slack, whether granite has equivalent or at least close to its substitutes, maintenance tips to extend its life and look and a complete list of advantages and disadvantages of our champion.
Explore Our Countertop Materials Collection. Live in Chicago Land and think of making an outdoor kitchen countertop? Browse our extensive collection to find the stone just for you.
How to Choose the Best Material?
When choosing a material for an outdoor countertop, you need to consider many factors. Here are the main concerns to keep in mind:
Additionally, you can pay attention to the following material features:
- Mold and mildew resistance: Materials that resist mold and mildew growth are important, especially in humid or rainy climates.
- Weight and installation: Some materials are heavy and may require extra support or professional installation, which could affect cost and feasibility.
Materials for Outdoor Countertop
Every design starts with infinite scrolling which material would be the best for my aesthetic tastes and design that I have in my mind or on paper. Selecting materials is one of the hardest and for someone most annoying things: you have to consider materials’ heat resistance, durability, scratch resistance, weather conditions, maintenance requirements, etc. Our experts at Granite Selection prepared information on the most popular choices for outdoor kitchen countertops and their average price:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Granite |
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| Quartz |
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| Cambria |
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| Concrete |
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| Stainless Steel |
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| Tile |
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| Butcher block |
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You can learn more about the most popular outdoor countertop materials granite and Cambria in our blog which is dedicated to show the differences between granite and Cambria. And if you are thinking about choosing a quartz countertop and think that there is not enough information, you can learn more in our blog dedicated to usage of quartz for outdoors.
Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas
Creating the perfect outdoor kitchen starts with choosing the right design that aligns with your lifestyle and space. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern cooking station or a relaxed setup for weekend BBQs, these popular design types offer endless possibilities for outdoor living.
Covered Outdoor Kitchen
If you live in an area with a variable climate (*cough* Chicago *cough*), having a covered outdoor kitchen means you can keep the party going no matter what nature brings. Covered outdoor kitchens also mean your appliances and countertop will show less wear over time due to reduced exposure to the direct sunlight, moisture, excessive heat or freezing temperatures.
Uncovered/Airy Outdoor Kitchen
Another as popular as covered outdoor kitchen design is uncovered. As you might have already guessed, instead of having closed space you would create an open, fresh area which would be a solid choice for homeowners who enjoy BBQs under the bright sunlight or starry night.
Compact Outdoor Kitchen
Short on space but still want to be the summer “party house”? This setup allows you to incorporate the kitchen essentials without consuming too much square footage.
Bar
If you’re not interested in cooking, but still want to celebrate outdoors, try adding a drink bar with refrigerators for wine and beer.
BBQ Grill
A grill is the heart of any outdoor kitchen! Think about the types of meals you love to cook and choose a grill that fits your needs.
Eating Area
No outdoor kitchen is complete without a comfortable place to enjoy your culinary creations! Choose seating that complements your design and caters to your gathering style.
Prep Station
Perfect for people who like to cook great summer meals for their family and friends, a long prep station allows for multiple cooks in the kitchen without the claustrophobia that comes with cooking indoors.
In the end, the perfect outdoor kitchen is the one that reflects your unique style and caters to your lifestyle. Let your personal style guide your choices, embrace the possibilities, and create a space that you’ll love to use and share with friends and family.
How Much Will It Cost?
The answer to this question is not as easy to get as you might think. Everything depends on the material, length and width of the countertop. How about we take a look at the most popular options and explore the prices?
Let’s take Chicago for example and three materials for outdoor countertop: granite, concrete and Сambria for a 13 sq. ft. countertop.
| Material | Cost per Square Foot | Total Cost (13 sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| Cambria Quartz | $60 – $125 | $780 – $1,625 |
| Granite | $80 – $150 | $1,040 – $1,950 |
| Concrete | $65 – $135 | $845 – $1,755 |
| Stainless Steel | $80 – $200 | $1,040 – $2,600 |
In conclusion, the choice of material for your outdoor countertop depends on your budget, maintenance preferences, and the specific conditions of your outdoor space. Balancing durability, maintenance needs, and costs will help you make the best choice for your outdoor kitchen project
Don’t Forget to Take Care of It!
We saw the main materials for countertops, explored stunning designs but that’s not over. You should also look after your “creation”. Here are general tips for maintaining outdoor countertops made from different materials:
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can keep your outdoor countertops looking their best for years to come. Remember, regular care and attention can prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your investment.
Conclusion
So there you have it! From choosing the perfect design to selecting durable and stylish countertops, we’ve covered all the essential elements for creating an amazing outdoor kitchen. Remember, the key is to balance your vision with practicality. Consider your budget, lifestyle, sun exposure and local climate to make informed decisions that will create a space you’ll love for years to come.
Need help choosing the right materials or navigating the design process? That’s where we come in! Being an Illinois Countertop store we are always ready to guide you every step of the way, offering expert advice, quality natural stone options, kitchen countertops manufacturing and installation and exceptional customer service. Contact us today to start planning your dream outdoor kitchen!
Having trouble choosing the right material? Granite Selection is here for you!
