Customers often ask our team which countertop is best for an outdoor kitchen. And if you’re looking for a quick answer to that question, our choice is a natural stone like granite! However, while granite is a popular and durable option, it’s definitely not the only choice. The truth is, selecting the ideal countertop material for your outdoor space involves careful consideration of numerous factors.
In this article, we’ll explore the most popular materials, highlighting their pros, cons, and associated costs, and provide guidance to help you choose the best countertop for outdoor kitchen. Keep reading to discover the perfect countertop solution for your outdoor kitchen!
When choosing a material for an outdoor countertop, you need to consider many factors. Here are the main concerns to keep in mind:
Choosing the right outdoor kitchen countertop means balancing durability, weather resistance, maintenance, and cost to suit your lifestyle and climate. Now, let’s explore the best outdoor countertop materials!
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 |
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| 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 an outdoor quartz countertop and think that there is not enough information, you can learn more in our blog dedicated to usage of quartz for outdoors.
Thinking about upgrading your countertops in the Chicagoland area? Discover our premium selection of durable countertops designed to withstand the elements while enhancing dream outdoor living space.
Not all countertop materials are built for outdoor use. Some may fade under sunlight, absorb moisture, or deteriorate quickly when exposed to extreme temperatures. Here are the materials to avoid when choosing an outdoor kitchen countertop:
Choosing the wrong material can lead to frequent repairs, high maintenance, and premature replacement. Investing in a durable, weather-resistant countertop will ensure long-term performance and a stunning outdoor space for years to come.
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 four popular countertop types: granite, concrete, Cambria, and stainless steel countertops:
| 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you’re not interested in cooking, but still want to celebrate outdoors, try adding a drink bar with refrigerators for wine and beer.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Remember, regular care and attention can prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your investment. If you’ve selected a stone countertop, proper maintenance is key to keeping it looking beautiful for years to come. Check out our detailed guide on stone countertop maintenance that are suitable for both outdoor and indoor countertops!
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.
Having trouble choosing the right material? Granite Selection in Illinois is here for you! Whether you’re looking for an outdoor or indoor kitchen countertops, we are always ready to guide you every step of the way, offering expert advice and quality natural stone options. Get a quote to start planning your dream outdoor kitchen!
Do you have questions about granite or quartz countertops in Chicago?
Request a free consultation or visit our office.
