An outdoor kitchen adds form and function to your outdoor living space while increasing desirability from a sale point of view.
But choosing the right worktops for an outdoor kitchen worktop is tricker than for indoor ones. If you get it wrong, you could see discolouration, cracking, and warping from the elements.
It doesn’t have to be a difficult choice though! Keep reading for your outdoor kitchen worktop options and what they offer.
How to choose an outdoor kitchen worktop?
When you choose counters for outdoor kitchens you need to consider a few things first:
- Where is the kitchen?
- Is it covered or exposed?
- How often will you use it?
- What will you use it for?
- How much maintenance are you prepared for?
Once you know the answers to those questions, you can begin looking for materials. What you choose will make or break your outdoor kitchen’s look and function so take your time.
Its often a tough choice for customers given the range available but for me the best we’ve seen are either a silestone like Dekton, granite or polished concrete, depending on the look and the setup.”
Granite outdoor kitchen worktops
Granite outdoor kitchen counters are one of the best choices because of how durable they are. If your kitchen is more exposed, it won’t discolour from sun rays or warp from the rain.
If you cook with a lot of marinades, it’s good at resisting staining too as well as scratching.
All in all, this durable material won’t crack or break on you and will serve you for years to come.
Why not to use marble outdoor kitchen worktops
In our opinion marble makes the worst outdoor kitchen worktop option despite how well it does outside. Some like the fact UV exposure won’t fade its colour and it’s porous enough to absorb water to some extent. This means the surface won’t be slippery to use.
It does mean, though, that marble has poor stain resistance. Because of this, if you choose marble you’re better off choosing darker colours that won’t show up stains too much. You need to clean up any spills immediately before they set in and charcoal, paprika and alcohol are going to cause you problems!
Porcelain outdoor kitchen worktops
Porcelain counters or tiles for outdoor kitchens work really well as their colour won’t fade in the sun. It can resist staining well, meaning you can experiment will all types of ingredients.
On the downside it isn’t as durable as other options, so be careful with heavy objects. It can crack easier so you’ll need to take more care. But if you’re willing to look after it, it’s a good option for tighter budgets.
Because of hits hardwearing nature and stain resistance we find porcelain tiles are also a great choice for customers to use on bespoke builds to wrap the face and exposed sides of the kitchen.
Why not to use wooden outdoor kitchen worktops
One of the lesser-used types of outdoor kitchen worktops (thankfully) is butcher block or wood units for good reason. There is no doubt that it gives a nice finish at first when well sealed and will tie into the nature around it but it weathers horribly.
Whenever we’re replacing an existing or temporary outdoor kitchen, wooden worktops are usually in real disrepair. They’re high maintenance, will warp and discolure if left and aren’t as durable as granite or marble, for example. You’ll need to consistently seal it with a food-grade oil to protect it from rot, and moisture and keep it safe for food prep while ensuring its protected against the worst of the weather.
Concrete outdoor kitchen worktops
Another durable and hardy option that’s rather underestimated is concrete. It can withstand a lot of wear and tear, can mould into any shape, lasts a long time and it’s very kind on the wallet. You can get a seamless finish with all your other outdoor kitchen equipment.
You can polish it too for a stunning finish so there are no real good reasons to rule it out. Though, it is worth noting that it can get scratched, which might be an issue when the weather takes a turn. One thing we like about concrete is the fact it can be brought back easily with a sand, polish and seal treatment and is like new. It does alays need to be well sealed as is liable to staining due to how porous it is, but this is easily solved.
Silestone/Dekton Outdoor Kitchen Worktops:
Last but not least silestone worktops for outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular due to their exceptional durability and resistance to the elements. One of the main advantages of silestone is its high UV resistance, ensuring its colour remains consistent even when exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
Additionally, its non-porous nature makes it highly resistant to stains, avoiding damage from those inevitable red wine and pizza sauce spillages. But the thing we love about it is the ability to make the work surfaces blend seamlessly with waterfalls and changes in surface direction giving the sense of a continuous piece of material.
It is essential to ensure you have adequate support to hold it in place, plus enough people to safely carry and work with it. Its price point is much higher than other materials, reflecting its premium quality. Beyond just worktops, silestone can be an excellent choice to clad the kitchen’s face and exposed sides, presenting a seamless and elegant look.
One of the best known silestone products used in outdoor kitchens in Dekton from a company called Consentino, they do an incredible range of products with varying thicknesses that can be used in worktops, waterfalls and doors. We’re a Dekton supplier so let us know if you’d like to see some samples.
Choosing the right outdoor kitchen worktop for you
Choosing the right outdoor kitchen worktop comes down to your individual needs. Don’t get swept up with just the aesthetics; make sure you pick a material that will suit the job. We are always happy to chat through any requirements you might have when it comes to choosing your outdoor kitchen worktops, whether it’s a limited budget, tricky location or a specific style you want to achieve. So contact us to day and have a chat.
If you’re looking for help designing the perfect outdoor kitchen, contact us today. At Clifton Outdoor Kitchens, we’ve got the experience to make your outdoor cooking dreams a reality.
