Choosing the Best Stone for Outdoor Countertops: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
Choosing suitable outdoor countertops is essential to creating a functional and long-lasting outdoor kitchen or entertaining space. Outdoor surfaces, as opposed to indoor countertops, must be capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions, UV light, temperature fluctuations, and water. The following information will help you choose the perfect material for your outdoor space.
Need help choosing the perfect outdoor countertop? Contact Natural Stone City. Our experts will guide you to the best durable and stylish option for your space!
Outdoor Countertops
1. Key Factors to Consider for Outdoor Countertops
Outdoor countertops must endure rain, sunlight, humidity, and temperature fluctuations without breaking down. - *Image by MSI Surfaces
When selecting the perfect outdoor countertop, it is important that the material is weather-resistant and yet maintains its functionality and beauty. The following are the most crucial factors to consider:
Weather Resistance:
Outdoor countertops must endure rain, sunlight, humidity, and temperature fluctuations without breaking down. Some materials like sintered stone and porcelain are naturally resistant to UV and moisture, while others must be sealed to make them resistant to damage.
Durability:
The stone that you choose for your outdoor countertops should be scratch-resistant, heat-resistant, and impact-resistant to endure outdoor cooking and heavy use. Granite, quartzite, and sintered stone are some of the hardest materials you can have that endure heavy wear and tear that outside countertops experience.
Maintenance Requirements:
Certain stones need regular sealing to withstand stains and water absorption, whereas others like porcelain and sintered stone are non-porous and low-maintenance. Consider how much time and upkeep you're prepared to devote to maintaining your outdoor countertops before making a decision.
Aesthetic Appeal:
The countertop should complement the overall appearance of your outdoor kitchen or entertainment space. Choose a material that offers a variety of colours, textures, and finishes to blend with your outdoor setting.
Cost and Longevity:
Invest in a high-quality, weather-resistant material to save you money in the long run by avoiding constant repairs or replacements. While there are products with a higher upfront cost, their durability and low maintenance can eventually make them the best value long term.
By considering all of these factors, you can select an outdoor countertop that not only looks stunning but is resilient to the weather for years to come.
2. Best Stone Options for Outdoor Countertops
Choosing the right stone for outdoor countertops is essential to offering durability, functionality, and beauty. The following are some of the best materials to utilize and why they are so well suited for the outdoors.
Granite: A Classic Outdoor Favorite
Granite is one of the best selections for outdoor countertops due to the fact that it is highly durable and weather-resistant.
It is durable to high heat, sunlight, and heavy foot traffic, thus it is a great option for bar tops and outdoor kitchens.
However, granite is a porous stone, and therefore it will need to be sealed periodically to prevent water absorption and stains.
It is available in an array of colours and patterns, and that makes it possible for homeowners to customize their outdoor countertops to meet their design requirement.
Sintered Stone: The Ultimate Modern Choice
Sintered stone is an engineered material with superior durability as an outdoor countertop material.
It is non-porous, highly resistant to UV light, heat, scratches, and stains, and therefore a wonderful low-maintenance option.
Sintered stone, unlike natural stone, does not require sealing, and maintenance is a snap.
The material also occurs in realistic stone-like colours and texture, making it a contemporary and sleek appearance.
Because of its durability and modern appearance, sintered stone is perfect for outdoor kitchens, bars, and dining areas where performance and style are crucial considerations.
Porcelain: Stylish and Weather-Resistant
Porcelain is also an excellent choice for outdoor countertops because it is resistant to stains, scratches, heat, and UV.
Porcelain is lightweight yet strong, and it can be applied to countertops as well as vertical applications like backsplashes.
One of the best things about porcelain is that it arrives in large slabs with hardly any seams, which provides a smooth and modern look.
However, while porcelain is very durable, thinner slabs are more likely to get damaged, so choosing the right thickness will ensure durability in an outside setting.
Quartzite: The Natural Quartz Substitute
Quartzite is one of the most durable and strongest natural stones in the world, often out-performing granite when it comes to heat and scratch resistance.
It offers the elegant appearance of marble but at much greater strength, which has made it the choice of premium outdoor kitchens.
Although less porous than sintered stone and porcelain, quartzite is still porous and requires occasional sealing in order to prevent water absorption and staining.
With its beautiful designs and high strength durability, quartzite is a luxury choice for homeowners who seek to enhance the look of their outdoor space with a premium stone appearance.
Each of these materials has its own positives, and the ideal one is a matter of your design requirements, maintenance habits, and budget. With the right outdoor countertop material, you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space that withstands the elements for decades to come.
3. Pros and Cons of Sealed vs. Non-Sealed Stones
Certain natural stones, such as granite, quartzite, and soapstone, must be sealed from time to time because they are porous in nature. - *Image by MSI Surfaces
In choosing an outdoor countertop, you need to consider whether or not the material should be sealed. Some stones, like granite and quartzite, are naturally porous and should be sealed every now and then to prevent water absorption and staining. Others, like sintered stone and porcelain, are non-porous and easy to maintain. Being aware of the differences can help you make the most appropriate choice for your outdoor space.
Sealed Stones: Extra Protection for Nature's Beauty
Certain natural stones, such as granite, quartzite, and soapstone, must be sealed from time to time because they are porous in nature. Unsealed, these products will tend to soak up water, which leads to staining, mould, or freeze-thaw damage during winter weather.
Benefits of Sealed Stones:
Sealed stones give you enhanced resistance to moisture, which will help prevent water damage.
Sealing also helps to repel food, grease, and exterior staining.
In addition, it helps to preserve the colour and look of the stone in the long term.
Disadvantages of Sealed Stones:
Sealed stones need to be constantly maintained—sealing can be performed every year or every other year, depending on exposure.
If not attended to, porous stones can soak up spills and are more difficult to maintain.
Certain sealants might wear off quicker in heavily used outdoor spaces, needing more frequent application.
Non-Sealed Stones: Low Maintenance and Extremely Durable
Sintered Stone countertops are virtually maintenance free. - *Image by Lapitec
Materials like porcelain and sintered stone are non-porous, and as such, do not require sealing. They are made to be very dense, with no space for moisture penetration and natural stain resistance.
Benefits of Non-Sealed Stones:
Sealed stones are almost maintenance-free—no sealants or special coatings required.
They are also very resistant to stains, moisture, and UV, making them ideal for outdoor kitchens.
They can withstand extreme weather conditions without compromising.
Drawbacks of Non-Sealed Stones:
Sealed stones are generally more expensive initially due to advanced manufacturing processes.
You are restricted to man-made patterns, as opposed to natural stone, which has one-of-a-kind patterns.
Sealed Stones Maintenance Tips in an Outdoor Kitchen
If you select a natural stone that must be sealed, the following maintenance tips will help it last longer:
Seal frequently: Use a good-quality penetrating sealer every year or according to the manufacturer's advice.
Clean up spills immediately: Outdoor countertops get exposed to food, grease, and weather—prompt cleanup avoids long-term staining.
Use pH-neutral cleaners: Chemicals have been proven to break down the sealant, so employ gentle, stone-safe cleaners.
Cover countertops when unused: Where possible, use covers to keep them away from excessive moisture, grime, and UV light.
By looking at the pros and cons of sealed vs. non-sealed stones, you can determine what is best for your outdoor kitchen needs. If you want a natural look with periodic maintenance, sealed stones like granite or quartzite would be a good choice. If you want a low-maintenance, high-performance material, sintered stone or porcelain may be the better option.
4. Stone Options to Avoid for Outdoor Use
Quartz is a better choice for indoor countertops. - *Image by MSI Surfaces
Although most of the natural and engineered stones would look great as outdoor countertops, they are not all well suited to outside weather conditions. The following are some of the types of materials that you shouldn’t use for outdoor countertops and the reasons why.
Quartz: UV-Resistant
Quartz is a fine option for domestic kitchens, yet it is a poor choice when it comes to outdoor applications. As compared to natural stones, quartz carries pigments and resins which discolour, fade, or turn yellowish with the passing of time when they are exposed to direct sunlight. A long-term UV exposure can further cause colour anomalies in the countertop, leaving quartz countertops with a mottled or matte finish. A different type of material that is specially weather-treated would be more suitable for a countertop that is outdoors.
Marble: Prone to Staining and Weathering
Marble is typically valued for its timeless beauty and lavish veining, but it's not the best material for outside countertops. Marble is a more permeable and softer stone that is highly susceptible to staining, scratching, and etching if exposed to exterior conditions such as rain, acidic substances, and temperature fluctuations. Over time, moisture can cause marble to lose its glossy finish, requiring frequent maintenance and resealing to keep its appearance.
Limestone & Travertine: Too Porous for Outdoor Conditions
Limestone and travertine are nice natural stones, but they're highly porous and will readily stain and soak up water. In the outside world, where there's rain, humidity, and temperature fluctuation, they have a shorter lifespan. Sealing them every so often will ensure they continue to look fine, but otherwise, they are higher maintenance than you'd have with something like sintered stone or granite. For a maintenance-free outdoor countertop, go with something less porous.
By steering clear of these materials and choosing stones that are engineered to endure the elements, you can have your outdoor countertops looking great and performing well for years to come.
5. Installation Tips for Outdoor Countertops
White or light-coloured countertops will reflect the heat - *Image by MSI Surfaces
Outdoor countertop installation requires particular consideration due to the peculiar nature of outdoor environments. From choosing the correct thickness to choosing the most suitable colours for your climate, these recommendations will help keep your outdoor countertops functional and long-lasting.
Choosing the Correct Thickness
When selecting the thickness of your countertop slabs, remember that thicker slabs (2 cm- 3 cm) are more durable and resistant to outdoor wear and tear. Thicker stone slabs will also be less likely to crack or chip under heavy use or inclement weather conditions.
2cm slabs are standard but may be less durable for outdoor use where heavy impact or high heat can be expected.
3cm slabs are a better option for outdoor countertops, providing more strength and stability, especially for materials like granite and quartzite, which are heavier.
Thicker slabs also add to the luxurious appearance of your outdoor space, offering a more solid and substantial look.
Sealing and Maintenance
Some natural stones, like quartzite and granite, must be sealed periodically to protect them from the elements. Sealing prevents stains and water from penetrating the stone, particularly if it is being used outdoors.
Sealant applications must be applied at regular intervals, typically yearly, depending on the exposure of the stone to the elements and the level of wear.
For sintered stone and porcelain, which are non-porous materials, sealing is not required, since they are naturally impervious to moisture and stains.
Do please speak with your installer to determine if your chosen material requires sealing and how to best care for it in the long term.
Support & Structure
You need to make sure that you have enough support when installing heavy stones like granite, quartzite, or porcelain outdoors. These types of stones, especially in heavier slabs, are very heavy, and proper structural support ensures the countertop will not sag or shift over time.
Use solid base materials like reinforced cabinetry or steel to support. These materials will hold the stone firmly in place and make it safe for long-term use.
Custom cabinetry can be constructed to bear the unique weight and structural demands of your outdoor countertop, particularly for dense materials like granite.
In the installation of overhangs, ensure proper bracing so that you do not undermine the integrity of the countertop with any warping or sagging.
Colour Selection
When choosing a colour for your outdoor countertops, consider how light and dark colours react to outside temperatures. Your countertop colour can affect the overall temperature of your outdoor living space.
Light colours, such as whites, creams, and light grays, reflect heat and will help keep your outdoor space cooler. These colours are best used in warmer climates where sun exposure is intense.
Dark colours, like dark blacks, charcoals, or browns, absorb heat and are more suitable for cold climates. Darker countertops can get very hot in direct sun, though, and can be uncomfortable to work on in hot climates.
Darker stones can also hide stains or dirt in busy outdoor areas, while lighter stones may require more frequent cleaning to look their best.
Final Thoughts
If you're installing outdoor countertops, taking the time to choose the right thickness, taking note of sealing needs, offering proper support, and choosing an appropriate colour can make a huge difference to the longevity and visual appeal of your outdoor kitchen. With these installation tips, you can keep your outdoor countertops both functional and beautiful for years to come.
Need Outdoor Countertops? Contact Natural Stone City
An outdoor kitchen is a valuable addition to any home, and the countertop is one of its most essential elements. From selecting the right material to ensuring proper dimensions and installation, every detail contributes to the functionality, durability, and beauty of your space. To achieve a professional finish that stands up to outdoor conditions, it’s vital to have your countertop installed by experts who understand the unique challenges of outdoor kitchens.
At Natural Stone City, our team of skilled professionals is here to help you create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. With an unmatched selection of high-quality stone and expert installation services, we’ll ensure your countertops are not only stunning but also built to last. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and bring your vision to life!
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“Having emailed several counter stores, Natural Stone City stood way out. Gia, was very quick to respond to my email. When we went to Natural Stone City, we met Gia in person. She is friendly, happy and such a pleasure to deal with. We knew right away we wanted to buy a countertop from NSC. Gia showed us many different large stone slabs in black, which at the time, was what we wanted. We also took a few samples home at no charge. Gia was very patient with me since I kept changing the colour that I wanted until I finally decided on the perfect one!
The facility is very large with an abundance of selection. They are also very accommodating with the sink. They have no problem using whatever sink I had, unlike other places that make you go with their sink only. The pricing was better than any other place we went to as well. After picking my countertop it only took a week to install and the installers were excellent! I would highly recommend Natural Stone City and I will only use them in the future.” - Carmen Jaray
