OUTDOOR KITCHENS ARE marvelous, but they place extra demands of durability and UV-resistance on countertops. Here are four countertop materials — from medium price range to premium — that love the great outdoors and will look fabulous for years to come.

1. Granite

When it comes to outdoor kitchens, granite has been dealt a strong hand. It stands up to sun, snow, barbecue sauce and grandkids. But if you want maximum stain resistance, you’ll have to make sure your granite stays sealed. (Learn more about caring for granite on our About Granite page.)

One thing to keep in mind: granite is naturally UV resistant, but if it has been treated with color-enhancing resins these resins will fade with prolonged exposure to the sun.

Granite is affordable, wonderfully durable and relatively easy to repair if it should suffer a chip or crack. As a natural stone, it complements an outdoor setting and comes in a jaw-dropping number of colors.

2. Quartzite

If you love the look of marble but want a stone that’s more durable and etch-resistant, you won’t do better than quartzite for your outdoor kitchen countertops. Quartzite is not the engineered product known as quartz. It’s a natural, luminescent stone that looks breathtaking in the sunlight. Pure quartzite won’t scratch, chip, etch, scorch or fade with normal use. (Find out how quartzite differs from marble on our About Quartzite page.) Quartzite is slightly harder than granite and is generally less porous, meaning it is even more stain-resistant and does not need to be sealed as often. WilgusIQ offers its customers one of the best collections of quartzite in Missouri and Northern Arkansas.

3. Porcelain

Surprised? Many people are, thinking that porcelain is too delicate for an outdoor kitchen countertop. In fact, porcelain is harder than granite, but with that strength comes a rigidity that makes it more prone to chip or crack. As long as you don’t plan to mash your potatoes with a hammer, though, you should be fine. 

Non-porous porcelain does not require sealing, is extremely hygienic and is easy to maintain. Since the color, pattern, and finish are glazed into porcelain, it can mimic anything from marble to cement.

Porcelain tops must be carefully cut, fabricated and transported, so be sure to choose an experienced company. (Learn more about porcelain countertops on our About Porcelain page.)

4. Sintered Stone

Sintered stone products like Dekton, Neolith, and Lapitec are ultra-compact blends of raw materials found in glass, porcelain and quartz stone. They are highly scratch and stain resistant and impervious to sun, rain, and ice — exactly what you would want in an outdoor kitchen. You can even cook on it. Sintered stone comes in a variety of avant-garde colors and designs as well as sizes and thicknesses.

On the down side: sintered stone has very little give and has been known to chip at the edge or crack if struck with a heavy object. Fabrication and installation require specialized knowledge and experience. For more information, see our About Sintered Stone page.

One thing to remember with any material you choose for outdoor countertops: dark colors absorb a lot of heat. If your outdoor kitchen is open to the elements, you might want to stick with a lighter color palette.

To experience the wealth of colors and materials available, please come visit us in person! Click the button below for directions to WilgusIQ’s Springfield, Missouri, showroom.