If you’re crafting an outdoor kitchen, it’s all too easy to get lost in choosing the perfect grill or designing an impressive layout. Yet one crucial element often receives less attention than it deserves: the worktops.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to the best outdoor kitchen worktop ideas – to help you select a surface that will serve as the beautiful and faithful foundation for your cooking space.
At Open Space we specialise in transforming outdoor spaces. That includes designing and installing bespoke, design-led outdoor kitchens by Kiitch. So we’re happy to share our insight into the most important aspects of selecting the perfect worktop.
What should you look for in an outdoor kitchen countertop?
Outdoor kitchens will naturally need to be made from more robust materials than indoor kitchens. After all, they’re at the mercy of the British elements.
At Open Space Concepts, our work surfaces are carefully selected to look and feel amazing, while meeting the following criteria in order to keep your outdoor kitchen looking great for as long as possible:
- UV resistance to prevent fading and discolouration
- Exceptional durability against temperature fluctuations
- Superior water resistance to prevent damage from rain and humidity
- Easy to maintain & food safe
- Aesthetically pleasing and high-quality
What do you need from a worktop?
Beyond the requirements we’ve covered – you need to ask yourself exactly what it is you need from your outdoor kitchen countertops before you make up your mind. They should be able to cater to your lifestyle, so this might mean that you need them to be…
- A food-safe surface that you could knead pizza dough before firing in your pizza oven
- A worktop that’s easy to clean, where spills wipe away effortlessly with no worries about staining
- A robust surface that can handle hot pans straight from an electric grill, oven or barbeque
Keep these in mind when we walk you through the benefits and weaknesses of the different countertop materials – that way you’ll know if you want to add them to your list of outdoor kitchen worktop ideas.
Why can’t I use the same material as my indoor kitchen countertops?
We know it can be tricky to shift your mindset away from using the materials we know and like in our indoor kitchens when you’re designing your perfect culinary station outdoors.
Let’s take you through the important reasons why you need to avoid these materials for your outdoor kitchen countertops:
Wood: While wooden worktops might look attractive at first, especially amongst nature, they have very poor durability when used outside.
Because wood is naturally porous, even if you cover your counters the moisture content of the air is likely to penetrate your counters – making them swell, warp, discolour and crack.
Not only does that affect their looks but makes them a harbour for bacteria.
Standard Quartz: While quartz creates stunning indoor worktops, standard varieties aren’t suited to outdoor installations. In particular, UV exposure from the sun causes the binding resins to yellow and degrade.
Plus, even protection from a cover like an awning won’t stop temperature fluctuations from causing the quartz to expand and contract, potentially leading to cracks and damage to the surface.
Laminate: While they may be a cost-effective choice for indoor kitchens, laminate simply isn’t constructed to withstand outdoor conditions.
The layering that makes laminate so versatile indoors becomes its weakness outside as moisture can seep between the layers, causing them to separate and bubble.
The printed surface layer can also fade dramatically in sunlight, leaving you with a worn, patchy appearance that’s impossible to restore.
The most popular options for worktop materials
Now we know which materials to avoid, let’s explore the surfaces that are specifically selected for outdoor settings.
Whether you’re searching for professional-grade performance or unique patterns, these materials offer solutions that won’t let you down when faced with challenges like temperature or moisture that indoor worktops can’t handle.
Professional-grade stainless steel
Stainless steel has long been the material of choice in professional kitchens, and it’s easy to see why this commercial favourite has made its way into private outdoor culinary spaces. In fact, that’s why Kiitch offers stainless steel outdoor kitchens.
Its clean, industrial aesthetic brings a contemporary edge to outdoor kitchen designs. And those handy practical benefits make it a serious contender for those who prioritise functionality.
Advantages:
- Exceptional hygiene standards with an entirely non-porous surface
- Heat resistant and ideal for areas near grills and pizza ovens
- Has a sleek, professional look
- Nearly maintenance-free with simple cleaning needs
Considerations:
- Can become quite hot in direct sunlight, making shade coverage vital to prevent accidents
- Shows water marks and fingerprints, requiring frequent wiping
- May develop surface scratches over time, though some see these as adding character
- Premium price point as you would expect as it’s a professional-grade material
Specialised outdoor quartz
As we’ve covered, standard quartz worktops aren’t suitable for outdoor use however several manufacturers have since developed specialised outdoor collections that combine the sought-after look of quartz with enhanced durability. These engineered surfaces are worth considering if you love the quartz look for your outside space.
Advantages:
- Enhanced UV protection prevents yellowing
- The non-porous surface naturally resists staining and bacterial growth
- Requires minimal maintenance with no sealing needed
- Excellent resistance to scratches and daily wear
Considerations:
- Limited colour options compared to indoor quartz ranges
- Will need some form of permanent coverage like a pergola for protection
- Exists at a higher price point because it’s specially engineered and provided by a limited number of providers
- Extremely heavy which is a consideration both for installation and for whether your outdoor kitchen cabinetry and cooking equipment can bear it safely
Natural granite
Granite has earned its reputation as a reliable choice for outdoor kitchens. This natural stone brings both an elegant look and impressive durability to outdoor spaces. While it needs sealing to perform at its best, granite’s natural properties make it particularly well-suited to life outdoors.
Advantages:
- Outstanding heat resistance makes it perfect for hot pans and grill areas
- Each piece offers unique patterning that can’t be replicated
- Can last for decades with proper care and maintenance
- Available in an extensive range of natural colours and finishes
Considerations:
- Requires periodic sealing to maintain its resistance to staining
- The premium price point reflects its natural origin and durability
- Professional installation is recommended due to its weight and complexity
- Can be cold to touch in winter months
Why we craft our countertops from porcelain
Non-porous. Unaffected by extreme temperatures or rapid changes. Hard wearing. Scratch and stain-resistant. High strength and density.
Imagine if a material had all of these characteristics – it would be the ideal pick for outdoor countertops. Well it does. Porcelain does all of that while looking sophisticated and suiting most gardens.
That’s exactly why, after extensive research and testing, Kiitch selected this timeless and hardwearing material as the signature material for its outdoor kitchen worktops.
What does this mean for your outdoor kitchen?
- Almost complete resistance to extreme high and low temperatures, rain and moisture – keeping your counters pristine through any challenge our climate presents.
- The surface material being non-porous prevents bacteria growth and defends against stains from wine, oils and food spills.
- Colour stability ensures your worktop retains its sophisticated appearance without fading or discolouration.
- Available in a range of timeless neutral tones and finishes that will work in harmony with any garden aesthetic.
Want to see a sample or speak to our staff about why porcelain is such an ideal choice to use in this setting? Simply get in touch with our friendly team today.
Outdoor kitchen countertop shapes
As every counter we fabricate is completely custom to our clients’ specifications, we’re able to create a variety of shapes – all in extra large format slabs or complete pieces.
Get to know the most popular shapes we create, all available is completely bespoke sizing, tailored to your space. That way you can start getting outdoor kitchen worktop ideas for your ideal layout.
L-shaped countertops
L-shaped outdoor kitchens offer the unique opportunity to create two distinct zones – like one for food prep and another for your guests to sit round while you cook up a storm. Or perhaps you might prefer one section to be dedicated to an outdoor bar? The choice is yours.
Freestanding island countertops
Create a natural gathering point in your garden with an outdoor island kitchen. With access from all sides, they’re perfect for social cooking – letting you chat with guests while you prepare food or set up a drinks station that everyone can easily reach.
Modular countertops
Modular outdoor kitchen layouts allow you to mix and match different sections to create your ideal setup. Whether you want a dedicated grilling station, prep area or bar space, these versatile designs can adapt to exactly how you like to cook and entertain.
Start crafting your dream outdoor kitchen
If this guide to the best outdoor kitchen worktop ideas has inspired you to rethink your outdoor entertaining space, get it in touch for a free online quote today. Want to talk to us directly for expert advice on creating your bespoke outdoor kitchen? Call us on 0808 168 0043.
Make the most of your outdoor space with Open Space Concepts.
