Enjoy Your Yard with an Outdoor Countertop

When your backyard comes together in just the right way, you can feel it—and we find that that feeling most commonly happens with a perfect outdoor countertop. Not all countertop materials are created equal, though, and it’s important to know which ones are suitable for outdoor use and which ones are not.

In this article, we go over our four favorite materials to use for outdoor countertops—granite, marble, quartzite, and porcelain—and all that they can bring to the table. We want to help you create the backyard of your dreams! Find out more here at WS Granite Tops.

In the spring and summer, spending time in your backyard is a great way to bring friends and family together. Whether you’re a bonfire type of person or a grill master, you know how amazing it is to just step out of your sliding door and be in paradise.

But if you don’t have the right outdoor countertop, paradise isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be. In order to make the most of your outdoor space, you need an outdoor countertop that looks the part and can withstand the elements easily. If you choose the right material, your outdoor countertops should last just as long as the ones you have indoors.

Here’s one thing to keep in mind: Engineered quartz is lovely for indoor kitchens, but it should never be used outside. The resins in its composition don’t like direct sunlight, and it’s prone to fading after some time spent outdoors.

But don’t worry—we have plenty of other options for your outdoor space. Check out our four favorite choices for outdoor countertops.

Marble

If you thought that marble was a dainty stone that couldn’t last outside, you are far from alone. We find that many of our customers don’t give marble a chance outdoors, but we’re here to clear the record. Marble is a great choice for outdoor countertops!

Marble needs to be sealed like most other natural stones, but what’s so interesting about it is the fact that, when used outdoors, it will age naturally. After a while, you’ll notice a rustic appearance to your countertop, something that brings out its natural beauty. Many people love this quality, and it makes marble their number one choice for outdoor countertops.

If you want your marble to hold up a little stronger against the elements, choose a honed finish over a polished one. Whatever you do, always make sure to clean up spills right away—this practice will keep it beautiful for many years.

Granite

Granite is the king for outdoor countertops because of its durability and strength. When it comes to rain showers, snow showers, and other such weather events, granite doesn’t blink an eye. Just make sure to keep it sealed, and it will last for years and years.

This stone has no problem with direct sunlight. No matter how bright it gets, its beautiful colors won’t fade. But dark-colored granite will get hot on a summer’s day, so be careful—or stay on the safe side and choose a lighter hue for your outdoor countertop.

After all, there’s tons of variety of granite’s patterns and colorations. You’ll undoubtedly find something that catches your eye.

Porcelain

Porcelain is an engineered stone, which means it’s man-made and doesn’t need to be sealed. If you’re looking for low maintenance, this stone is your best bet for an outdoor countertop.

It comes in a wide array of colorations, and it’s known for its bold shades. It will surely pop in your backyard and create a space that you love.

Porcelain is an amazingly long-lasting countertop and doesn’t sustain damage easily. It’s heat resistant, scratch resistant, and very easy to clean—all great qualities for your outdoor countertop!

Quartzite

Quartzite should not be confused with quartz. It’s a natural stone that looks similar to marble, and because it’s a porous stone, it requires sealant. This stone is known for its density and hardness, making it extremely unlikely to scratch or crack. When it comes to toughness and durability, there’s almost no match for quartzite.

All you need to clean this slab with is soap and water, and it’s impressively heat resistant, chemical resistant, and stain resistant as well.

This is a great choice if you love marble’s aesthetic but aren’t quite ready for the maintenance it calls for.

The Backyard of Your Dreams

No matter what countertop material you choose, WS Granite Tops has beautiful options in our showroom that we’d love to show you. Click here to request a free quote from us and get started on your countertop project today!