How to Pick Countertops for Your Backyard Kitchen

How To Pick Countertops For Your Backyard Kitchen
How To Pick Countertops For Your Backyard Kitchen

A backyard kitchen makes an ultimate entertaining space if you enjoy entertaining outdoors. Who doesn’t!

And when you live in sunny Orlando, Tampa Bay or Sarasota, you can use your outdoor space all year round!

If your backyard cooking space is a little bare or you’re ready for an outdoor kitchen makeover, choosing the right countertops is a must.

While a stylish countertop is important, it’s critical to look beyond visual aesthetics when selecting countertops. Make sure to choose materials for your backyard kitchen that are as durable as they are beautiful.

To help you pick the best countertops for your backyard kitchen, we’ve provided the deets on the stones and surfaces to help you choose an ideal space that complements your lifestyle.

How To Choose Countertops for Your Backyard Kitchen

1. Laminate

You might be dazzled by the price tag of laminate countertops for your backyard kitchen. But take heed. Although it’s easy to clean, this material doesn’t last.

Laminate manufacturers use particle board beneath the laminate which means it’s bound to disappoint. While it works okay indoors, this surface doesn’t wear well and hold up to the elements.

The sun and rain and the Florida humidity expose laminate counters to rot and warp. Not a good choice for your backyard kitchen.

2. Wood

Often used in ship galleys and indoor kitchens, wood and butcher block countertops warm up a room. They also look great outdoors, but like laminate, it won’t last.

Wood countertops need a lot of maintenance. And much upkeep to protect it from the elements. If you don’t mind the maintenance, it might be a good choice for your backyard kitchen. But plan on working hard to get the look you desire.

3. Copper

Copper enthusiasts pick this surface for its rich-looking shine with abundant polishing. Or they choose copper for the patina it develops throughout the years when polishing is kept to a minimum.

Copper is expensive, so it’s not a good choice if you want to stretch your dollar.

This beautiful non-porous surface makes cleanup easy and even contains anti-bacterial elements. Did you know they use it in hospitals?

Its surface in an outdoor kitchen gets hot from the sun and ages much faster than it would indoors. But if you like a weathered look, it might be perfect for your backyard dining and entertainment.

4. Stainless Steel

Want low-maintenance countertops? Then stainless steel is a great choice for you. That’s if you don’t mind its utilitarian look.

Stainless steel provides durability and is easy to maintain. It also contains antibacterial qualities and you won’t have to seal it.

The downside: You’ll pay a high price for a stainless steel countertop. Stainless steel gets hotter in the sun than most other metal surfaces, so keep your hands and arms away on hot days so you don’t get burned.

5. Tile

Popular in many outdoor kitchens, tile countertops offer the homeowner durability and easy cleanup. A plus: some tiles don’t cost that much.

A minus: tile countertops can crack easily and the grout tends to yellow and discolor quickly. An option would be to choose a dark-tinted grout. Stay away from white grout.

Tile countertop options include slate, marble, travertine, porcelain, and ceramic. The latter doesn’t make the best choice due to potential cracking.

Be careful if you’re installing them yourself. Use waterproof board under the tiles. Plywood just won’t do.

6. Stone

Natural stone can give your outdoor kitchen space a look of elegance. But it’s important to know which stones conceal or show scratches and blemishes.

You can also tie in other elements in your backyard landscaping. Stone is expensive and also absorbs oil spills.

If you must have stone, limestone, slate, marble, and sandstone offer the lowest price option. Visit a stone yard or a salvage yard to get a better deal, but you need the right tools or a pro to cut your stone with precision.

Marble

Marble feels hard to the touch, but it’s actually a soft stone.

The weather makes marble wear over an extended period of time. That’s not always bad because it will still endure for many years.

It’s a good idea to stay away from a polished marble because with wear it will lose its sheen. So choose a tumbled or honed marble for your outdoor kitchen.

An advantage of a marble countertop is that the etching won’t be very visible. Honed marble conceals scratches and etching form spillage and the wear of acidic foods.

Marble countertop must be sealed to fight stains. If you like the appearance of marble, but don’t want to deal with sealing and etching, choose a marble-looking ceramic slab.

Limestone

An attractive option, limestone, a sedimentary rock, require regular maintenance to protect it from scratches, stains, and etching.

It weathers over time. Sealing limestone will help mask the darker spots that can occur from oil spillage and fingerprints. Try to keep red wine at a distance.

Slate

Slate is a beautiful stone often used for patios or indoors, often in bathrooms and around fireplaces. It can be challenging to find the high-quality slate that makes a durable surface for the outdoors.

Although it doesn’t hold up to scratches and spills, slate resists stains. If you choose slate, make sure you hire an experienced professional to select your pieces.

The Takeaway on Countertops for Your Backyard Kitchen

Stone? Copper? Tile? Now that you know more about these surfaces, you can pick the right countertops to give your outdoor kitchen the look you love that suits your aesthetic tastes and entertaining lifestyle.

Our company provides the highest quality countertops for homeowners and investors in the communities of Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and Orlando Florida.

Visit our website today for a little design inspiration and browse an abundance of gorgeous countertops that can be yours.