Granite Worktops for Outdoor Kitchens

Our most popular stone for outdoor kitchen areas is granite. If sealed properly, it can handle heat, rain, and the occasional frost without being noticeably affected. The surface itself is naturally strong and durable, making it the most suitable for uncovered areas. 

When properly maintained, granite can last for decades and still look as good as the day it was installed. It can also perfectly complement stainless steel appliances, which are an extremely popular choice for outdoor BBQ areas. With a range of options available, from steel grey to honed black, and other unique colours and textures, there is a granite surface to match any and all aesthetics. 

Porcelain Options for Garden Kitchens

Porcelain is one of the most recommended materials for outdoor kitchen worktops, as it is incredibly non-porous and hard-wearing. Resistant to UV rays, there is no chance of fading or sun-staining, and is, therefore, a top choice for areas that are uncovered and open to the elements. Unlike granite, its engineered properties mean that the surface does not require sealing to maintain its appearance. 

Sintered stone has another advantage over granite in a design aspect: it is man-made and, therefore, has colours that mimic other materials. Granite is purely natural, and the patterns are unique and unpredictable, but porcelain allows for uniformity in any space. 

Find out more about our porcelain worktops here

Are Quartz Worktops Suitable for Outside?

Although quartz is our most popular material for interior kitchens and bathrooms, we do not recommend it for outdoor use, unless under a cover. It is certainly a durable stone, but is known to not hold up so well under direct sunlight for prolonged periods, or under extreme temperatures. The surface can begin to fade or warp and sharp changes in temperature can cause the stone to crack. 

For outdoor kitchens that are exposed year-round, it is recommended to opt for more weatherproof stones such as granite or porcelain

As standard, you can expect a worktop for your outdoor kitchen to cost between £2,000 - £6,500, depending on your chosen material and the amount of square meterage required for the project. It can be quite an expensive prospect, particularly if you haven't already for a kitchen area in place, so let's take a look at some of the details of the costs of a worktop:

The worktop is what is really going to tie your entire outside kitchen together, so it is important to choose the right material for you and your space. Of course the most important factor is the durability of the surface and whether or not it is suitable for external conditions in the UK. As already mentioned, granite and porcelain are the most ideal options, and quartz is not usually recommended. Let's take a look at some of the more design-based decisions that you may need to consider. 

Finishes/Textures:

When you come to make your final material decision, you may notice that there are options for varying finishes with each material. For example, granite is available in honed, polished, and leathered textures, offering different levels of shine; porcelain is dependent on the brand/supplier but is often available in both polished or suede. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the finish of your outdoor kitchen worktop, but a more textured finish may be more suitable for uncovered spaces that are open to the elements year-round, as they are less likely to show small marks and scratches. 

Thickness:

Many of our granite options are available in both 20mm and 30mm, and our porcelain often comes in either 12mm or 20mm. Again, there is no correct answer when deciding your material thickness, but similarly to the finish, for an outdoor worktop, your priority should be a stone that is hard-wearing and durable. All of our worktops are designed to stand the test of time, but for particularly busy areas in your garden that are likely to have heavy appliances placed on top of it, a thicker stone may be more suited. 

Design:

If you're looking for full design flexibility when it comes to your outdoor space, porcelain worktops are your optimum choice. There are countless designs to choose from, from plain colours to veined patterns that mimic that of natural marble; there is a porcelain to match any aesthetic. Our standard, and most popular, granite is available in steel grey or premium black, but there are of course other granite options to choose from that boast more unique colours and patterns. To see our base collection, visit us in our showroom in Staplehurst

How often should I clean my outdoor worktops? 

It is always recommended to clean your outdoor worktops regularly to avoid any permanent damage to the surface. For porcelain, a quick wipe with warm soapy water after each use is often enough to maintain the surface's integrity. Granite, on the other hand, requires slightly more care. It is a very durable material but requires a pH-neutral cleaner, and resealing once or twice a year to make sure it remains resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture. 

Seasonal care tips for outdoor surfaces:

We understand that the UK weather is often unpredictable, and different weather conditions require varying levels of care for your garden kitchen. Here's a short re-cap of the most important seasonal care tips:

As well as supply and fabrication, Henderstone are also experts in installing stone surfaces, for both interior, and outside spaces. Ever wondered what the process looks like? Let's take a look together...

Want to speak to someone in person about our outdoor kitchen worktops? Come and visit our Staplehurst yard and showroom, and a member of our team will be happy to look over your plans with you and get you started on a FREE quote 

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