Stones To Use For Outdoor Countertops & In The BBQ Area

With so many choices available in both natural and engineered stone, it can be overwhelming to find the right fit for your outdoor space. We're here to help narrow it down by highlighting one of the best options that checks all the boxes: style, durability, practicality, and budget.

Outdoor countertops and surfaces can make or break your project and budget, especially if you make the wrong choice. The design and construction proccess takes a lot of guessing in high hopes that everything comes out as planned but, it's not always just about the look. Consider all of the elements before making an investment in your outdoor project.

Cristallo Gold Sintered Stone BBQ Countertops

Sintered stone is the best option in engineered stone. Strong and super resilient to direct sunlight, sintered stone is the perfect option if you are considering building a BBQ or any outdoor project. Unlike granite or quartzite, sintered stone is able to withstand harsh weather without causing any damage over time and does not require constant maintenance or any sealing whatsoever! With constant cooking and cleaning utensils being used on a BBQ, this stone is highly scratch and chip resistant and will withstand constant use of cookware, as well as fluctuating heat from cooking. The technical advantages make sintered stone a very popular option over other types of stones. Sintered stone is generally more expensive than quartz but costs far less than natural quartzite. Its advanced manufacturing process and durability come with a higher price tag. But it's a very worthwhile investment in the long term to give your project longevity—just another reason why sintered stone stands out above the rest!

Here are some of the main advantages of sintered stone countertops:

• UV resistant / Near fire-proof: it won't fade or yellow in direct sunlight

• Weatherproof – resists rain, snow, and temperature changes

• Heat resistant – built to withstand high temperatures and open flames

• Scratch resistant – stands up to heavy use without surface damage

• Stain resistant – non-porous and easy to clean

• No sealing required – unlike natural stone, there’s no need for ongoing treatment

• Chemical resistant – unaffected by cleaning products and acidic spills

• Impact resistant – less likely to chip or crack from dropped cookware

• Low maintenance – just wipe clean, no special products needed

• Design flexibility – available in many colors and finishes that resemble natural stone, quartzite, marble, and monochromatic colors

• Eco-friendly production – often made with natural and recycled materials

  
  

Porcelain slabs deserve a mention for being a lightweight, compact, and non-porous stone widely used outdoors. Although the slabs are available in 12mm thickness, porcelain can take excessive heat and direct sunlight and is preferred for wall cladding. These slabs are made by firing refined clay and natural pigments at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a dense, compact surface that’s non-porous and incredibly durable. One of porcelain’s most attractive qualities is its lightweight composition. Even at a standard 12mm thickness, porcelain is strong enough to handle the demands of outdoor countertops, yet far easier to install than heavier materials. This makes it a smart option not just for horizontal surfaces like countertops but also for vertical applications like wall cladding, backsplash panels, and BBQ island facades.

Granite is the best option in natural stone (quarried stone) for countertops and walls outdoors. Although granite can be used for outdoor projects, it's still a porous stone that will need to be properly sealed about every six months to prevent any damage from the climate and maintain its appearance, which can be tedious and cost more over the long term. Granite may also have naturally occurring fissures (cracks) or pits that may affect the structural integrity of the stone when dealing with cooking and heat. Granite will also be on the high-cost side, in addition to extra costs in maintaining your stone in great shape over the years—something to keep in mind when considering overall costs.

Marble/quartzite (tough marble) can't take the heat. They are beautiful and exude luxury, but they are porous and can be damaged by direct sun and temperatures of 200 degrees (from pots and pans). While durable indoors, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause discoloration, yellow fading, and even cracking, especially in darker colors. Marble is generally not recommended for outdoor projects, particularly in areas with harsh or wet climates, due to its porosity and susceptibility to damage from moisture and freeze-thaw cycles. While visually appealing, marble's softness makes it prone to staining from wine and spills, as well as damage by acidic substances, and will require constant sealing every six or so months to prevent discoloration. While quartz can be more expensive upfront than some natural stones like certain types of granite, it offers a good balance of cost, durability, and low maintenance—often making it a worthwhile investment for indoor projects. Keep in mind, extra maintenance will be required over the years if you do decide to use quartz for any outdoor application or project, including constant sealing and cleaning.

It's important to consider the specific type and quality of each stone material option, as well as installation costs and maintenance costs, to get a comprehensive understanding of the total project price and help you make the best decision possible.