Outdoor Kitchen Counters

Choosing and Installing Outdoor Kitchen Counters
You have a number of choices when considering the material and style for your outdoor kitchen counters. The main options include slab granite, granite or other stone tile, poured concrete finished off-site by a professional, ceramic tile and poured concrete finished on site. Each has its pluses and minuses.

Here are some ideas and photos that might help you design and build your outdoor kitchen.

Slab Granite

Plus:
Easy to clean and look after; no seams; lasts long; looks great

Minus:
Expensive and difficult to install DIY (though possible, look for pre-finished slab granite counters made for kitchen use).

Granite Tile

Plus:
Looks great; less expensive than slab granite and easier to install -- particularly DIY

Minus:
Keeping the joints and grout clean; bull nose pieces and be expensive

Ceramic Tile

Plus:
Can be less expensive, and look great. Wide range of choices.

Minus:
Keeping the joints and grout clean

Professional Poured Concrete

Plus:
Limitless range of designs and colors; can look great; can be sealed for easy clean-up -- no seams

Minus:
Cost; can be as much as slab granite

Poured Concrete -- On-site or DIY

Plus:
Lots of control over color, shape and style; lower cost

Minus:
Can be difficult to get it right; can look rustic