What should I know about granite for an outdoor kitchen?

Granite is one of several natural stones used outdoors. Judge any stone by heat, stains, surface and care rather than by its name. The FREILUFT program includes a raised bar counter in 1 3/16 in (30 mm) granite, about 43 1/4 in (1100 mm) above the floor; for countertops, you choose from natural stone worktops in Nero Assoluto, Anthracite Black, Taj Mahal and Calacatta Brazil.

Can I add a backsplash?

Yes. You can add a stone backsplash in five heights, from 3 15/16 to 19 5/8 in (100 to 500 mm), or plan top-mounted elements with a design back panel, a solid oak shelf and two LED spotlights.

Can I see the stones before I decide?

Natural stone varies from slab to slab, so photos give only an impression. Ask for material samples when you request a design consultation.

Wood fire in the grill-and-fire element, firewood in an open shelf and a gray drawer pulled open

Outdoor kitchen countertops in natural stone

Choose from natural stone worktops in Nero Assoluto, Anthracite Black, Taj Mahal and Calacatta Brazil.

Request a Design Consultation See the stones

01 Choosing

How to choose outdoor kitchen countertops

Outdoor kitchen countertops face sun, rain, salt air and the heat of a live fire. No stone suits every kitchen, so compare them by what matters outside:

Heat: how close the stone sits to the fire and to hot cookware
Stains: oil, wine, citrus and marinades
Surface: flamed or satin, and how it feels under your hand
Color in the sun: dark stones warm up more than light ones
Care: cleaning, sealing and what to avoid

Each countertop for a FREILUFT kitchen is made to order, with the cut-outs for sink, fire and appliances. The dimensions follow the system: 1 3/16 in (30 mm) natural stone worktops, with a 25/32 in (20 mm) stone backsplash.

Big Green Egg set into a dark stone island countertop, lemon slices, rosemary and a grater on an end-grain board

02 Dark stones

Dark stones: Nero Assoluto and Anthracite Black

Nero Assoluto is a dark natural stone with a flamed surface. It is cut- and scratch-resistant, withstands heat up to 1,112 °F (600 °C) and is easy to clean; the flamed finish adds protection against stains and scratches.

Anthracite Black is a metamorphic slate from Brazil in deep charcoal, with cloudy patterns and fine white or black veins. It has a satin finish, a beveled edge and a weatherproof sealant.

Next to Jet Black or Black Gray cabinetry, a dark stone lets the kitchen read as one piece. See the color library.

03 Light stones

Light stones: Taj Mahal and Calacatta Brazil

Taj Mahal is a Brazilian quartzite in soft beige and amber tones with flowing, wave-like veining. It has a satin finish and a beveled edge and is hard-wearing and resistant to scratches, stains and chemicals.

Calacatta Brazil is a Brazilian quartzite with subtle gray veining on a crisp white background. Its high density and low porosity suit it to outdoor use, and it has a satin finish with a beveled edge.

In full sun, a light stone warms up less than a dark one. Under a covered lanai, it brightens the space.

Dark gray outdoor kitchen with a wood fire, cutting board, herbs and a glass-door cooler in low sunlight

04 Ideas

Outdoor kitchen countertop ideas

A few combinations to start from, each planned for its site:

One dark volume: Nero Assoluto on Jet Black cabinetry.
Light and calm: Calacatta Brazil on Traffic White or Cream White, next to white stucco.
Warm tones: Taj Mahal with Beige Gray or Desert Khaki, close to wood and planting.
Bar height: a raised bar counter in 1 3/16 in (30 mm) granite, about 43 1/4 in (1100 mm) above the floor, so guests can sit while you cook.
For serving: a side-mounted oak extension board, food-safe and oiled to repel water, though weather-resistant only to a limited extent.

05 Backsplash

Backsplash and illuminated design panel

Along a wall, the countertop can continue upward as a stone backsplash in five heights, from 3 15/16 to 19 5/8 in (100 to 500 mm). For a back wall of its own, the system has top-mounted elements with a design back panel, a solid oak shelf and two LED spotlights.

The illuminated design panel brings light into the back wall. Details on the panel will follow.

Dark gray outdoor kitchen with an open wood fire in a steel firebox, herbs and vegetables on the counter in soft light

06 Care

Caring for natural stone

Clean aluminum and the coating with mild soapy water, clean natural stone without acids, and lubricate the hinges twice a year. For the stone, that means no vinegar and no lemon juice. Wipe up oil, wine and citrus soon, and cut on a board rather than on the stone.

Natural stone varies from slab to slab. Before you decide, hold a sample in your hands.

Request Material Samples

Questions about outdoor kitchen countertops

Frequently asked questions

Dark stones absorb more sunlight and warm up more than light ones. For a kitchen in full sun, consider Taj Mahal or Calacatta Brazil, or plan shade from a lanai roof or pergola. Under a roof, the choice is mostly a question of look.

Made to order
5/16 in (8 mm) marine-grade aluminum
Designed for salt air
US warranty by Ensch Outdoor Living