Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Fabrication and Installation in Charleston, SC

See our featured White Ice Granite Outdoor Kitchen Project.

Choosing the right countertop for an outdoor kitchen starts with the weather. In Charleston, it takes direct sun and UV rays, summer heat, rain, humidity and, near the coast, salt air. The grill adds heat of its own. So we pick countertop materials for the exposure first and the kitchen design second.

We only use a material outdoors when the slab and the supplier's written guidance allow exterior use. Learn more in our guide to stone countertops for outdoor use and our article on the best countertops for coastal South Carolina homes.

Granite is our first choice and one of the best materials for outdoor kitchens and outdoor living spaces.

Pros

• Built for the outdoors. Granite is a dense natural stone that can withstand sun, rain and daily use, and it resists stains once sealed.
• Heat resistance. It handles grill-side heat better than quartz, though a trivet still protects the stone.
• Natural beauty. Each slab has its own pattern, from light whites to deep blacks that complement your backyard.

Cons

• Sealing. Granite needs sealing about once a year, or as the sealer label says.
• Weight. Granite slabs are heavy and need a solid, level base.

Quartzite can work outdoors when the slab is true quartzite and the supplier confirms it for exterior use.

Pros

• A hard stone. Quartzite pairs marble-like veining with strong durability.
• Heat resistant. It handles warm cookware better than quartz.

Cons

• Sealing. Plan to reseal about every 10 to 12 months.
• Price. Quartzite sits at a higher price point than most granite.

Quartz is a great non-porous indoor surface, but we do not recommend it for outdoor use. Sunlight can yellow or fade it, and high heat can damage the resin. Marble can etch and stain, so we check it carefully before it goes outdoors. For an outdoor kitchen, we suggest granite instead.

These stylish granite and quartzite slabs are on our list, and we confirm each slab's outdoor suitability with the supplier before you order.

Planning an outdoor kitchen countertop in Charleston? We handle your project from the first conversation to the final installation, so you work with one team. Here is how it works.

• Consultation. Share your plans, photos or drawings and tell us about your grill, sink, seating and outdoor space.
• Measurement and base check. We measure on site and check that the base or outdoor cabinets are level, finished and strong enough for the stone.
• Template and layout. You approve the slab, edge profile, seams and the grill and sink cutouts before we cut.
• Fabrication. We cut, shape and finish your outdoor countertop in our own workshop, on 3 cm slabs for almost every project.
• Delivery. We bring the pieces to your backyard and plan the path through gates, steps and narrow side yards.
• Installation and sealing. Our crew sets the stone, finishes the seams and seals natural stone before we leave.

Your estimate lists the slab, square footage, edge profile, grill and sink cutouts, delivery, installation and sealing. Removal of your old countertop can be added to your estimate. The base structure, gas, electrical and plumbing work are done by your contractor or other trades. Our lead times average about 14 to 17 days to installation, and we confirm your schedule with your estimate.

A built-in grill needs an exact opening. We cut it to the size and clearances in your grill maker's installation guide, so have the model number ready before we template. Every appliance, such as a side burner, outdoor sink or outdoor refrigerator, gets its own cutout or opening, based on the appliance specifications.

For the edge, most outdoor kitchens get a flat or eased edge, which is easy to clean. A mitered edge gives a 3 cm slab a thicker, heavy duty look, and it adds work and cost. A polished finish gives a sleek look and shows off the color, while a honed or leathered finish gives a matte, more rustic look.

The stone needs full support. The base, whether masonry or outdoor cabinets, must sit level on a solid floor or patio and be finished before we template. An outdoor bar overhang for seating may need brackets or a support frame, and we confirm the support plan during templating. If your countertop wraps around pillars or a seating wall, we template each piece to fit.

Here is what you can expect when you work with us. One customer had us make two outdoor kitchen countertops, pillar tops and a seating wall, and praised our promptness and craftsmanship.

• The right stone for outdoor surfaces. We match the slab to sun, heat and salt air, not only to the design and functionality.
• Exact cutouts. We cut grill and sink openings to the appliance specifications.
• Base and site checks. We check the base, supports and access early and tell you about any limits.
• One team. The same team templates, cuts and installs your outdoor countertops.

Ready to start? Request your estimate today.

Comparing materials? See all our countertops in quartz, granite, marble and quartzite.