Last Updated on October 26, 2026 by Royal Stone Care
According to the Met Office, England has already had its warmest June on record. Meanwhile, the UK as a whole has experienced its second-warmest June since 1884. And with more hot weather forecast, you’re no doubt looking to move life outdoors as much as you can this summer.
One way you can do this is with an outdoor kitchen to elevate your entertaining and enhance your dining potential. But if you’re creating a facility like this for the first time, one key choice will be the materials for your outdoor space.
Why real stone is the natural choice
Natural stone is hardwearing and practical yet looks stunningly elegant, while an inherent strength guarantees longevity. What’s more, the diverse textures and colours involved lend any outdoor setting more than a touch of luxury.
What options do I have?
You can take your pick from a number of natural stones, including:
Marble
This material brings with it a timeless natural elegance, not least thanks to its luminous surface and distinctive veining. But bear in mind that you’ll need to seal your stone pretty regularly, and keep a keen eye on upkeep, so that you protect against staining and weathering while your stone is outside.
Should you use marble in your outdoor kitchen?
But can you have exterior worktops and splashbacks and the like in gorgeous marble? The short answer is yes, you can have marble in your garden kitchen, albeit with certain provisos. Here, we take a look at the pros and cons of doing so.
What are the downsides?
In truth, many stonemasons do discourage the use of marble outside for a number of pretty good reasons, including:
- Marble’s porosity means it absorbs rainwater
- Trapped moisture expands during the coldest months, resulting in cracking
- You should also be aware that lemon juice, bird droppings and wine can cause permanent stains or etching
- UV rays can dull polished stone, and cause the stone to fade
What are the best practices for a marble outdoor kitchen?
If you do decide to use marble in an exterior kitchen, try to position it under a covered area such as a gazebo or pergola to protect it from the elements. A heavy-duty, top-quality sealant is also important. Apply this several times a year to safeguard against moisture and grease absorption.
Why honed marble is the smart choice when using marble outdoors
Honed marble – i.e. not the traditional polished version – undergoes a particular finishing process to create a smooth, matte effect that’s non-reflective.
This also provides better weather resistance. Plus it’s better at hiding flaws such as scratching and water spots. And it’s also often a nicer surface on which to prepare food, since the shine of glossy stone can be annoying or distracting.
Granite
This material is rightly popular for being robust and for the way it shrugs off heat, stains and scratches. Additionally, its ability to withstand the elements makes it an excellent choice for al fresco kitchens. And because each slab has its own distinctive patterns, each one is unique.
Limestone
This is another great choice for your kitchen under the sky. Durable and weather-resistant, limestone also has a strong aesthetic appeal. However, bear in mind it’s a porous substance, and so, again, you need to seal it properly to guarantee longevity.
Other materials to think about
If you decide not to go for marble, you could consider granite, which is both hardwearing and weather-resistant, or aim for a similar look to marble with quartzite. Finally, porcelain is non-porous and frost-proof.
Design tips for outdoor stone kitchens
- Materials that complement each other: Consider teaming stone countertops with wooden cabinets or stainless steel appliances for a harmonious, balanced look.
- Colour coordinate: Choose a colour of stone that suits your outdoor aesthetics, whether you have a lot of lush greenery or patio furnishings with earthy tones.
- Have a practical layout: Place your stone worktops so they’re accessible and allow you to move around them easily, maximising the cooking and dining experience.
Talk to Royal Stone Care
With the right choice, care and design, stone can transform your outdoor space into a haven of luxury. It could become the centrepiece of your outdoor living this summer. And at Royal Stone Care, we’re here to help, with limestone cleaning, granite chip repair, marble restoration in London.
We work with private homes as well as businesses, so please get in touch to learn more.
