What to know before specifying quartz outdoors.
Outdoor kitchens and garden bars have grown hugely in popularity, and it’s a fair question whether quartz is the right material for them. Here’s the honest answer, so you can make the right choice for your project.
Is quartz suitable for outdoor use?
We recommend Expression Quartz worktops for interior installations only. Engineered quartz contains polymer resin, and prolonged direct UV exposure can affect the colour stability of the surface over time, causing yellowing or fading that won’t happen with a fully mineral, UV-stable material.
What about a covered or shaded outdoor kitchen?
A covered outdoor kitchen with limited direct sun exposure carries much lower risk than one in full, prolonged sunlight, but we still can’t guarantee long-term colour stability outdoors, so we recommend an alternative for any exterior installation.
What should I use outdoors instead?
For genuinely outdoor, UV-exposed installations, a UV-stable material such as porcelain or granite is the safer choice, see our quartz vs porcelain and quartz vs granite comparisons for more detail on both.
Where quartz still fits into an outdoor project
Many outdoor kitchen projects combine an exterior cooking area with an adjoining interior kitchen or garden room. Quartz remains an excellent choice for those indoor-facing surfaces, even where the outdoor bar or prep area uses a different, UV-stable material.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use quartz for an outdoor kitchen?
We don’t recommend it for genuine outdoor, UV-exposed installations, as prolonged sunlight can affect colour stability over time. Quartz is designed for interior use.
What worktop material is best for outdoor kitchens?
UV-stable materials such as porcelain or granite are better suited to outdoor, sun-exposed installations than engineered quartz.
Explore more
See our quartz vs porcelain and quartz vs granite guides, or browse our full range for your indoor kitchen. Contact us with questions about your project.