Creating an outdoor bar is a great way to elevate your backyard entertaining space, providing a designated area to mix drinks, serve appetizers, or simply enjoy a relaxing afternoon with family and friends.

On the way to getting it built, though, one of the key decisions you'll face is choosing the right countertop material. While your ultimate decision is your personal choice, you’ll definitely want something that not only looks great but can also withstand the outdoor elements.

Here are a few ideas and options to consider, with details on each:

1. Granite Countertops: Timeless, Weather-Resistant

Granite is one of the most popular choices for outdoor countertops, thanks to its durability. This means granite is not only highly resistant to heat, but also scratches and stains, which makes it ideal for outdoor use. It can withstand changing weather conditions, from hot summers to cold winters, without showing signs of wear.

Granite also comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, ranging from subtle neutrals to bold veining. And the natural stone can complement virtually any outdoor design style, whether you're going for a rustic, modern, or traditional look.

In addition, granite is easy to clean, making maintenance a breeze.

Just remember to seal it periodically to protect it from moisture and prevent stains.

2. Concrete Countertops: Industrial Elegance, Customizable

For those looking for a more modern or industrial aesthetic, concrete countertops are an excellent option. Because concrete can be molded into virtually any shape, size, or thickness, you have the ability to customize it to fit your outdoor bar design. You can also add color pigments or even embed objects like stones, glass, or tiles to give your countertop a unique look.

Of course, concrete is known for its strength and durability, but it does require regular sealing to protect it from stains and water damage. With the right sealant, it becomes resistant to moisture, UV rays, and outdoor conditions.

Another great feature of concrete is that it can be finished in different textures—from smooth and polished to rough and rustic—giving you further design versatility.

3. Tile Countertops: Vibrant and Easy to Clean

While tile countertops aren’t as versatile as granite or concrete, they can add a bit of extra color and personality to your outdoor bar. Tiles come in a wide array of styles, colors, and patterns, allowing you to create a lively and eye-catching design. Whether you prefer Mediterranean-inspired mosaic tiles or sleek, modern subway tiles, there's an option for every aesthetic.

But in an outdoor environment, tile can be tricky, so keep some key factors in mind:

Tile can bring ease of maintenance, but this reputation is limited to non-porous varieties, which resist stains and are easy to wipe clean. Be sure to select a non-porous option for outdoor living.

Grout lines between tiles can be prone to staining, so it’s important to seal them to prevent discoloration.

Tile countertops can also get hot in direct sunlight, so consider placement if your outdoor bar will be in a sunny spot.

4. Wood Countertops: Natural Warmth with a Rustic Feel

Let’s not forget the ultimate outdoor material, wood. Warm and inviting, woods like teak, ipe, or cedar are popular choices for outdoor use, providing an organic look and rustic charm.

To maintain the beauty of wood countertops, you'll need to apply a weather-resistant sealant to protect the surface from water and UV damage. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent the wood from cracking or fading over time.

However, if you're willing to invest the time in upkeep, wood can provide a timeless, natural look that ages beautifully.

5. Stainless Steel Countertops: Sleek and Functional

Sleek and modern. That’s stainless steel in a nutshell. Plus, it’s resistant to both heat and moisture, which means your entertaining space can show as a professional, high-end outdoor bar while remaining tough and durable.

Also, let’s not forget that stainless steel is easy to clean and highly resistant to bacteria, making it a hygienic option for food prep and drink mixing.

The downside? Stainless steel can show fingerprints and smudges easily, so you'll need to clean it regularly to keep it looking pristine.

All said, while stainless steel may not offer the same range of color and texture options as other materials, its polished, reflective surface can offer sophistication beyond what other materials can.

6. Quartz Countertops: Low-Maintenance Luxury

Sure, quartz is a popular indoor countertop material, but it can also be used outdoors with the right type. That is, certain quartz products are UV-stable, meaning they won't fade or discolor under direct sunlight. Quartz is also non-porous, making it resistant to stains, mold, and bacteria—perfect for an outdoor environment where spills and dirt are common.

Another major advantage of quartz is how easy it is to maintain. Unlike other stone, quartz doesn’t need to be sealed, making it a low-maintenance option for busy homeowners.

The only downside here is choosing the wrong quartz. Again, since not all quartz is suitable for outdoor use, it's essential to choose a brand or product designed specifically for outdoor applications.

7. Recycled Glass Countertops: Eco-Friendly and Eye-Catching

Last, if you would rather go eco-friendly and unique, consider recycled glass for your outdoor bar countertops. Made by combining crushed glass with a binder, the pieces in recycled glass countertops can vary in size and color, resulting in a surface that sparkles in the sunlight—and giving you the option to create a truly custom look.

Recycled glass countertops are resistant to heat, scratches, and stains, making them a durable option for outdoor use. They also have a smooth, glossy surface that’s easy to clean. Plus, by choosing a recycled material, you're making an environmentally friendly choice for your outdoor bar.

Getting Started with Outdoor Bar Countertops

When choosing an outdoor bar countertop, it’s essential to consider both aesthetics and durability. Whether you prefer the natural beauty of granite and wood, the sleekness of stainless steel, or the eco-friendliness of recycled glass, there’s an option that will fit your style and stand the test of time.

With the right countertop, your outdoor bar will become the perfect gathering spot for entertaining and relaxing. Have more questions about choosing the right material for your outdoor kitchen bar countertops? We’d love to discuss the options with you.

For more inspiration, check out the Decra-Scape gallery of our work, read more on the blog, or catch up with us on Instagram.

When the first frosty mornings of fall have you dreaming of nights by the outdoor fireplace, you need to ensure access to a good supply of dry firewood. Especially in Michigan's climate, proper firewood storage is crucial, because wet, cold weather can quickly ruin your firewood if not stored correctly.

How you store firewood will determine how easily you can start a fire in your outdoor fireplace, as well as how well that fire will burn and glow for a delightful ambiance (rather than an unpleasant, smoky mess).

First, Seasoning Firewood

Before you even think about storing firewood, it's important to ensure that your wood is properly seasoned. Freshly cut wood, also known as "green" wood, contains a lot of moisture, which makes it difficult to burn efficiently.

Seasoning involves allowing the wood to dry out for at least six months to a year before use. This process helps to reduce the moisture content, ensuring a better burn with less smoke and creosote buildup in your chimney.

You can purchase well-seasoned firewood from a quality supplier. Or, if you choose to season your own firewood, follow these steps:

Start by cutting the wood into manageable pieces, typically around 16 to 18 inches long (a size that will fit most fireplaces and wood stoves).

Split the logs into smaller pieces to increase the surface area exposed to air. This helps the wood dry out faster.

Stack the wood in a crisscross pattern or with gaps between the logs, and in a sunny spot with good airflow. Ideally, stack the wood on a raised platform or pallets to keep it off the ground and prevent moisture absorption from the soil.

Cover the top of the woodpile with a tarp or other waterproof material to protect it from rain and snow, but leave the sides exposed to allow moisture to escape.

All said, the wood should sit for at least six months to a year. Hardwoods like oak may take longer, while softer woods like pine can season more quickly.

You can tell if the wood is seasoned by checking for cracks in the ends of the logs, listening for a hollow sound when two pieces are knocked together, or using a moisture meter to measure the moisture content.

Long-Term Firewood Storage

When storing wood for the long-term, a wood shed can be a great option. Ideally, the shed should be open on one side, again to allow for air circulation and help keep your wood dry and fungus-free.

Also, it’s a good idea to continue keeping the firewood stacked and off the ground, which is made easier with pallets or a pair of two-by-fours.

But keep your overall landscape design in mind. The location of the shed is important, depending on how frequently you use your outdoor fireplace and whether the shed itself is something you want to look at every day.

For example, if you use your outdoor fireplace often, you might want to position the shed close to the fire pit or fireplace for easy access to the wood. However, if the shed isn’t something you want in your direct line of sight, consider placing it behind a natural barrier, such as a row of shrubs, fence, or stone wall, to keep it out of view but also conveniently accessible.

Note: long-term storage also requires regular rotation of the wood to ensure that older, more seasoned wood is used first, and new wood is given time to dry.

Short-Term Firewood Storage

Now, if you're storing firewood for short-term use, such as for the upcoming season, you don't necessarily need a dedicated shed.

Instead, consider stacking the wood in a location that's easily accessible—perhaps on your patio, in openings built into your outdoor fireplace, in baskets around your fire pit, or on a covered porch. In all of these locations, it’s still important to keep the wood elevated and dry, similar to long-term storage.

Short-term storage prioritizes convenience and aesthetics. It makes sense to keep your firewood close to your outdoor fireplace or firepit—or near your home, for indoor fires—to make grabbing a few logs quick and easy.

While airflow is still important, short-term storage doesn't require the same level of ventilation, since the wood is intended for quick use.

The biggest difference here is the timeframe: while long-term storage is about preserving the wood for future seasons, short-term storage is about keeping it handy and ready to use within the next few weeks or months.

Firewood Use & Safety Tips

No matter your timeframe when storing firewood, it's essential to consider safety.

Keep your firewood pile at least 30 feet away from your home, to minimize the risk of fire hazards.

Avoid storing wood near any potential ignition sources, like a grill or outdoor heater.

Remember that storing firewood against the walls of your home or under a deck can lead to moisture buildup, which can cause mold growth and invite pests such as termites into your home.

If you don’t have a shed, a log rack placed at a safe distance away from the home can serve as long-term storage, since it keeps firewood off the ground and can be covered with a tarp. It’s a less attractive option than a wood shed, but easily portable if you want to change its location.

When it comes time to use your stored firewood, always use old firewood first. If you have wood left over from a previous season, move it to the front of your wood shed so that it’s easy to access.

Also, remember not to spray firewood with insecticide, because you’d end up breathing the toxic fumes when you burn the wood.

By following these tips and choosing the right storage solutions, you can ensure a steady supply of dry, seasoned firewood, making your outdoor fireplace or firepit a warm and inviting gathering spot all season long.

Have more questions about storing your firewood and/or other home needs, including hardscaping and backyard renovations? We’d love to discuss the options with you.

For more inspiration, check out our gallery of our work, read more on the blog, or catch up with us on Instagram.

7 Stylish and Durable Outdoor Bar Countertop Ideas—Materials & More