10 Cheap Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Ideas: Budget-Friendly Outdoor Kitchen Countertops Inspired by Real ProjectsLydia ChenSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Sealed Plywood with Epoxy Finish2. Concrete Slab DIY3. Tile Over Cement Board4. Butcher Block (Oiled for Outdoor Use)5. Recycled Stone Remnants6. Polished Concrete Overlay7. Stainless Steel Sheets8. Painted Cement9. Large Format Porcelain10. Composite Deck BoardsFAQTable of Contents1. Sealed Plywood with Epoxy Finish2. Concrete Slab DIY3. Tile Over Cement Board4. Butcher Block (Oiled for Outdoor Use)5. Recycled Stone Remnants6. Polished Concrete Overlay7. Stainless Steel Sheets8. Painted Cement9. Large Format Porcelain10. Composite Deck BoardsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEA few years ago, I had a client who insisted on building an outdoor kitchen entirely from reclaimed pallets. At first, I thought they were joking—until I saw how stunning it looked once paired with the right countertop. That’s when I realised: small budgets can spark big creativity. In fact, outdoor countertops are one of my favourite places to break a few design rules and still end up with something both functional and beautiful. Today, I’m sharing 10 cheap outdoor kitchen countertop ideas I’ve tested (or seen work wonders) in real life, so you can save money without sacrificing style. If you’re as obsessed with planning layouts as I am, I highly recommend browsing a room planner to visualise how your outdoor space will flow.1. Sealed Plywood with Epoxy FinishOne of the cheapest and surprisingly durable options is sealed plywood coated in clear epoxy. I used this in my own backyard bar counter—it held up for three years before I decided to swap it out. The trick? Multiple layers of sealant and keeping it under a pergola to avoid direct rain and sun damage.save pin2. Concrete Slab DIYConcrete is a classic outdoor material, and making it yourself can save a lot. I once poured a custom-shaped slab directly on top of a brick base, spending less than $100. It’s heavy, yes, but it can handle the elements and even hot pans straight off the grill.save pin3. Tile Over Cement BoardIf you love patterns, tiling over cement board is a budget hack. You can mix leftover tiles from old projects to create a mosaic look. Just remember to use weather-resistant grout and seal it properly to prevent cracking.save pin4. Butcher Block (Oiled for Outdoor Use)Not your first thought for outdoors, but I’ve seen oiled butcher block last years under covers. The warm, natural grain pairs beautifully with rustic BBQ setups. The downside—requires regular maintenance to keep it from warping.save pin5. Recycled Stone RemnantsCheck with local countertop suppliers; they often sell offcuts of granite or quartz at a fraction of the cost. I scored a gorgeous slate piece for a client’s built-in smoker area, making it look far pricier than it really was.save pin6. Polished Concrete OverlayRather than pouring a full slab, a thin concrete overlay over an existing surface can save time and money. The smooth, modern finish works great in contemporary outdoor kitchens, and you can colour-tint it for personality. I used a free floor plan creator once to map out multiple counter zones before committing.save pin7. Stainless Steel SheetsA go-to for industrial style, stainless steel sheets over plywood create a weatherproof surface. It scratches over time but in a charming, worn-in way. Bonus: easy to clean after a messy BBQ.save pin8. Painted CementIf your budget is razor-thin, consider painting cement bases with exterior-grade paint. I’ve done a faux terrazzo finish with splatter techniques that fooled more than one guest!save pin9. Large Format PorcelainPorcelain tiles are tough, stain-resistant, and can mimic marble or stone. Using large slabs means fewer grout lines and easier cleaning. It’s also lightweight compared to real stone.save pin10. Composite Deck BoardsLeftover composite decking works as a countertop—resistant to moisture, fade, and bugs. I recently used this in a client’s lakeside BBQ area. We designed it with an kitchen layout planner to make sure grills, prep zones, and seating aligned perfectly.save pinFAQ1. What is the cheapest outdoor countertop material?Sealed plywood, painted cement, or recycled stone remnants tend to be the most budget-friendly while still offering decent durability.2. Will plywood survive outdoors?Only if properly sealed with multiple coats of outdoor-grade sealant and ideally kept under a cover or pergola.3. Is concrete good for outdoor kitchens?Yes, it’s weather-resistant, heat-proof, and affordable, but can be heavy and may need sealing to resist stains.4. How do I maintain outdoor wood countertops?Regular oiling and occasional sanding will help prevent warping and cracking. Always cover them when not in use.5. Can I install outdoor countertops myself?Many budget options are suitable for DIY, but heavy materials like stone may require extra hands and structural support.6. What countertop holds up best to weather?Stainless steel, porcelain, and concrete generally outperform wood and laminate in harsh outdoor conditions.7. Do I need to grout outdoor tile countertops?Yes, but use weather-resistant grout and seal regularly. According to the Tile Council of North America, improper sealing can lead to moisture damage.8. Are composite boards safe for food prep?While durable, they’re best used with cutting boards on top to avoid scratches and for hygiene purposes.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE