Porcelain Tile Outdoor Kitchen Countertop

by Jim Wilson
(Mosinee, Wisconsin)

QUESTION:

I live in north central Wisconsin -lots of freezing and thawing- I wanted to install a porcelain tile counter top in my outdoor kitchen. I read in an article not to use tile in our climate. What is your advice, and if I can't use tile whats an alternative?

ANSWER:

Jim, true some "tile" should not be installed outdoors because it absorbs too much water and the freeze/thaw cycle will cause it to crack.

Porcelain tile (in general) has a very low absorbency rate and is fine for exterior installations.

You have pretty rough winters there, so I can't say that you'll never have a problem with porcelain, but there isn't any better tile to install given your situation.

Make sure you buy porcelain tile rated for outdoor use and have it installed by a pro experienced and skilled in outdoor and countertop installations.

Other options are granite tile and granite slab. The absorbency rate of granite can vary though, so you must test samples to find a granite that won't absorb water.

Good Luck,
Ryan