What Can Your Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Handle?
Make Room for Game Days, Gumbo Nights, and Everything in Between
There’s something special about fall in Baton Rouge. Sure, the weather might not really get the memo until December. But, come September, the energy shifts. Purple and gold start showing up and showing out. The weekend schedule shifts into second gear for kickoff times. And whether you’re headed to Tiger Stadium or tuning in from the backyard, tailgating is a season that deserves a proper setup.
In Louisiana, tailgating doesn’t stay on campus. It spills into driveways, patios, and porches all over the city and far beyond. That’s where your outdoor kitchen comes in – where gumbo is simmering next to fresh seven-layer dip, the game playing through the outdoor speakers, and cold drinks making the rounds.
If your current setup is more “old patio table and extension cords” than “built-in bar and pizza oven,” it might be time to step up your game. At STONE Baton Rouge, we help homeowners create outdoor entertaining spaces with custom kitchen countertops that are tailgate-tested, crafted with durable materials that can handle anything from hot jambalaya pots to cold beer and all the levels of humidity in between. So, if you’re ready to bring your vision to life, take this year to build the outdoor kitchen that will make every weekend feel like a championship celebration.
Why Now Is the Best Time to Build Your Outdoor Kitchen
Think of this as pre-season.
The end of summer is the perfect time to kick off your project. The kids are back in school, your family vacation pics are posted, and you’ve got a clear runway to plan a space that’ll be ready to rock and roll before the Alabama game.
Picture:
- A spooky soiree for Halloween with neighbors, costumes, and a skeletal charcuterie board set atop sleek new quartzite counters
- An SEC Saturday feast with smoked sausage, sliders, and boudin balls, served straight from your built-in grill
- A Friendsgiving where your outdoor island bar becomes the most valuable player of any gathering
Whether you’re feeding two people or 20, your outdoor kitchen should rise to the occasion. And that begins with sturdy countertops that can handle whatever you throw at them.
At STONE, we work with Baton Rouge homeowners, designers, and builders to create outdoor spaces that are stylish and smart. From handcrafted countertops to Wilton & Co. accessories, we can help you curate every element.
Plan the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen with STONE
Every great LSU tailgate starts with a little game planning. Same goes for your new build. A custom outdoor kitchen has the power to transform your backyard into the best room in your house. With expert product selection, locally-inspired design, and materials built to weather every seasonal celebration, we walk with you through every step.
Here’s what it’s like to work with us at STONE:
- Collaborative Planning
We listen to your goals, vision, and game day dreams. Then, we walk your space if needed, and help you map out a design that works for your life and style – the everyday moments and the special occasions.
- Curated Material Selection
No need to drive all over Baton Rouge. Our showroom is stocked with outdoor countertops, sinks, tile, hardware, and more – all durable enough to handle a hot cast iron skillet full of etouffée.
- Expert Design Guidance
Want to combine his smoker obsession with her Pinterest-worthy cocktail bar? With Wilton & Co. available in-store, get professional design support for finish selections, mood boards, and even accessories, so your space feels intentional and personal, while remaining practical and visually stunning.
- Trade Connections
We love working with Baton Rouge builders, architects, and designers. Need a contractor? We’re happy to connect you with proven local professionals who’ve built some of the best outdoor kitchens in this city with an installation process you can count on. {link installation}
Pro Tips: What You Actually Need for the Ultimate Tailgate-Ready Kitchen
We’ve seen it all, and we can offer proven advice about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to outdoor kitchen upgrades. Here’s what we’d recommend for every Tiger fan:
Must-Haves:
- Weather-resistant countertops like granite, quartzite, or Dekton
- Plenty of prep space, especially near your grill and drink station
- Shade and airflow, because 11 a.m. games in September are still in summer mode
- Storage for outdoor dish ware to avoid the inside / outside hassle
- Durable flooring or tile for easy cleaning when someone inevitably spills a daiquiri
Nice-to-Haves (but we say go for it):
- A pizza oven
- A beverage fridge
- A built-in sink
- Custom tile
- Accent lighting
Avoid These Common Outdoor Kitchen Fumbles
Even the best home chefs can have a busted play.
Here’s what to avoid:
- Choosing the Wrong Countertop Material
That gorgeous marble might look great inside, but outside? Not always the best selection. We’ll help you choose options like leathered granite or Taj Mahal quartzite, perfect for outdoor use, high humidity, and heat tolerant.
- Ignoring Louisiana Weather
It’s worth repeating. Rain. Humidity. More rain. We’ll make sure your layout, drainage, and materials can stand up to every tailgate, no matter what the weather’s doing (or if a hurricane makes an appearance).
- Forgetting Function
You need zones for prep, cooking, serving, and lounging. Entertainment is all about enabling guests to feel comfortable in the space. We’ll help you think through layout so your space flows like a winning offensive line.
- Using Indoor Finishes
That backsplash might be gorgeous, but is it rated for outdoor use? We’ve got a whole selection of tiles made to weather Baton Rouge’s climate and elevate your design.
- Skipping Design Support
Don’t go it alone. Our in-store team with Wilton & Co. will help you pull finishes, fixtures, and décor into one cohesive game plan.
Ready to Host the Best Backyard Tailgate of the Season?
You don’t need a spot under the oaks or a parade of tents to have a legendary game day. You just need the right outdoor kitchen with the real MVP: a high quality outdoor countertop.
Let STONE Baton Rouge help you build a space that’s made for Tiger football, family feasts, and quiet evenings with the folks you love best. We’ve got everything in one place, and a talented team ready to help you bring your vision to life.
GEAUX by our showroom or book your design appointment today.