Chip and Joanna Gaines’ major renovation of a 1920s hotel in their hometown of Waco, Texas taught homeowners a lot of lessons: For instance, black marble should not be used on outdoor countertops. In one episode of “Fixer Upper: The Hotel,” Joanna says, per Realtor.com, “On the rooftop bar, the countertop, there was a mix-up, and it’s the wrong color,” explaining they received black marble instead of the white they were supposed to get. The designer adds, “You can’t do black marble out in the Texas summer sun.” While Joanna doesn’t go into great detail about why this is, it’s implied that the sun can damage black marble. 

Experts confirm that black marble should be avoided in backyard spaces, especially those that get significant sun. Simply put, the sun’s powerful UV rays will inevitably degrade and discolor your black marble countertops, making them appear dull and washed out over time. While black marble is sleek and striking, its brilliance won’t last long in your outdoor entertaining space. There are other options to get a similar aesthetic, though. Here’s some more about how the sun fades black marble, and alternatives to consider.

Darker countertops made of natural stone like marble are not suited for outdoor bars or kitchens as the minerals deteriorate when exposed to UV rays for prolonged periods. When these minerals break down, fading and discoloration eventually occurs. Originally a bold black when installed, your countertops will unavoidably become muted and lackluster as the blazing sun hits it day in and day out. Moreover, when certain areas of your countertops are exposed to more direct sunlight than other parts, this can cause an uneven look.  

Another thing to take into account is that black countertops attract more heat than lighter materials, which can then make them hot to the touch and obviously a bit dangerous. Darker stone absorbs more heat than lighter colors, so if you do have a black outdoor surface and it’s been sitting in the summer sun all day, don’t go leaning up against it. 

Like marble, granite and quartzite are also natural stones, but their density and mineral compositions tend to make them more resistant to UV exposure. Be sure not to mix up quartzite and quartz, though. While quartz should never be used outdoors (as the resin in it can turn yellow in sunlight ), quartzite is similar to granite in its makeup, and resembles marble. All that said, granite and quartzite may still be susceptible to fading and lose some of its vibrancy over the years. 

For a matte appearance, concrete and soapstone are other great options for a backyard kitchen or bar area. Soapstone, in fact, will actually get darker with age. Another benefit of soapstone is that, unlike the other materials mentioned, it’s non-porous. This means it’s less likely to stain or degrade due to moisture, and can withstand high temperatures.  However, one drawback of soapstone countertops is that they are softer, and therefore more likely to get scratches. As another option, countertops made of durable, UV-resistant porcelain can also look quite chic in an outdoor setting. If your heart is really set on a marble countertop for your outdoor entertainment space though, go for a lighter color like white as Joanna Gaines chose for Hotel 1928.