Stainless-Steel Countertops

Discover more concerning this popular countertop material, including installation calculations, cleaning and maintenance suggestions, and average cost.

If you’ve spent any amount of time watching cooking shows, you know that just about all professional kitchens have stainless-steel countertops. Nothing defies heat, water, and stains better than stainless steel. As a matter of fact, due to its durability, stainless steel outshines pewter, copper, and zinc as the most favorable metal countertop material. Obviously, it can get scratched. indeed, its appearance can be cold (think hospitals) if not enclosed by warm hues. Nevertheless, when you don’t want to be concerned about being careful, there is no substitute for the worry-free maintenance of a metal countertop. Keep reading to discover more about how to install, clean, maintain, and budget for a stainless-steel countertop.

Stainless-Steel Countertop Installation

After you have chosen stainless steel, the material is going to be required to be cut to size and installed on a wooden foundation. For novice DIYers, the installation is best left to the professionals. Once completed, this foundation is attached to your kitchen island or base cabinetry. There are a multitude of edging profiles accessible for this type of countertop (such as bullnose and beveled) though wrapped edging is most general. You can additionally decide to continue the material up your wall for a stainless-steel backsplash.

Types of Finishes

There are several stainless-steel finishes to select from. Brushed stainless steel, the most favorable finish, comes with a directional “grain,” much like wood. This type of finish is also typically found on kitchen appliances. Mirrored finishes are highly glossy and reflective; this finish clearly shows fingerprints. A matte finish, including antique matte, has a dull look, which helps conceal fingerprints and water spots.

Performance of Stainless Steel

For a durable steel countertop that is going to perform, investing in a thicker gauged stainless steel that is not going to dent, is not going to hurt. Stainless steel can come in a number of gauges from about fourteen (about one point four mm thick) to twenty. The lower the gauge, the thicker, robust, and more costly the steel. Whereas fourteen-gauge stainless steel is typical in commercial kitchens, either sixteen- or eighteen-gauge steel works well for most residential kitchens.

With proper care, stainless-steel countertops can easily last twenty years plus. If you’re concerned about scratching, examine your stainless-steel sink. Your countertops are going to formulate the same brushed appearance after a while; however, like your sink, they can be buffed out and then polished. Stainless steel can also be sealed, hindering scratching.

For cleaning stainless-steel countertops, look to microfibers cloth. Damped with water, this fundamental cleaning device can wipe away the majority of finger-prints and water stains. Eliminate messes and apply any specialized steel cleaners by wiping them down, then going with the grain of the steel.

How Much Do Stainless-Steel Countertops Cost?

Stainless steel countertops are not cheap; however, they can be budget friendly if used as accent pieces in the kitchen. Prices start at around sixty dollars a square foot. If you’re prepared to work with a metal fabrication company, you might be able to decrease the cost by having them fabricate your countertops. Another alternative is shopping at food service supply stores.

Alternative Metal Countertops

Stainless steel is the most typical kind of steel countertop found in kitchens. Zinc, another favorable option, has the appearance of pewter. You can additionally apply a chemical finish that is going to age zinc, creating a diverse color pattern. Using copper, anticipate paying big bucks; however, for many homeowners, the outcome of this breathtaking finish is worth it. Using a sealer, copper is going to retain its rich brownish tones but anticipate some deviation with color. If left un-treated, it, also, is going to luster to its timeless patina finish.