Stainless Steel Countertop

Stainless steel for the kitchen countertop? Won’t my kitchen look like a fastfood chain if I use one? Won’t I get electrocuted? Stainless steel is a great conductor. Can I cut on a stainless steel countertop? Won’t they bend if set a heavy pan on it?

For a world of countertops where granite and laminates are considered as the king, stainless steel still has a long way to go. Modern homeowners nowadays want a chic, contemporary and unique style of countertop; and a stainless steel countertop is very much qualified. It is so easy to maintain, durable, sanitary, non-toxic, stain resistant, and most importantly, beautiful. Stainless steels are also known for it’s being non-porous. They hold up liquid nicely, preventing it from dripping to the floor. They also prevent bacteria, mold and mildew from forming on its surface, thus making it naturally hygienic and clean. Stainless steel also has a very unique quality – it’s being reflective. This special quality of stainless steel makes it perfect for not so wide kitchen area, for it makes it look larger. Moreover, you no longer need to worry about matching it with the color of your walls or the motif of your entire kitchen, because it reflects the colors and the available light in the kitchen, giving the kitchen an elegant, classic feel.

A common misconception among homeowners regarding their choice of stainless steel for their kitchen countertops is that, this material easily scratches and dents and shows off of fingerprints pretty easily. With today’s stainless steels specifically designed for countertops, manufacturers have made these materials in such a way that the surfaces won’t easily show scratches and fingerprints. The trick is polishing its surface with a texturized or grainy finish to hide whatever imperfection that is showing off.

Stainless steels, for regular homeowners, are way too expensive compared the other countertop materials. However, if we consider the return of our investment, in terms of longevity, durability and maintenance, a stainless steel countertop is a win. The material’s prices vary according to its thickness and hardness. The price ranges from $50 - $80 per square foot if you want to do it yourself. However, if you want your countertop to be fabricated and installed by a professional, it could cost you around $100 - $400 per square foot, depending on its thickness. Thin steels are usually recommended for counters with heavy foundation, while the thick ones are advisable for those which do not.

If you want to add a personal touch to your countertop, having stainless steel is a good bet. You can actually design your own style and shape for your countertop. Usually, these countertops are custom-made by the manufacturers. However, if you want a really unique and distinctive shape, it can get a lot more expensive than buying the pre-made ones. Stainless steel is a hard material and cutting them could really take a lot of hard work.

You may also want to consider using hard wood as your countertop’s foundation since it decreases the noise produced by the stainless steel. Proper care and cleaning is all your stainless steel countertop need. So, be sure to wipe its surface with a clean cloth and preserve its natural beauty.