Kitchen Counters: Stainless Steel, the Chefs' Choice
Professional-grade strength and shining beauty unite in classic stainless steel countertops for the kitchen
I co-own departure: architecture planning interiors in Portland, Oregon, where I design both new residences and remodels. With a focus on forward-thinking sustainable designs, my preferred palette includes natural materials, simplicity, and playful contrasts.
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Stainless steel countertops are brains, beauty and brawn rolled into one hardworking surface. This professional chef–worthy surface stands up to abuse yet spiffs up easily to a glamorous showstopping shine. Are stainless steel counters right for you? This will help you find out.
Compare: More kitchen counter materials
Compare: More kitchen counter materials
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The basics: Stainless steel is a steel alloy that includes at least 10.5 percent chromium, which makes the steel resistant to corrosion (unlike conventional carbon steel).
Countertops are typically fabricated from 14- or 16-gauge material, which is then glued to a substrate of plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) to form a rigid surface. Type 304 stainless steel is commonly used, due to its higher chromium content (and therefore corrosion resistance) and ability to be welded without affecting its durability or strength. Most common is a number 4 brushed finish, but stainless steel is also available in satin (smooth), antique matte and any number of specialty patterns.
Cost: $80 to $90 per square foot installed.
Countertops are typically fabricated from 14- or 16-gauge material, which is then glued to a substrate of plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) to form a rigid surface. Type 304 stainless steel is commonly used, due to its higher chromium content (and therefore corrosion resistance) and ability to be welded without affecting its durability or strength. Most common is a number 4 brushed finish, but stainless steel is also available in satin (smooth), antique matte and any number of specialty patterns.
Cost: $80 to $90 per square foot installed.
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Advantages: Stainless steel offers top-notch durability that stands up to even commercial kitchens and their rigorous standards for cleanliness. It is nonporous and nonstaining, resistant to heat and easy to clean. It also has a life expectancy of nearly a century. Design purists will enjoy its potential for integral sinks and backsplashes.
Disadvantages: Perfectionists, take note — while cleaning it is a breeze, keeping stainless steel free of fingerprints and watermarks can be a chore. And the material is susceptible to scratches and dents, so keep that cutting board close.
Disadvantages: Perfectionists, take note — while cleaning it is a breeze, keeping stainless steel free of fingerprints and watermarks can be a chore. And the material is susceptible to scratches and dents, so keep that cutting board close.
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Sustainability: Most stainless steel is made of 60 percent recycled content and, because it can be recycled again and again, has an extended useful life. Be sure to seek out American-made stainless steel with a high percentage of recycled content. For healthy indoor air quality, the glues should have no or low VOCs, and the plywood or fiberboard should be labeled "no added urea formaldehyde."
by chas architects
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Maintenance: Stainless steel can be cleaned with a mild detergent, or use baking soda or vinegar diluted with water.
Special consideration: A nondirectional finish minimizes the appearance of fingerprints and water marks.
More kitchen counter materials
Special consideration: A nondirectional finish minimizes the appearance of fingerprints and water marks.
More kitchen counter materials
Ideabook published on Sept. 10, 2012.
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P.S: Loving the Ann Sacks hand-carved concrete flooring tiles in pic #1.
We have decided not to replace our cabinets because we don't want to lose the counter-tops and they would be expensive to replace.
Best surface EVER!
http://www.barchstudio.com/fusion.html
And the island (just barely visible in the lower right corner of the photo) has a raised edge to prevent spills, as mentioned by winer20. Obviously, we we going for an industrial look and it's a love it or hate it kitchen, but regarding using stainless, we would never go back to anything else!
Hope this info. assists.
781-396-0070
Form: carpentry and installation by Halliday Contruction LLC,http://www.hallidayltd.com/, 1408 Centre St., Roslindale, MA, 617-323-2323
The 18 inch high integral backsplash means that no seams between the countertop and the backsplash exist making cleaning much easier. The height of the backsplash means your cabinets will sit right on the top of the stainless steel backsplash living no ledge to wipe down, no gap between counter top and cabinets that needs to be painted or tiled. Be sure to measure the space between the top of your base cabinets and drawers to get the correct backsplash height, vintage kitchens had backsplashes as low as 12 inches
Additionally, create a no drip lip by raising the lip of your countertops near the cabinet fronts near the sink as do restaurant kitchen tables and sinks to protect your cabinet and drawer fronts from being ruined by dripping water.
Also have your countertops overhang the lower cabinets by an inch and a half to two inches. This overhang allows you to place your garbage can underneath and sweep vegetable cuttings right into the trash without a chance of them ending up on the floor or the front of your cabinets and drawers. A truly tenant proof design.
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