Whether you’re building a new home, renovating your residential kitchen, or even updating the commercial kitchen at your restaurant, stainless steel is a fantastic kitchen countertop material to consider. Stainless steel countertop designs have a sleek and pristine style that is easy to clean and maintain. They are also heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and very durable. Undergoing a kitchen remodel or designing an entirely new kitchen comes with plenty of stressful decisions; by choosing stainless steel countertops, your kitchen worktop surfaces will be a non-issue for many years.
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How Long Do Stainless Steel Countertops Last?
One of the most significant advantages of choosing stainless steel countertops is their incredible durability. 14-gauge stainless steel countertops for professional kitchens will often last over twenty years with proper care despite heavy usage. For homeowners with residential kitchens, 16-gauge stainless steel countertops can see similar lifespans and have the potential to last a life time.
What are Ways You Can Prolong How Long Stainless Steel Countertops Last?
Although stainless steel is low maintenance compared to other countertop materials, practicing proper care is a great way to prolong your countertops clean look and lifespan. One of the best ways to care for your stainless steel countertop is by cleaning it properly. Take a designated stainless steel cleaner and a microfiber cloth and wipe away any messes, marks, fingerprints, or water spots. Utilizing stainless steel with an antique matte or brushed finish will also help to reduce fingerprints, water spots, and other marks.
Because of the high prevalence of chromium and nickel, stainless steel is naturally resistant to corrosion and rusting caused by heat, acids, and other chemicals. However, limiting prolonged direct exposure to these elements is still an excellent way to prolong your countertop’s lifespan.
Stainless steel is a hard surface material, but it has some tendency for abrasions, so a cutting board is a must to help prevent unwanted scratches. Over time, a natural patina is created on stainless steel from light scratches and smudges. For stainless steel countertops, this gradual patina helps blend in any unintentional surface abrasions.
Why Do Commercial Kitchen, Veterinarians, and Restaurants Use Stainless Steel Countertops?
Stainless steel is a popular, time tested proven countertop material primarily because of its incredible durability and ease of cleaning. In professions where hygiene is paramount, such as veterinary offices and commercial kitchens, stainless steel is invaluable because it is non-porous, which inhibits the growth of dangerous bacteria or mold.
It is also beneficial to have a material that is easy to maintain and resistant to dents, heat, and corrosion. Unlike other countertop materials such as stone, concrete or laminate, stainless steel is highly resistant to discoloration and stains. Most marks, spills and messes can be easily wiped away with a damp microfiber cloth.
What are Some Reasons to Use Stainless Steel Countertops?
Besides being heat and stain-resistant, stainless steel countertops have a sleek and modern look that goes great with almost any kitchen design. Choose a brushed finish for a refined, sleek and pristine aesthetic, or an antique matte finish that works perfectly to blend in with a casual or rustic kitchen layout. A brushed finish is also an excellent option for kitchens requiring a lot of lighting, as the reflective quality will naturally brighten the room.
Stainless steel countertops are also heavily customizable to suit your needs or specifications. Aesthetic customizations like a bullnose or marine-edge profile can further enhance the visual appeal and practical use of your countertop. Consider an integrally welded stainless steel sink or an integral backsplash from a functionality and seamless standpoint.
Are There Any Downsides or Cons of Stainless Steel Countertops to Know About?
The only real downside of choosing a stainless steel countertop is that the average upfront cost can be higher than some other countertop material options. Generally, stainless steel costs between $80 and $220 per square foot. If you have experience with countertop installations, a DIY installation can be a good way to save money. Otherwise, you should use an experienced professional contractor to install your stainless steel countertop.
Although stainless steel can be a slightly more expensive upfront cost, it can be a very practical investment in the long term thanks to its incredible durability and low maintenance. Other countertop materials, if any, can boast a life span of well over twenty years. For help budgeting for a stainless steel countertop, the cost estimator tool from Specialty Stainless can be a fantastic aid.
How Does Stainless Steel Countertops Compare to Granite Countertops?
Compared to granite countertops, stainless steel offers a couple of major advantages. The biggest advantage of choosing stainless steel for your countertop is its easy maintenance. Unlike stainless steel, granite and other stone countertops need to be professionally sealed to avoid discoloration, scratches, or stains. Granite countertops also tend to be more challenging to install and prone to acid and chemical corrosion.
Like stainless steel, granite countertops are heat-resistant and may provide more resistance against dents or scratches. Granite also tends to be a little cheaper upfront than stainless steel, costing, on average, between $40 and $100 per square foot. However, granite countertops require frequent maintenance and can be much more difficult to care for than stainless steel.
Conclusion: Is Stainless Steel Good for Countertops?
In summary, stainless steel is a fantastic countertop material for any kitchen design or remodel. Stainless steel is easy to maintain and strongly resistant to corrosion, heat, and stains. Customizable features such as edge profiles or integrated options like sinks and backsplashes allow you to tailor your stainless steel counter to the specific needs of your lifestyle. Stainless steel countertops are incredibly durable and can last well over two decades with minimal additional maintenance aside from easy cleanings. All in all, stainless steel countertops are a phenomenal option for residential and commercial kitchens.