Countertops are an important part of your kitchen. They’re more than just statement pieces of art. You need them while defining your overall workspace in the kitchen, and they’re a one-time investment that should be made wisely. There are different types of countertop materials like granite, marble, and quartz countertops.
However, if you like commercial kitchen, you would want to install a stainless steel countertop in your home’s kitchen. However, there’s a lot about these that you should know before you invest. Here, we’ve gathered a brief list of common questions you must ask about these countertops.
Stainless Steel Countertops FAQs
Are stainless steel countertops expensive?
First things first, you must know beforehand how expensive it is to install stainless steel countertops in your kitchen. And a simple answer would be: No, they’re not expensive. They are somewhere in the middle.
However, if we make a comparison, these countertops are more expensive than the laminated countertops but cheaper than the stone countertops like marble or granite.
For a normal-sized kitchen, these would cost you as low as $2,100. But it depends on the additional services as well.
Why should I prefer stainless steel countertops?
These kitchen countertops are mostly preferred by professional chefs and homeowners who are looking for sustainable options, as they’re easy to clean, durable, heat-resistant, stain-resistant, and don’t get rusty. They’re made by molding a steel sheet around a solid piece of wood. And you can recycle these countertops as well, after their long lifespan. If you like the look of steel, you can even have a top-to-bottom stainless steel kitchen.
Out of the many reasons why you should pick stainless steel countertops include:
- These offer a clean, non-porous surface.
- These are stain-resistant surfaces.
- They will last for a lifetime.
- Hot dishes and pans won’t affect these counters.
How should I clean stainless steel countertops?
Mostly, their easy maintenance is the reason why stainless steel countertops are a buzz among homeowners. They’re super easy to clean, as you don’t need any specific countertop cleaners for them. Just a clean, soft microfiber cloth would be enough.
Dampen the cloth with some warm water and clean the fingerprints or water stains left on your stainless steel countertops. However, if you have a professional kitchen, and you have to deal with tougher messes every day, use some specialty steel cleaner then.
Also, the stainless steel surface of these countertops is more prone to scratch. And if it’s a concern for you, make sure to seal your stainless steel countertops.
What gauge of stainless steel countertops should I prefer?
Gauge refers to the thickness of your stainless steel countertops. For a residential kitchen, we recommend 16 or 18-gauge stainless steel. This would be economical and still save your countertops from scratches and dents. However, for a commercial kitchen, you require more thickness. In that case, go for 14-gauge stainless steel. You can also different types of edges for your countertop.
Do stainless steel countertops cause glare?
We get it, some of you might be sensitive to the glare stainless steel sheets can cause. In that case, you can go for the brushed, matte finish that is less likely to cause glare, and you can also deal with scratches and dings easily.
How durable are the stainless steel countertops?
When it comes to durability, stainless steel countertops can surely stand the test of time. They’re easy to clean, and it takes a battle to dent them. However, we cannot say the same about scratches. Unless you’re good with the sanded, finished SS countertops, you have to accept these are going to lose their luster after a while, if you like to go into your kitchen.
Tip: Clean your stainless steel countertops with a non-abrasive cleaner and polish these regularly to keep the scratches away.
How often do I have to clean stainless steel countertops?
Stainless steel countertops are a magnet for smudges and fingerprints. Plus, dry water spots will show as well. So, be ready to clean your countertops more often than usual. You have to dry them thoroughly to prevent the mineral deposits and smudges from showing.
On a side note, if you don’t like to touch cold surfaces, don’t go for stainless steel countertops. They can be cold to touch. To protect them from heat, you can use trivets or heat-resistant mats. Other options you can check out are sintered stone and quartz countertops if you need engineered stone. On the other hand, you can also choose from durable natural stones like quartzite and granite for your countertop replacement Durham NC.
What are the finish options for stainless steel countertops?
The final finish of your stainless steel countertop has a great impact on the overall look of your kitchen. Here are four main finishes for stainless steel countertops:
- Brushed Finish: This gives more or less a grainy appearance to your countertops. And the polish is done in a single direction only.
- Antique Matte Finish: Antique matte finish gives your countertops a grayish appearance, which makes them less likely to glare.
- Satin Finish: It’s more like giving a rough appearance to your stainless steel countertops. It’s an ideal one if you’re looking to avoid scratches, and you don’t like the glaze.
- Mirror Polish: As the name suggests, this polish gives your countertops a mirrored appearance. It’ll glare under light, and you can also easily see your reflection in it. However, such surfaces are more prone to scratches and easily noticeable smudges.
How to reduce noise from stainless steel countertops?
Stainless steel countertops are more prone to producing noise when you place pots and pans over them. So, firstly, they’re not your type, if you’re someone who’s easily bothered by the clings and clangs.
However, you can still reduce this noise, if you choose at least 14-gauge stainless steel. Or, if you attach some padding underneath the sheet.
Can I put stainless steel over existing countertops?
Yes, you can do that, but you need professional help for this. Also, you have to make sure your countertop base is solid for another addition and is not molded.
Use industrial-strength adhesive to attach the stainless steel to your stone slab countertops and screw the steel into the underside of your laminate.
Can I install stainless steel countertops myself or should I hire a professional?
It’s a No when it comes to DIY-ing your stainless steel countertop project, because they’re usually hard to cut and install, even when you purchase them pre-sized. That’s why we recommend hiring a professional for this service.
And it’s not even that expensive, you’ll approximately be charged $10 per square foot. Or even if it is a bit more, it’ll still be cheaper than the cost of a mistake.
Conclusion
All in all, stainless steel countertops are a great option when it comes to longevity and affordability. You just have to be a bit careful with these. For instance, with cleaning and post-cleaning treatments. We recommend using a mild soap while cleaning the greasy mess and then restoring the shine with some mineral oil. Don’t forget to buff it off with a dry cloth as well. However, if deep scratches have already occurred, you can call for some professional help.
Stainless steel countertops are durable and sleek, but they may look a bit unappealing to some people. So, if you want more colorful options, look for quartz and granite kitchen countertops Raleigh NC.