How are Stainless Steel Countertops Made?

Stainless steel countertops are kitchen countertops made of stainless steel. Also known as corrosion resistant steel, stainless steel is a metal alloy that contains around 10% chromium. It gets its name from the properties it harbors as a ferrous alloy. When installed in kitchens, countertops made of stainless steel are durable, smooth, shiny, and free of seams unlike the more conventional countertops made of graphite and concrete. Because they are made of highly-resistant metal alloys, stainless steel countertops reflect light and make darker kitchens look brighter.

Stainless steel countertops are made by most kitchen countertop manufacturers and builders around the country. They come in different finishes, patterns, textures, and more recently, colors. Because of their affordability and durability, stainless steel countertops have become more popular among homeowners, professional builders, and restaurant owners.

Stainless steel countertops are made of stainless steel sheets that are sold for around $50 per square foot. With the expertise of professional builders, these sheets are molded and welded according to the desired size and shape. The builders carefully cut out the important holes for built-in sinks, faucets, and other kitchen equipment that are going to be incorporated into the countertop.

How stainless steel countertops are made and installed

The installation of stainless steel countertops begins with the initial consultation between you and the builder. During this meeting, you can explain the kind of stainless steel kitchen countertop you want to have. You can specify the features you want to have such as the kind of backsplashes you want installed, if you want to have an island installed, too; and your color preference. In turn, the builder takes down all your specifications.

Your countertop builder can visit your residence, restaurant, or wherever you want your stainless steel countertop installed. This inspection is conducted by the builder so he can take the necessary measurements he needs to build your countertop like the floor area, kitchen dimensions, and sizes of the appliances and kitchen equipment that are going to be placed on your stainless steel countertop. The builder also takes note of the electric sockets and plug placements that can get in the way of the countertop.

After taking all the measurements, the builder would then inform you the number of stainless steel sheets he is going to need for the construction of your countertop. Stainless steel sheets can cost around $20 to $80 per square foot, depending on the finish, gauge, and overall quality. The common stainless steel gauges used for kitchen countertops are 14 and 16. After you make the payment, the builders can now cut the stainless steel sheets to fit your countertop dimensions.

The installation of stainless steel countertops is a straightforward process. The builder brings the cut sheets to your home or restaurant and attaches them to the plywood backers preinstalled into your kitchen. These backers provide the support for your stainless steel countertop and also serve as sound barriers. If you want to have a stainless steel sink built in to your countertop, then it is going to be welded into place.

After the installation is complete, the builder can brief you on the proper care and maintenance of your stainless steel countertop. These tips can help prevent your new countertop from getting scratched, deformed, or scuffed.