Stainless Steel Countertops

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As more and more families are spending additional time in the kitchen, it’s becoming quite the household hub. One of the most important decisions you can make when designing your new or renovated kitchen is choosing the countertop material that’s right for your family.

There are many materials to choose from today. Just a few short decades ago, the majority of kitchen countertops were simply either wood or laminate. Heading into the millennium, many families opted for real or synthetic stone surfaces, like Corian and granite. But more recently, an affinity for stainless steel has skyrocketed in popularity.

There are many advantages to stainless steel counters, but a few myths to debunk as well. One is rusting. Stainless counters are an alloy mixed with chromium to form a metal that is rust-resistant. Another myth about stainless steel tops is that they will be noisy, like a pair of symbols anytime you place something down. Sheets of steel are applied to a plywood base to give the countertop additional strength, as well as noise muffling.

 One of the things that people love about stainless steel is the professional restaurant style that it lends due to its chic and sleek look. Of course, restaurants choose stainless steel for other reasons which are valid for homeowners as well:

• Stainless steel provides a non-porous surface that is very easy to maintain (just a washcloth or sponge with warm water and soap can clean the entire counter in seconds)
• Steel does not attract and breed bacteria like other countertop materials, making it a healthier choice.
• They are cool to the touch, like granite or marble.
• The style is so versatile, complementing virtually any color scheme or décor choice
• It won’t chip and is resistant to scratches.
• The reflective surface of stainless tops can help a small kitchen look more spacious. It's like putting up mirrored walls to give the illusion of a room double its actual size.
• Although stainless steel countertops have the nasty habit of showing every fingerprint and smudge, tops can be made with patterned steel to help reduce the visual effects of temporary markings.

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