Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen? Doing research on countertop materials? If so, then our Countertop Spotlight series will help you. Today we look at stainless steel countertops.
Material: Stainless Steel
Finish types: Satin (smooth), antique matte, or specialty.
Origin: Stainless steel is made of a metal alloy with a chromium content around 10 percent.
Environmental Impact: Very good. Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, and most stainless steel products are made from an estimated 60% recycled stainless steel: 25% old scrap (from industrial equipment), 25% new scrap (from material returned after production and manufacturing), and 40% raw materials (ferrochromium and ferronickle).
Pros: Industrial strength, durable, shiny, nonporous and easy to clean and disinfect, can be cut to any size and installed seamless, impervious to heat, rust, corrosion, and stains.
Cons: Dents and scratches easily; fingerprint smudges show up easily.
How To Clean: Wipe down with a dry microfiber cloth, or else a damp cloth with a dish soap. A mild abrasive may be used for a more thorough clean. Buff dry with a cloth to bring the steel back to a shine.
Installation: Professional installation recommended. All stainless steel countertops will have a wood substrate (or wood backer) which helps fasten the countertop to your cabinet sections, and also provides a sound buffer. (Stainless steel can be quite loud when struck.)
Price range: $85-$150/sq. ft., installed
Kitchn Reader Reviews:
When I bought my 1950s ranch style home, the kitchen already had stainless steel countertops. At first I wasn't sure I'd like them, but I do...very much. They're easy to keep clean, and they add a nice mellow glow to the muted greens, grays and browns in the room...none of the cold lab look I was afraid of. - danap648@gmail.com
The metal does not have to be super thick, but there does need to be a base of some sort underneath the metal... Stainless steel is a great counter surface and working with a local metalworker is IMO the best way to get what you want for a good price.If you don't like the look of stainless, but like the idea of it as a surface, look into powder coated steel. This is what we have in our kitchen. It's almost impossible to hurt, as long as you don't cut directly on it. Hot pans, water, spills - no problems. - kakugori
I live in Oakland and ended up buying my steel counter from Specialty stainless online. I can't say enough about their excellent customer service. The counter with integral sink and custom finish was about $1000 cheaper including shipping than quotes my contractor got locally. The company is in Buffalo, NY and they send you lots of drawings to make sure its right before manufacturing it--it's hand finished in a pretty cool way too. Steel is also 100% recyclable and you support an American company and US industry. - 356style
Related Kitchn Posts:
• Before & After: Installing DIY Stainless Steel Countertops
• What Is the Best Way to Clean Stainless Steel?
Our Countertop Spotlight Series
• All About: Butcher Block Countertops
• All About: Quartz Countertops
• All About: Granite Countertops
(Images: Images by Sanne Tulp and Anke Helmich from StyleCookie, via Bloesom)
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Elizabeth Apron fro...
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
We have this old sloping steel countertop/sink combo in our apartment, and at first I was skeptical. After a couple of years of use, I can't imagine ever not having at least one stainless steel counter in my kitchen given the choice. It makes a perfect surface for between the stove and sink - hot pots can go right on it and spills clean up like a charm. Try as I might, I can't hurt the thing. Love it!
If we ever remodel, we will go stainless steel all the way. Looks good, lasts forever, and easy to clean.
i love stainless steel counter tops.. my mom has had all stainless steel counters in her kitchen for 15 years.. and swears by it. stainless steel is durable, low maintenance, easy to keep clean. when we make peanut brittle at my mom's house, we actually grease the counter and pour the molten candy right onto the counter directly from the pot hot off stove! i highly recommend these posts from the home project.
http://www.christonium.com/HomeProject/a-few-thoughts-on-stainless-steel-counters
http://www.christonium.com/HomeProject/diy-installing-stainless-steel-counters
I just got my stainless steel counter and integrated sinks installed last week. Love them! We have a 1950's blue tiled kitchen with cork floors and had a tough time deciding what to get. We decided on the stainless because of the durability but also because it acts as a neutral color. The kitchen has great windows and the stainless steel reflects soft muted tones throughout the day. They clean easily and I look forward to the character lines it will gain through use! We had these custom made by a local company in Denver.
Has anyone used or seen just rolled steel countertops? We are embarking on a full kitchen remodel, and we really like the look of the steel countertop we had made for the workbench out in the garage.
ingriddles - if rolled steel is the type they use in commercial kitchens, without any wood underneath, just brackets, then yes, that's what my mom has had for 15 years.
We have Ikea's Dacke stainless steel island (sadly, it's now discontinued), and we can't say enough good things about it. The more we use it, the better it looks, provided you don't mind scratches. At first, when the steel is perfect and new, each scratch kills a small part of you, but it doesn't take long for the surface to look well-used and loved.
I had these in my last rental house and loved them. They really hold up to a lot of use, they are heat tolerant, sanitary, and in my opinion, the look improves with a patina of age (scratches, minor dents). The kitchen had a sunroof though, and there were times of the day where the glare from the countertops was intolerable.
The same rental also had concrete counters. Those were beautiful and durable too, but the did stain easily and needed more scrubbing/sealing than I was willing to do.