Last updated on September 27th, 2021
There was a time when the only places one would see stainless steel surfaces was in hospitals and restaurants. But with an increasing awareness of its amazing properties and uses, it is fast replacing marble, granite and wood as countertop materials.
Here’s all you need to know about this great countertop material, before you decide to make it your companion in your kitchen.
The Pros
1. It is extremely durable
Stainless-steel is resilient in the face of water, stains and heat and will withstand almost anything and as a result makes for an excellent countertop choice.
2. It is affordable and easy to maintain
Not only is stainless steel inexpensive when compared to its more expensive counterparts but acids, food colors and oils cannot stain it. Nor does it get cracked or harmed because of heat. This makes its cleaning and maintenance easy and quick.
3. It is extremely hygienic
Since stainless steel is non-porous. No solids and liquids can penetrate its surface and as a result, no bacteria or mold can make a home in it. If cleaned regularly and properly, stainless-steel can make for the most hygienic and cleanest of all countertop materials.
4. It is versatile
Unlike its counterparts, stainless steel is flexible and can be customized to fit into any space, molded into interesting designs and given almost any kind of look. It can even be extended to include a backsplash and a sink.
5. It can expand your kitchen space
The shiny surface of steel reflects light and creates an illusion of a larger space, making the whole place appear brighter. So, if you happen to have a small kitchen, you can make it look larger with your stainless-steel countertops, just by using the right lighting.
Now The Cons
1. It will develop scratches
Stainless steel counters tend to get scratched from regular use and these scratches cannot be repaired. But although the shiny look of your brand-new counter might become dull from use, all the marks and scratches will give it an aesthetically pleasing patina that is quite commonly associated with stainless-steel surfaces.
2. It can develop dents
Steel tends to dent easily when something heavy is dropped on it with force and over prolonged use, you may start finding the number of dents hard to live with. This can be avoided though, by making sure your stainless-steel countertop has a hardwood base under a metal sheet of sufficient gauge. This will also increase your counter’s life by decades.
3. It tends to look not-so-warm
To people who have a liking for natural and warmer-looking materials like wood or granite, steel might seem too sterile and distant. Especially people working in hospitals and restaurants who see it in their profession all day long. So, that might be something you might want to think about.
4. It can be noisy
We all know this – working with steel is noisy. But work in the kitchen, no matter which countertop you have, is noisy, what will all the pots and pans and appliances in action. Having said that, stainless steel counters are noisier than their counterparts and may need some amount of getting used to.
And The verdict?
Your stainless steel countertops will last you decades. They won’t succumb to wear and tear or dents. And while they get scratched, the scratches won’t show much and become a part of the look of the material itself. They also happen to be quite affordable and maintenance-free when compared to their counterparts.
Steel countertops are also sleek, shiny and have a distinctive appeal. They blend seamlessly with contemporary and modern kitchens, even if the rest of the kitchen sports other materials.
So, if you’re looking for a sleek, stylish, monochrome look, go right ahead and go stainless steel!
