Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless steel countertops have come a long way from being overlooked accessories in your favorite local diner to one of the most popular standards in contemporary kitchen remodeling. Besides being able to handle heat very well and maintenance is as easy as a routine wipe-down, a stainless steel countertop is an ace for remodelers who want to endow their kitchens with a professional look and feel without missing out on creativity and aesthetics.
Its silver metallic hue never fails to harmonize with any given base color and there is no limit how you can maximize this truly versatile countertop material.
A favorite of most savvy kitchen renovators with a knack for saving cash, stainless steel is also admired for its efficient reflective properties that multiply the effect of natural and artificial light, making even the smallest working spaces appear a great deal bigger without carrying out any physical modifications.
Also referred to as inox in industrial applications, stainless steel is basically a variety of low-carbon steel alloy that has fairly high levels of chromium and nickel, the two main factors that give this popular countertop material its graceful unsullied tint and its extreme resistance to corrosion and heat.
While there are several types of stainless steel produced for a variety of modern industrial purposes, only the 16-gauge is generally used for residential countertops, as opposed to gauges 12 and 14 that are commonly utilized in mining and car assembly.
Investing on a stainless steel countertop might just be one of your healthiest and smartest financial decisions yet. Bustling restaurants and cafes across the globe use this wonder material for a very significant reason: in addition to its being substantially non-porous, stainless steel countertops are normally fabricated in one continuous piece and there are no seams that can hide away scraps of food, which can be a potential breeding ground for germs and harmful bacteria.
Nevertheless, despite its name, stainless steel can eventually tarnish and become corroded if not taken care of properly. Although the stainless variety doesn’t rust easily as ordinary steel, it isn’t completely stain-proof either. It is as vulnerable to water spots, blotting, premature pigmentation, fingerprint smudges, bumps, and dents as the next countertop material available.
Similarly, the frequent use of chemical-based cleaners with high levels of chlorides and alkaline, such as bleach and lye, can also accelerate corrosion in stainless steel by eating away its protective layers of chromium.
All in all, stainless steel is the material to go for when you’re looking for a countertop that is reasonably priced and will take on even the most unforgiving food preparations. Typically ranging from $80 to $200 per square foot, you’ll definitely have your share of one of today’s most popular countertops without emptying your bank account.
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