 | Typical Kitchen: $3,000-$6,000 |
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| Stainless steel countertops are typical in commercial and industrial kitchens because they are easy to clean and nonporous. Newer brushed finishes and embossed finishes make stainless steel countertops more attractive for home use. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Stainless steel countertops cost $100 -$200 per square foot, that is $3,000 -$6,000 for a typical kitchen with 30 square feet of counter space. Professional installation is typically included in the per square foot cost.
What should be included: | - Stainless steel countertops should be cut to specific size and should have sink holes cut (and integral sinks attached), solder joints ground, edges shaped, and a finish applied. The metal should be attached to wood backings. Be aware that stainless steel countertops must be finished before being used, because soldered joints are not food safe.
- Installation of a stainless steel countertop should include a professional pre-installation measurement, preparation of the counters (including leveling and shimming), installation of the countertop, cleanup, and final inspection.
Additional costs: | - Integral sinks, attached backsplashes, brushed or embossed finishes, and some edge shapes can cost extra.
Discounts: | - A skilled DIYer can install a fabricated stainless steel countertop that has been attached to a wood backing, using either screws or glue. This can save $25 -$50 per square foot ($750 -$1,500 for an average kitchen) in total costs.
- Some designers and homeowners choose to install stainless steel countertops on only a limited space in a kitchen by a sink or near a stove, then selecting a less expensive material for the rest of the kitchen counters to save money.
Shopping for a stainless steel countertop: | - Before beginning to price stainless steel countertops, measure the countertop area. Home Depotp provides a worksheet to help calculate the measurements. The installer or contractor will do an official measurement later, but a good estimate can give a rough sense of the costs.
- Decide whether to purchase restaurant-style polished stainless steel, or to select a brushed or embossed finish that has a more residential look. BobVila.com describes and shows some of the available finish options.
- Specialty kitchen remodeling stores, specialty websites and some Home Depot stores sell stainless steel countertops.
- Call ahead to schedule an appointment for a consultation at a kitchen & bath or home improvement store.
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Article updated October 2010 |
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