Remodeling your kitchen is one of the most popular types of home improvement projects today. From complete remodels to replacing the countertops, there are many ways to update your kitchen cabinets or countertop. If you have already decided on your new kitchen layout and are making choices in cabinet styles, colors, door styles, countertop color and appliance colors, now is the time to choose the material to use for the countertop. There are many materials to use for countertops like – solid surface, granite, plastic laminate, ceramic tile, concrete, butcher block solid wood and stainless steel. Stainless steel appliances are popular and look hi tech and sleek in a modern style kitchen and are timeless in design. Stainless steel countertops can accent a kitchen design when used in combination with other stainless steel items fit nicely into any décor. Stainless steel countertops provide a heat resistant, anti-bacterial surface which is easy to care for and clean.
Stainless steel countertops can be purchased in stock sizes and installed your self. If you have angles or a radius shape to your kitchen cabinet layout it may require a local fabricator to come to the site to make a template to use for manufacturing. If you design your kitchen cabinet layout to stock size cabinetry you should be able to use stock size stainless steel countertops. There are also different counter edge profiles to choose from and some manufacturers offer integral stainless steel sinks in many sizes. Single sink and double sinks are the styles most used in residential kitchens. The stainless steel countertop is not indestructible, it will mar and scratch but it will still maintain a sanitary surface that is easy to maintain.
Installing a Stainless Steel Countertop – Do It Yourself
If you have decided on using a stainless steel countertop in your kitchen and a stock size counter top work in your kitchen layout now is the time to call in a local maker of stainless steel tops. You must already have your base cabinets installed for the manufacturer to make a template of the custom countertop. When you are planning your remodeling project allow for the time the fabricator needs to make your countertop. The fabricator will supply a set of shop drawings showing the dimensions and details of the countertop. This can take 4 weeks or more and depends on the details, integral sink and edge profiles. So work around this delivery date by installing the base cabinet’s firs and be ready when the top is delivered.
Stainless steel countertops give the appearance of being approx 1 ½ ‘thick and are actually much less in thickness and will require you to add build-up blocking to support the counter and edges of the top. The base cabinets must be level and flush on top to install the blocking to receive the countertop. The counter will be set in an adhesive (usually clear silicone caulking) to hold in place. When you receive the countertop check the dimensions and then set it into place dry first to see that the fit is ok. If the fit is fine remove the countertop and apply dabs of silicone to the top of the base cabinets at all inside and outside corners and along the back rail of the cabinets. Set the top in place again by slowly dropping it down on the cabinets to keep the silicone adhesive in place. The weight of the countertop will squeeze out the silicone so clean up ant excess that is visible in the front and sides of cabinets. The manufacturer will also supply an installation guide to follow for their product.
Stainless steel countertops can fit into any style cabinetry – traditional, country and contemporary. Whatever the look you choose the kitchen will have a custom designed look as the stainless steel countertops will highlight all the other feature of your new kitchen.
