Looking for ideas to simulate stainless steel countertops...

I am redoing my 9 foot galley kitchen and want to have the look of brushed stainless for my kitchen countertops and backsplash. I was thinking a laminate but am open to ideas. All help is appreciated. Thanks.

Ricky Bagolie
rickybags@aol.com
Passaic,New Jersey

You could laminate actual stainless steel, but I think the stainless faced laminates from Wilsonart or Formica would probably be easier to work with.

FYI: I just looked into having a custom 7'7 long counter top with integral sink (24x18), drain board, and 4 backsplash put together for us. With 14 gauge stainless, the bids were $1150 and $1400. For a 9' run, you might be looking at $1300.

The Only problem with laminate is how you treat the edges. Im guessing you want to have the rolled over effect?( seem like the steel wraps the counter top ) You could overcome that by using C-channel stainless steel that forms a perimeter frame and doubles as a stop- for things that may roll off the counter, and gives that industrial look....or for the price, fabrication doesnt seem bad ($1300) compared to other surface treatments out there:cool:

Rous,

did you just go to a metal fabricator or someone who specializes in kitchen counters?

seems like a fairly good price you got...

vik

why simulate?

SS is not that dificult to work with.

you can probably buy a sheet of it locally. I think I pay a/b $55 per 4x8. then get a $20 angle grinder from harbor frieght and a box of cutting wheels ($5 or so). if you don't already own a circular saw you'll need one of those and a metal cutting wheel for it also.

that's a/b all you need. just measure carefully and use ear protection. if you want a rolled edge simply clamp the sheet to a 2x4 and start applying careful whacks via a rubber mallet. or use some aluminum C channel as was suggested above to finish the edge.

I've fabricated my own SS backsplashes for the past two homes. cost was around $150 and usually a/b 2 hrs of fab time per wall section. lots of small cuts, test fits then enlarge openings for switches etc. it's always best to cut too littlte than too much.

paul

Vik, I went to the local Acemart commercial kitchen supply store and asked if they new anyone. They gave me the names of two local custom stainless steel fabricators who do counter tops and other custom architectural fabrication. I used sketchup to describe what I wanted and I had two bids within a week.

I second why simulate?

I purchased 3 stainless work tables from a resturant going out of business for $200 (total 18 linear feet). I am using the tables as they are but looking at them, to just use the tops would be easy especially if the existing lengths could work for your design. They have nice rolled edges.

Lynne
www.designbyphoto.com

The following blog has some interesting information regarding stainless steel countertops: www.metalcountertops.blogspot.com

Previously Jeffrey Rous wrote:

FYI: I just looked into having a custom 7'7 long counter top with integral sink (24x18), drain board, and 4 backsplash put together for us. With 14 gauge stainless, the bids were $1150 and $1400. For a 9' run, you might be looking at $1300.

 

I paid $1900 for my counter top, and its installation a couple weeks ago.. I think I got a great deal from a friend of mine..It is absolute black granite..

What is cons and pros of using stainless....

 

Thanks

Troy

Modern Furniture

or you can go to a restuarant supply and they usually have good used stainless sinks that you can take the legs off and put on cabinets