| Only a few years ago the only place you would | | | | contractor will need to take the necessary |
| find stainless steel countertops would be in a | | | | measurements so you know what you need. It's |
| restaurant. But today both stainless steel and it's | | | | recommended that you have them professionally |
| more warm and rustic counterpart copper | | | | installed but if you are handy it is a project you |
| countertops are both popular in the home. So | | | | might undertake yourself.Metal countertops are |
| what does each have to offer?Stainless provides | | | | not always stainless steel. In fact for many |
| a terrific look to a contemporary kitchen and the | | | | kitchens stainless just feels to distant or cool. |
| nice sleek lines are clean and smart looking and | | | | Copper has always been popular for pots and |
| the antibacterial qualities make them the perfect | | | | pans and backsplashes and now it is increasingly |
| place to prepare food.The 10.5 percent chromium | | | | finding a place in the kitchen counter. While copper |
| in stainless makes it resistant to corrosion and the | | | | countertops may not be mainstream it makes a |
| nickel adds to its high temp performance. There | | | | wonderfully unusual statement and it is certainly |
| are different grades of stainless on the market | | | | warm and appealing. Copper is a much softer |
| but for countertops you should use 304 stainless | | | | metal than stainless steel. Your countertops should |
| steel which is what is generally used for food prep | | | | be a minimum of .60 thick and .80 is preferred for |
| areas.Industrial counters are usually made from 12 | | | | better performance and strength.Unlike stainless |
| or 14 gauge steel but home use usually uses 16 | | | | over time copper countertops change developing |
| gauge. You can have stainless counters built to | | | | a beautiful patina. They shiny copper takes on a |
| any shape or dimension. You should not have | | | | beautiful rosy brown color and scratches are |
| joints soldered.Stainless can corrode if it is not | | | | considered part of the natural patina so they are |
| properly cared for. Never use harsh products or | | | | not dealt with.Copper is an excellent antibacterial |
| products that have bleach in them and don't leave | | | | material and all that's involved in cleaning is soap |
| acidic products on the counter. To clean use | | | | and water. Maintenance just requires beeswax |
| warm water, rinse thoroughly, and dry.Over time | | | | applied to preserve the finish and help reduce |
| stainless will also age. Deeper dents and scratches | | | | fingerprints.Copper isn't cheap so countertops are |
| can be difficult to remove but If you have a light | | | | custom quoted. In general estimates usually run |
| scratch you can use a non abrasive pad to | | | | around $175 per square foot installed. Copper |
| remove. If your stainless gets too marked up | | | | tends to warp more than stainless and it not |
| consider having the surface changed from | | | | recommended that you attempt to install it by |
| polished to brushed. It's a great way to disguise | | | | yourself.So which will it be stainless steel or |
| years of use and abuse.Stainless-steel counters | | | | copper countertops? Both will look great!Steve |
| cost from $50 to $90 a square foot plus | | | | has been a professional interior designer for more |
| installation. And of course you also have the cost | | | | than 10 years who specializes in the renovation of |
| of sinks, backsplashes, and cutouts. You or your | | | | the kitchen. |