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Kitchen Remodeling:
Stainless Steel Countertops

By Allen Shapiro

Often associated with a professional kitchen look, stainless steel countertops are trendy and modern. Characteristics such corrosion and high-temperature resistance, made stainless still countertops the right choice for a professional kitchen. In addition this is the only surface that can be safely bleached.

Another great reason to consider stainless steel for your kitchen is the fact that according to a recent study, performed by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management, in St. Paul, Minnesota, stainless steel countertops are the safest surface for food preparation.

What's Out There?

There are different grades of stainless still. While 16 gauge stainless steel is used for residential applications, industrial countertops are made of 14 and 12 gauge. Another advantage is the fact that stainless steel countertops can be created in almost any size and shape, allowing you more freedom of design.

Lately, stainless still manufacturers began some new lines of countertops, including brushed and textured finishes. These countertops are designed to help hiding scratches on the surface.

Stainless Still Maintenance

General maintenance is basic. Cleaning a stainless steel countertop is best done using a sponge or a cloth with warm water and soap. It is important to rinse the soap off with water and to wipe dry quickly to prevent water stains.

Removing scratches is also a simple task, using nonabrasive pads, rubbing the surface in the same direction as the finish will eliminate scratches. If your countertop is brushed or finished, scratches are not an issue as the scratch blends in.

Stainless steel actually requires very little maintenance as frequent cleaning keeps the surface looking new. However, when preparing food, use a cutting board rather than the top. Not only will the surface scratch, but the metal will dull knives.

Clean Up

To cleanup, use household cleaning products such as bleach or mild detergent, baking soda, or vinegar diluted in water. Be sure to rinse it off quickly as these materials can cause damage to the surface unless rinsed with clean water.

Allen Shapiro is a senior project manager for Remodeling California Inc., a leader in the Home Improvement industry. For more information about Kitchen Remodeling, feel free to Email Allen Shapiro or call (800) 724-9946.