Metal Countertops

Metal countertops may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering an update to your kitchen, but they're definitely unique and offer a distinctive look to any home.

In reality, metal countertops aren't new. Like wood countertops, they were some of the earliest forms of the kitchen 'workbench', before the laminate age took over. You could say that they're making a comeback of sorts, as people look to new materials to set their kitchen apart.

If you like choices, metal counters offer numerous options. Not only do you have a choice of metals but copious finishes too. You can even get some metal tops with splashes of color. Copper can be treated to produce color shades that rival even the most dramatic granite color variations.

Are they showpieces or workhorses? That depends on the kind of metal you choose. Some metal countertops stand up to the wear and tear better than others. But with the choices that are available, you can find the right match for the kind of duty your countertops will see.

What Exactly Are Metal Counter Tops?

Photo Courtesy of Handcrafted Metal

The first thing you should know about metal countertops is that they are not solid slabs of metal, equal to the thickness of your countertop.

Rather, they are relatively thin sheets of metal that are formed and fastened to a wood or similar backing material. The metal wraps around the edges to give the countertop a finished look. In most cases the corners are either welded or soldered, depending on the material and fabricator, and ground smooth as needed so there is no appearance of a seam.

A nice feature of metal is that it's non-porous, with good hygienic qualities. Most metal countertops are heat-proof and will take a hot pan better than laminate or solid surface.

But like other facets of life, there is no free lunch and a metal countertop's armor does have its chinks. For example, metals other than stainless steel will develop a patina and change color over time. That's not a bad thing but if you want to retain the original finish, you'll need to apply a sealer or wax to prevent this color change.

Photo Courtesy of Handcrafted Metal

Also, metal is malleable, which means a metal countertop can be dented, despite the wood backing underneath. And once it's dented, there's no way of fixing it. You might think that your countertop won't see rough duty but don't discount inadvertently dropping a bottle of wine onto the surface.

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Metal Choices And Their Pros & Cons

There are several different types of metal that are used to fashion kitchen countertops. Stainless steel is a well known surfacing material but if you're not a stainless fan, don't fret. There are several other choices that offer different looks and style.

• Stainless steel
• Copper
• Zinc
• Pewter

Stainless Steel Countertops

Stainless steel is arguably the more commonly recognized variety of metal countertops. It's used extensively in commercial applications like restaurant kitchens and cafeterias due to its great qualities. It's easily cleaned, almost impossible to stain, indifferent to water and spills.

Photo Courtesy of Handcrafted Metal

Some are of the opinion that it can look too industrial but it really depends on how it's designed into the rest of the kitchen. Stainless steel countertops don't have to make your kitchen look like a science lab when combined with the right design elements.

Stainless steel is manufactured in different "grades". These grades vary based on the particular constituents in the steel and the properties they impart. A good grade of steel for kitchen countertops is type 304 stainless steel. It offers high strength and good scratch resistance (although it's not scratch-proof) as well as good aesthetic qualities.

The surface finish of stainless steel is classified by a numbering system and indicates the amount of polish and resulting reflectivity. The numbering system ranges from 0 to 8 with the higher numbers representing higher polishes and reflectivity. Highly polished surfaces will show scuffs and fingerprints and will also reflect a lot of light. If you want to minimize fingerprints and scratches, a #4 finish is a good choice.

Highs, Lows & Other Considerations A Durable Surface - Stainless steel is arguably the best choice among metal countertops for overall durability. It's the hardest and will stand up the best to dings, dents and scratches. Brushed Finishes Hide Blemishes - Choosing a brushed finish, one that's not very shiny, will go a long way toward masking fingerprints and the scratches that will ultimately show up. Shinier, more reflective finishes will be harder to maintain. Can Take The Heat - A stainless steel countertop is capable of handling heat and won't protest if it comes in contact with a hot pan. Integrated Easily With Stainless Sinks - A stainless countertop can be seamlessly attached to a stainless steel sink (through welding and polishing of the seam) for an integral sink/countertop combination. Doesn't Like Bleach/Chloride - You'll need to be careful with bleach and chloride-based chemicals and cleaners around stainless steel as they can permanently damage the surface. Won't Develop A Patina - A stainless steel metal countertop won't change shades and develop a patina as it ages. Aside from developing scratches and scuffs over time, it'll look the same as when you first installed it.

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Copper Countertops

Copper is a material that's been used for centuries and has proven it's mettle (couldn't resist the pun) under all sorts of trying conditions.

Photo Courtesy of Handcrafted Metal

Copper will develop a reddish-brown patina as it ages. You can maintain a uniform color if you apply a wax or sealer which some fabricators apply during manufacture. Sealers however can be scratched by knives and other sharp implements negating the sealing benefits, so keep this in mind if you want to maintain that uniform look.

Copper's relative softness means it will dent and scratch more easily than steel. Despite this minor drawback however, copper countertops impart a warm ambiance to a kitchen, a sort of mix between old-world and modern style.

Certain alloys of copper are also antimicrobial. That means that that they can help reduce the amount of certain types of bacteria that come in contact with the metal. Be advised however that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates this issue and that copper products that truly have this capability must be registered with the EPA. You can read more about that topic at the EPA website and the copper industry's informational site dealing with copper's antimicrobial characteristics.

Highs, Lows & Other Considerations Warmer "Feel" Than Steel - If you think a steel countertop is too clinical for you, copper's warmer hues tend to soften the overall look and feel of a kitchen. Color Tones Change - Copper will definitely age and darken as over time if it's not sealed. If you like the brighter shiny-penny look of copper and want to maintain that appearance, you'll need to keep it sealed or waxed. Integrated Easily With Copper Sinks - Like steel, a copper countertop can be welded to a copper countertop for a seamless transition between the sink and counter surface. Antimicrobial Characteristics - As described above certain types of copper may help reduce the amount of particular types of bacteria. However if it's sealed, this hygienic effect is negated since the coating forms a barrier over the copper. Dents And Scratches More Easily - Copper is a softer metal than steel and will be more prone to denting and scratching. However some may view these blemishes as a desirable addition to the copper's patina as it ages. Different Textures Are Available - A copper countertop can be made with varying finishes like a hammered or reverse hammered surface.

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Zinc Countertops

If you really want to be different from the Joneses, tell them you have zinc countertops. If your familiarity with zinc is limited to sunblock and lozenges that fight the common cold, you're in for a surprise. Whether you know it or not, zinc has many uses and countertops are one of them.

Photo Courtesy of Handcrafted Metal

Zinc has a whitish to silvery-gray appearance when "new" but develops a darkened blue-gray patina over time as it oxidizes. If you prefer to keep the fresher look you can apply a beeswax coating periodically. Zinc countertops are made like other metal countertops, from sheets of zinc material formed over a wood or other substrate backing. Zinc is also a safe material and it's actually essential for life, being an important element in the proper function of the human body.

Zinc is a relatively soft material and has a much lower melting point than copper or stainless steel. It will scratch and show knife marks and although it won't melt, it might be susceptible to distortion if very hot items are placed on it.

Photo Courtesy of Handcrafted Metal

Scratches can be polished out but deep knife cuts might be more difficult to remove depending how deep they are so you'll want to avoid cutting and chopping on a zinc countertop.

Zinc can be joined by welding or soldering depending on who's fabricating the countertop and the thickness of the material being used. That means you can incorporate an integral zinc sink if you so desire. The sink is welded to the countertop and the seams ground flush for a seamless transition between the countertop surface and the sink.

Highs, Lows & Other Considerations Same Color Family But Warmer Than Steel - Zinc has the same silver and blue tones of stainless steel but on the warmer side. If like that color family but want something more muted than steel, zinc may be an option for you. Color Tones Change - Zinc will develop a patina over time, similar to copper. If you don't want your zinc metal countertop color to darken, you'll need to seal it. Integrated Easily With Zinc Sinks - Zinc is another metal that when used as a countertop surface can be combined with a zinc sink for a seamless look. Not As Tolerant Of Heat As Other Metals - Although zinc is a metal, it's not as tolerant to high heat as other metals like steel or copper. Very hot pans might pose a risk to a zinc countertop.

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Pewter Countertops

Pewter is a soft metal that's silvery in color but ages to a duller gray over time. Pewter's not a pure metal like zinc or copper but rather an alloy which is a combination of different metals. Pewter is mostly tin, roughly 85 to 95 percent, with a small amount of copper or other metals like bismuth or antimony. Some pewter alloys contain lead but aren't (and shouldn't be) used for items that come in contact with food. Because it's a relatively soft metal pewter will tend to show dents if it's struck hard enough.

Photo Courtesy of Handcrafted Metal

Pewter actually has a beautiful look and offers a nice alternative to the slightly more clinical look of stainless steel. Pewter's silvery color is muted somewhat in that it's not bright like chrome. Rather, it has a softer, more matte appearance. It's softness also has an upside in that the metal is easily shaped and stamped, allowing interesting and artistic designs to be incorporated into the surface. It's a more traditional look but might be an interesting focal point or a different style choice in an eclectic kitchen.

Highs, Lows & Other Considerations Another Soft Metal - Pewter is the softest of the metal countertops and will be most susceptible to wear and tear. It may be better suited as a secondary countertop, one that won't be the "workbench" of the kitchen. Color Tones Change - A pewter countertop will also darken with time, like zinc and copper. Make Sure There's No Lead - Some forms of pewter contain lead, a no-no for food prep areas. Make sure any pewter countertops you investigate are clearly advertised as being free from any lead content. Softer Makeup Allows For Intricate Patterns - The upside of being softer means pewter can be more easily formed, allowing for more detail, particularly on edge profiles.

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So What's New And Interesting?

OK, so you know a little bit about the more mundane facts of metal countertops. But what about some of the more interesting and handy features, the stuff that's a little more exciting?

Check out these features and see if they stir up visions of potential metal countertops in your kitchen.

• Eye-Catching (and wear-camouflaging) Patterns On Stainless Steel
  A stainless steel metal countertop doesn't have to have a monochromatic look. Different brush finishes add a whole new twist to the look of stainless and add some visual dimension to what can sometimes be a boring surface. Not only that however, these types of finishes do a great job masking everyday use since any scratches tend to get muted by the "micro-scratches" of the patterned finish.

  Photo Courtesy of Handcrafted Metal

• Variable Colors And Patinations On Copper
  Depending on your tastes you can have some "built-in" patinas with your copper countertops. These color and swirl patterns come to you courtesy of heat and chemicals applied by the manufacturer, prior to delivery.

  Photo Courtesy of Handcrafted Metal

• Integral Sinks
  We mentioned it above but a picture's worth a thousand words. If you like the look of an integral sink, similar to that seamless look you get with solid surface sinks and countertops, you can get them with a metal countertop too.

  Photo Courtesy of Handcrafted Metal

• A Hammered Finish On Copper
  Looking for a textured rather than smooth countertop surface? Try one of the hammered or reverse hammered effects like those shown on these copper countertops.

  Photo Courtesy of Handcrafted Metal




• Decorative Edging
  You're not limited to a simple square or waterfall edge with metal countertops, particularly with the softer metals like zinc and pewter. These materials lend themselves to some very interesting details. Some manufacturers actually make elaborate pewter stampings up to several inches tall, that are then soldered (pewter is soldered, not welded) to the edge of the countertop surface. The result is a bold and substantial edge to the countertop, giving it a very substantial look.

  Photo Courtesy of Handcrafted Metal

Needless to say, regardless of which type of metal countertop you're considering, there are plenty of options and treatments that can dress them up and give them individuality.

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Where Can I Get Them?

There are several ways to get a metal countertop. There are companies that specialize in making both custom as well as pre-made metal counters. Many of these sources will ship nationwide. The other option involves using a countertop or metal fabrication shop that's in your local area.

• Sourcing Local Fabricators
  Although metal countertops are becoming more popular, they're still not as mainstream as laminate, solid surface or even stone. But despite that fact, there may be countertop fabricators in your area that can install a metal countertop.

  Look in the phone book under "countertops" or better yet, perform a local internet search using Google or MSN "maps", or Yahoo's "local" search functions and then input "metal countertops" and your local city.

  The benefits of using a local source include face-to-face business relations and the conveniences of the close proximity between your home and the installer's business.

• Fabricate Them Yourself
  This process probably isn't for the faint of heart or clumsy of hand. However, if you're a skilled do-it-yourself'er this may be a possibility. There are sources that make materials specifically for metal countertops. You can buy the metal and fabricate the counters on your own. The challenges lie with the welding and/or soldering that comes along with getting finished corners.

• Get Them From Metal Countertop Specialty Sources
  Though they may not be local, one of the easier ways to obtain metal countertops is to order them through a specialty fabricator. These sources make both pre-made countertops and custom counters made to your specifications. Once the countertops are shipped to you you'll need to install them yourself or hire a contractor to install them for you.

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