Over at her blog The Home Project, reader Linn and her husband continue to chronicle the remodel of their adorable bungalow kitchen. Recently, they rolled up their sleeves and installed a stainless steel countertop right over the old, existing laminate countertops. The headline: When first considering the stainless steel countertop option, Linn contacted a big box hardware store and was quoted $150/s.f. for the steel countertop, including installation included. Her countertop is pretty small — just 20 s.f. Even so, that would have added up to a hefty $3,000 kitchen countertop. Researching more options, Linn found a local steel fabrication company that would cut and bend 20 gauge stainless steel to Linn’s exact template — for $400 total.
BE AWARE UPDATE: A reader commented that his contractor would not install a stainless steel countertop in his kitchen — the contractor said that the building code would not permit this metal countertop in residential uses. I am not an expert. Consult with your own properly licensed professional(s) to assess this issue so you can make your own informed decisions.
That is a serious price difference, to put it mildly. So, Linn and her husband figured out how to do the job.. In fact, they make it look pretty in the click here –-> step-by-step tutorial on how to measure, prepare for, and install a stainless steel countertop. Nicely done, Linn — you two have mad skills, and the countertop really turned out beautifully. Your little bungalow kitchen, and your little (974 s.f.) jewel box house: simply lovely.
Brooke says
I plan on doing this to my small vintage rv. It’s maybe only 3 feet by 6 feet but this is soooo perfect!! THANK U THANK U!!
Nancy says
Great post! We’ve done the same in 3 new kitchens on our farm, and we’re about to do it in a fourth cabin that has an existing laminate counter.
I can’t understand why stainless steel counters are so expensive from a home store, when all you have to do is find a good metal fabricator and have one made for your template. Simple, reasonably priced, and you support a local business.
After living with stainless steel countertops for 6 years, I can’t imagine using a different surface. They’re very simple to maintain, and it’s a luxury to put hot pots down without worrying.
To clean and shine them, I use a nontoxic stainless spray based on olive oil.
Teresa says
Regarding the NY Metals snap-on edging — does anyone know if it will conform to a radius? I have a 45 degree rounded edge at one end of my counter. I’m hesitant to order the snap on molding because I’m worried it won’t bend around a rounded corner. Does anyone know?
pam kueber says
I did a story on this, it’s in the Kitchens / Countertops category: https://retrorenovation.com/2008/10/15/can-i-use-stainless-steel-snap-on-edging-to-make-a-curve-not-easily-use-butcher-block-or-switch-to-aluminum-tee-molding/
Carole says
Sometimes ‘diy’ is the only way to go! Looks great!
Over the course of remodeling and updating three homes, we’ve researched and done quite a few jobs ourselves. In most cases we feel that we’ve done a better job than some of the people we would have hired, and there’s the gratification of having done the work ourselves (which I’m sure is something you feel every time you look at your wonderful counter). Some times it may take longer than hiring it out, but most of the time it’s worth the time and the effort involved. 🙂
Linn says
Hi everybody! Thanks for all your wonderful comments about my kitchen! It’s so great to get nice feedback like this! Regarding maintenance and upkeep with stainless steel, I have to say it’s great. Our counters are so durable: you can put hot pans right on it, you don’t have to worry about water spots, you don’t have to be too careful since it definitely won’t crack.
In terms of scratches, we haven’t really had any. Well, sure you get tiny scratches all the time, but that almost polishes the metal and makes it look even better. So, I would say to everyone who’s debating doing this whether it’s to your counters or an island – or even a work table (wouldn’t that be great to fix up an old table to do crafts on, plant flowers on etc…) – go right ahead. This is not that difficult to do, as long as you get the measurements right, and we just love ours!
Meredith R. says
Love the idea of stainless with butcher block on the counters. Any thoughts on how to combine them well?
Pam, thanks for your responses. Sadly, real marble is not in the cards for us, and neither is DIY (2 small kids + 2 jobs = no money, no time!). Will check out the new b&w sheet info.
pam kueber says
See my video, minutes 5-6 is when I show my mixup: https://retrorenovation.com/2010/09/07/retro-renovation-tv-laminate-countertops-for-your-mid-century-kitchen/
lady brett says
that is cool. it looks great in that small kitchen. i’ve never much liked stainless steel counters, but looking at this i think it is just because they are so *much* in a large kitchen. now i’m thinking about how nicely a small amount of stainless steel would pair with butcher block.
Lauryn says
Yet one more reader out there who is a model DIY-er! As someone whose skill set seems to be limited to demolition and painting (and designing), I’m always so impressed and not just a little jealous of those with considerably more skill. The stainless steel looks great, kudos to you both!
jenny says
ps. sorry i was all storytellin-like and i didn’t adequately comment about what a flippin’ GREAT job you guys did on this kitchen! i’m so jealous! and i bow down to your DIY money-saving ways!!! the kitchen looks great. heading over to your blog to check out more, Linn and husband! 🙂
jenny says
man alive! i LOVE IT. so gorgeous.
my mom (a realtor) had a house listed about a year ago – built in the early 40s, i believe and that sucker had the most beautiful stainless counter tops original to the house… you’re right, Pam – they age beautifully.
the place got reno’d by the new owner. and not in a way we’d all like to think about. 🙁