Kitchen Counters - Alternative Materials to Consider

With the broadened distribution of home improvement television, consumers are learning daily about new materials to consider for their kitchen counters. Many of these materials are not even new, but rather are now accessible both from a price perspective and because a nation wide network of craftsmen exists to install them in consumer homes. Some of these less popular and alternative materials include stainless steel, wood or butcher block, and finally concrete. Historically, some of these materials were considered inappropriate for homes or were simply too expensive for those that dared to venture away from the norm.

Stainless steel has been a commonly used material for kitchen countertops in industrial or commercial kitchens. As appliances began to incorporate stainless steel in to their designs, more and more consumers learned of the incredible properties of the material. It became acceptable to have the kitchen in your house look like a restaurant kitchen. This trend is clearly visible with the adoption of industrial grade ranges and cooking equipment as well. Stainless steel counters are available in various thickness and materials.

The most common two selections of material are 304 or 316L stainless. Although both are extremely durable and perfectly appropriate for kitchen environments, 316L is considered the superior selection. 316L contains an atomic material called Molybdenum which gives the steel an extreme anti corrosive property. As an example, cruise ships and ocean liners have their propellers made from 316L. Submarines will typically be made of 316L in the parts that have significant or constant exposure to salt water. Needless to say, it is probably overkill for a home kitchen but perfect for the home owner who insists on the best of the best. The next consideration with a stainless steel countertop is the thickness. Thickness is measured by the term gauge. Stainless kitchen counters will typically run from 20 gauges to 6 gauges; the lower the gauge, the thicker the material. Thicker countertops inevitably mean a more expensive material expense. Finally, stainless steel can be customized with grain options. The grain can be machined for bright, matted, or even distressed finishes which can add considerable character to your countertop.

Wood counters are commonly called butcher block countertops. Wood is extremely popular for kitchens looking for a rustic or antique look and feel. After a number of years, the material can be sanded and resealed to give it a brand new look. Many home owners will simply apply a coat of vegetable oil to the surface to give it a natural and warm feel. One of the considerations with wood is that you can select it for your island and go with another material on your other counter spaces. Wood looks appropriate even with other materials in the same kitchen.

Finally, kitchen counters are popping up with concrete and concrete variations. Most people think of their driveways or pool decks when they think of concrete, but the finished product used for countertops has significant technological advantages. Specifically, concrete kitchen counters are formulated to be extremely strong and structurally flexible. The reason for flexibility is that many consumers are opting for their countertops and kitchen sink to be one-piece and fully integrated. It's important that the kitchen sink be able to accommodate hot and cold variations and have the structural capacity so that it does not crack. Additionally, concrete finished are versatile in that they can be glazed and acid finished to produce a number of looks that work for contemporary, traditional, or even transitional kitchens.