Make it work for you
STEEL WORKTOPS CHRISTINE’S CHOICE: Hygienic, seamless and extremely robust, stainless steel is the professionals’ top surface choice for good reason
Stainless steel worktops are popular in hotel and restaurant kitchens for their heat and bacteria resisting properties. They’re also 100% waterproof, easy to clean and their smart, industrial vibe looks fantastic in modern homes.
QWhere can I buy them? You can buy standard lengths of stainless-steel worktop ‘off-the-shelf’ but if you want seamlessly integrated sinks, hobs and upstands, or any welded joints, they’ll need to be made to measure by a fabricator. Ask your kitchen designer for recommendations.
QHow much are they? The cheapest option is to follow Christine’s lead and commission a local steel fabricator to make worktops from steel-clad MDF – prices start from £200 per linear metre. Features like integrated appliances, sinks and curves all increase labour costs. The thickness and quality of the steel, plus any specialist finishes, will bump up the bill.
QDo they mark? This is the main downside – scratches and fingerprints will show. A duller patina will evolve in time, but perfectionists might choose a brushed or satin finish, so fingerprints are less visible. You can get specialist coatings for extra scratch resistance.
QWho will fit them? Most steel worktop fabricators for the residential market will offer templating and installation services. Allow two to four weeks from template sign-off to installation.
QHow do I maintain them? Use mild detergent and warm water, then buff with a microfibre cloth like E-cloth for a smudge-free finish. Bleach, salt and acid spills need to be washed off immediately to avoid damage.
FABIO RAGUSA, IN-HOUSE DESIGNER, FRANKE “Stainless
steel is formable so can be made into interesting curves, with sinks and hobs seamlessly welded in
look” for a co-ordinated