This section is general, industry information on kitchen renovations to help with your research. It doesn't necessarily represent our views.
The kitchen is the heart of any home. It is an area which sees most of the action - meal prep, eating, cleaning, socialising and even homework. The kitchen is often not just a place for cooking.
If you are planning a kitchen renovation, you'll want your space to be functional while looking amazing. A great way to start planning your kitchen renovation is by choosing durable kitchen benchtops. Benchtops are one of the most crucial aspects of a renovation. Not only do you want the benchtop to look stylish, but it should also be long-lasting. After all, it can be costly to replace benchtops every couple of years. Our pick for a terrific benchtop material which lasts is stainless steel.
Stainless steel benchtops are hygienic, easy to clean, and durable. This product is commonly used in commercial kitchens but is also becoming a popular option for use in residential kitchens. Homeowners are increasingly choosing stainless steel benchtops to provide a minimalist and contemporary style.
Stainless steel has many benefits but also some disadvantages which we will be discussing here. Keep reading to learn more.
Stainless steel is resistant to heat, rust, water and fire, or basically everything you need for your kitchen. This means you can keep hot pans on the benchtop without worrying about any damage.
Liquids or food products cannot penetrate into the material so if cleaned regularly your benchtop won't breed bacteria, mould, and germs.
The benchtop won’t stain from wine, oils or food colours so you can channel your inner chef and your kitchen will still remain pristine.
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All you need is a damp cloth and some dish soap to clean the benchtop and it will look brand new. Read more on caring for your stainless steel benchtops.
If you are conscious about keeping your carbon footprint as low as possible, choosing a stainless steel material will be very beneficial. It is a 100% recyclable material and one of the most sustainable materials on the planet. In fact, most of the stainless steel we use is already made from recycled materials.
It is easy to install stainless steel countertops which can be cut and manufactured in any shape or size.
Although it is stain-free, stainless steel benchtops are not scratch free and can acquire small dents over time. It can retain your fingerprints although this can be avoided by cleaning the surface regularly. If you think marks will bother you, opt for a brushed finish which can hide the marks.
Metal benchtops can create a clanging and banging noise as you put pots and pans on them. To minimise the noise is usually installed over timber to reduce which can also help prevent any denting effects too.
Some people may perceive the look of stainless steel to be too cold and impersonal. For people working in restaurants or hospitals who see steel benchtops every day, it might not be a look they would like to see in their homes.