Custom stainless sink/counter in kitchen
I’m thinking of getting a custom-order integrated stainless steel sink/counter (the sink would be about 28″ long with about 25″ of counter on either side). I’d like about a 6″ integrated backsplash as well with a wall mount 8″ faucet with mixer above the basin. Ideally, the whole thing would be made with no seal points–just one big piece of stainless.
A few questions for everyone:
1) Has anyone had experience with this kind of a set up? Can anyone recommend a shop/website?
2) This is my residential kitchen–have two small kids. Does a big stainless steel counter like this “patina” well? That is, do the scratches become so abundant that they actually look good. Or is it like there will be 6 or 7 scratches that make me crazy?
(I’m the same person who posted the enamel sink refinishing question earlier today…I think I’m going to have to give up on that one. Just trying to replicate it in an updated material.)
Many thanks,
Dana
Replies
It'll be big$$$, and it won't get a patina....
I'm not an expert on SS, but I know there are lots of different grades, and that the appliance makers have worked hard at developing ones/alternatives that don't show every fingerprint...you'll get real handy with Shielashine ;-)
I haven't read your other thread, but if what you have is one of those old enameled one piece sink/drainboard/tops, a good solid surface (Corian & it's like) shop can make the same thing...
Somewhere I read about doing sinks and counter tops/backsplashes in zinc (maybe it was in "The Journal of Light Construction"). Copper would also "work", but both metals are kind of soft and will show scratches, but should develop the patina you are talking about. If you get a deep scratch, you might be able to buff it out, or blend it with steel wool. There are a couple guys here who work with copper who can advise you. You can also do a search on past discussions--"copper countertops" might be good words to have it search for. Good luck. If you can't find anything, let me know and I'll see if I can help further.
I would look at a used restaurant equipment store for 2 reasons.
1. you can see what the "patina" is going to look like.
2. You might actually see a set up you like which is going to be a lot cheaper than having one custom made.
I have more experience installing these set-ups than living with one.
boats234 has more experience living with them he might be able to shed some light on this.
Make sure your walls are flat and your corners are square, because the countertop will be.
The awful thing is that beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and the devil are fighting there, and the battlefield is the heart of man.
- Fyodor Dostoyevski
IMHO, it's be easier to deal with a SS counter with a drop-in SS sink. Use 304 brushed SS, and specify what direction you want the "grain" to run. You can polish out most any scratches with "Barkeepers Friend." Works for me.
There is a distinct difference in looks between the high end ($$$$, e.g. Blanco or Franke) and everything else. As my sister the Interior Designer once said, the high end ones are the only ones that look good even if the maid hasn't just buffed them.
Restaurant quality stuff is quite strong, but isn't going to be the prettiest. Also consider sink depth. The commercial stuff tends to be deeper, and harder on the back for us tall folks. A very personal decision, but one that has far-reaching ramifications...
I don't know, if it were me I think I'd still be looking at ways to salvage the old sink; there is a character to them that you just can't find today.