thinking about stainless steel counters for the kitcern. Can this be done, any ideas.
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Shame you're not in Ohio... the guy 5 doors down does awesome stainless work. Fabricates counter-tops all of the time for commercial settings. Has done quite a few for residential applications.
Answer is... "yes, it certainly can be done".
The rest of the answer, however, is that I would definitely have it fabricated by someone who specializes in stainless. He has a huge shop full of tools (many of them one-offs) to fabricate the stuff. Massive breaks, really cool shears, ultra cutting-edge welding equipment, huge fab tables set up specifically for stainless. Some of the one-off equipment he has designed and built himself.
Next time I see him (possibly tomorrow or the next day), I'll see if he'll drop in and offer up some advice.
Edited 2/17/2005 10:24 pm ET by Rich from Columbus
I installed granite in an architects kitchen who had granite around the stove and serving area, butcher block in the prep area and a stainless clean up/sink/dishwashing area. the backsplash countertop and edge were all folded out of one piece of stainless and the sink was welded in and ground/polished to the point you couldnt see the weld. I think he used the local mechanical contractor.
I liked the concept of mixed media. I actually have a small 18" base cabinet I inherited in my kitchen with an old polished stainless top on it. I love it. The rest of the kitchen is granite. I don't know why people like brushed stainless. I would absolutely use polished and proceed to scratch the hell out of it with no worries. The kitchen is a workshop where you create meals, not a showpiece to one up the neighbors.
I never notice fingerprints on well worn stainless counters in restaurants but on modern brushed stainless appliances and sinks the homeowner is always trying to remove fingerprints and waterspots.
karl
Edited 2/18/2005 1:01 am ET by karl
<<I never notice fingerprints on well worn stainless counters in restaurants but on modern brushed stainless appliances and sinks the homeowner is always trying to remove fingerprints and waterspots.>>
When I worked in a church, we had trouble removing marks from stainless steel in the kitchen. A woman who worked for the janitorial service had us buy "Stainless Steel Cleaner" from a janitorial supply place and when she used that, it looked perfect.
Yes, and you can save considerably if you build the substrate yourself. Most counters are made of 16 or 18 ga. brushed. Find a good independent fabricator. Don't go to a big box for this.
After you have your cabs in place build the substrate out of good paint grade ply. Stay away from MDF. Build the cab tops with the built-up edges and rout the profile on the top and bottom. They will roll the SS over and weld all seams. Make sure they break the edges on the underside so you won't cut your self when installing.
You can use sheet 16 ga. siliconed directly to the wall for a backsplash. Just have them cut a strip of SS and roll the top edge. Put that on first so you can use cauls to keep it in place while the silicone cures. Some people construction adhesive. Run a good bead of silicone on the back of the top when installing for a good water proof seal.
Use "Barkeepers Friend" to keep it polished.