If you are looking for a kitchen countertop glow-up, then stainless steel might have crossed your mind. The industrial, minimal, and chic stainless steel countertops steal hearts every single time, but are they worth it for home kitchens or should you stay with common options like granite and quartz kitchen countertops? Here are all the reasons why you shouldn’t consider stainless steel.

It Leaves Fingerprints

As much as stainless steel countertops look amazing, they’re a nightmare for people who despise smudges. Because the surface of stainless steel is pretty shiny and plain, fingerprints and smudges will be more prominent and that’s something that a lot of people don’t like. This causes the countertops to look dirty and unkempt, and it will also itch you to keep wiping down the countertops until the surfaces are spotless.

Well, that sounds exhausting. Because of this fact, stainless steel countertops aren’t as famous and adored by people. They prefer a material that’s going to make their lives easier by camouflaging the stains, not throwing the spotlight on them.

So, if you’re also one of those people who have a sizable dislike for fingerprints on countertops, then stainless steel might be the material that you need to pass on. There are a ton of options available for you in the realm of kitchen countertop materials, so get excited.

Countertops Are Expensive

Stainless steel is known as the most expensive countertop material to exist, so much so, that it also surpasses the price range of granite, which is a very expensive natural stone. Stainless steel is obnoxiously pricey and it just can’t be afforded by people. The average cost of stainless steel countertops is around $100 per square foot.

People don’t always have a comfortable budget to spend on stainless steel countertops, and to be honest, there are a lot of better materials out there that don’t only look pleasing to the eye, but are also affordable.

They’re Boring

Speaking of appearances, stainless steel countertops can be a hit or miss among people. There is a wide majority of people who love the simple appearance and industrial vibe of stainless steel countertops, while there are others who think that there just isn’t a lot to stainless steel that impresses them.

Kitchen countertop materials like granite and marble are extremely beautiful and their beauty is one of the major reasons why people go for them. Stainless steel countertops can look very plain and almost industrial, which is not the vibe a lot of people tend to go for.

Dents Can Occur

Stainless steel is not a stone so it is highly probable that impact damage can cause the metal to dent. It’s not always common with high-grade stainless steel, but there’s only so much that a sheet of metal can endure. A lot of the time, people can test the strength of stainless steel countertops by sitting on top of the surface, standing on them, putting heavy things on them, etc.

These things can lead to dents forming on the surface and since there isn’t any pattern or design on stainless steel, the damage will be clear as day. This is why you need to be careful when putting something on the countertops with too much force.

Scratches Easily

Metals are also prone to scratches. Stainless steel might look like it can take on anything and everything, but that’s not always the case. Sharp knives and pointy things like needles and toothpicks can lead to scratches on this lustrous countertop and it’s safe to say that it will be very obvious.

Unlike stones, scratches on stainless steel aren’t a quick fix. You can’t just fill up the crack and call it a day. For starters, no filler or sealant is available specifically for stainless steel countertops, so the next best option would be to change the sheet altogether, which can be quite expensive.

They’re Noisy

Stainless steel countertops are very noisy. They’re hollow and not dense at all, unlike natural stone countertops, so if you clang pans and pots on the surface of the countertops, then you better believe that your ears will not appreciate the auditory ruckus.

This is something that people need to get used to, especially if they are using stainless steel countertops for the first time. It’s a learning curve and you’ll get used to placing utensils and pots gently on the surface of stainless steel. If you don’t want this noise, go for any natural or man-made stone for your countertop replacement Raleigh NC.

They Can Fade

That’s not something you hear every day, especially about stainless steel, but it’s true. Stainless steel, over time, can fade away. The color of stainless steel countertops is usually metallic, but if you’re not maintaining the material regularly, then it can cause the color to change from gray to yellowish green.

This is seen in low-grade stainless steel countertops because they’re not robust when it comes to rust and corrosion resistance. Also, using corrosive cleaners on stainless steel countertops can lead to premature fading and that’s not a good look at all.

They’re Malleable

This can also be another pain in the neck with low-grade and mediocre stainless steel countertops. They can tend to bend if too much force is applied in a certain area. This is not what you want because stainless steel, at least a good quality and graded material, will not bend and will have a lot of structural integrity to it.

Stainless steel of low grades tends to be more malleable and that’s not what you want in a countertop where you will be working for the most part. So, it’s advised to always invest in a higher grade of stainless steel, because they tend to be harder and less bendable.

Hard To Clean

Stainless steel countertops are also not a breeze to clean. You can’t just clean them with a regular cloth, because it’s going to leave scratches. You need a soft microfiber cloth with no ridges to effectively clean the countertops without leaving any residue behind.

Also, you can’t use abrasive or harsh cleaning agents on the surface of stainless steel countertops, otherwise you’ll ruin them for good. There is just a lot that goes into the cleaning of stainless steel countertops, and most people just can’t seem to deal with it.

Regular Maintenance Is Necessary

Speaking of cleaning, maintenance of stainless steel countertops is no easier either. There are a lot of steps involved in making these countertops look spotless and shiny at all times. Stainless steel needs to be polished every so often to maintain its lustrous gleam.

You also can’t use things like sanding paper or wire meshes to rub off any dried food crumbs on the countertop surface, otherwise you’re just asking for damage. Stainless steel might sound all strong and indestructible, but in reality, it is more sensitive to damage than any other natural stone countertop.

Conclusion

Stainless steel is a durable material and once you set it, you can forget about it, but there are some demerits of this material for domestic kitchens. So, it’s best to weigh out the options before committing to this specific material. If you want a desirable material for your kitchen, choose Silestone countertops NC.