The Versatility of Stainless Steel for Your Home

Think about your last kitchen or bathroom renovation project. Did Stainless Steel ever come to mind? Why not? Many people are quick to judge Stainless Steel as “too industrial” or “cold”, but I feel as though these people are misinformed and unaware of the benefits this material has to offer.

For those of you who yearn for cleanliness, Stainless Steel is non-porous. What does this mean? It means it’s easy to clean and incredibly sanitary. Sure, you can leave streaks on a metal surface... if you use the wrong cleaning product. But doesn’t this apply to mirrors and windows as well?

Stainless Steel is used by medical professionals. Why? Because of how sanitary and easy to clean it is. Tools, cabinets, work tables, sinks, carts, and more are all made using Stainless Steel. But maybe now I’m giving the impression of an “industrial” material again. But wait! I’m not finished yet.

Want to make your Stainless Steel countertop even easier to clean while adding a designer’s touch? Pick any Stainless Steel undermount sink (Blanco, Kindred, whatever) and you can have it seamlessly integrated into your counter. How? It’s fully welded in place and the welds are polished. What does this mean? Two things: 1) you’ve now removed any seam where bacteria and grime can hide; and 2) you’ve made your countertop look amazing.

Stainless Steel starting to sound a little better?

Stainless Steel is flexible... in other words, your new countertop can be shaped to fit in almost any space. Stainless Steel can be formed and pieces can be welded together and polished to create a seamless design. No seams = easy to clean (write that down). And if paired with the right design elements, such as paint and colour schemes, you can turn this “cold” material warm again.

I’m no designer, but let me tell you Stainless Steel is a show stopper. If you want a typical kitchen just like your friends and family, then maybe Stainless Steel isn’t right for you. But if you feel like showing off A LOT, then Stainless Steel is sure to help. Personally, I’m getting pretty bored of seeing the same material in every house I visit (I'm looking at you, Granite).

In addition, Stainless Steel is very durable. Sure, metal can scratch, but talk to anyone with a stainless steel countertop and they’ll tell you that the scratches simply add character. And sure, metal can dent (if you hit it with a hammer), but have you ever seen a cracked countertop? Not pretty. I’ve seen a Corian countertop crack twice around a cooktop. Heat will never cause Stainless Steel to crack because, guess what!? Stainless Steel is heat resistant. Yes, another major benefit to using this material.

I was cooking with my girlfriend and she asked where she could put the hot pan she just pulled off the stove. She could hardly believe when I told her to put it on my new stainless steel island/table. “Why not?” I asked, “it’s metal!”

How does Stainless Steel sound now? Sanitary, flexible, functional, AND trendy? Could it be that a material can be so versatile? But wait! I’m not done...

Stainless Steel is 100% recyclable. Yes, Stainless Steel is a GREEN material! Even your finished product can be sold (yes, SOLD) to a scrap dealer who will take it to be melted down and re-manufactured into the same sheet of metal your new countertop was made from. These mills also adhere to several environmental regulations, including air and water filtration procedures. The best part is, unlike other recycled materials, recycled Stainless Steel maintains consistent quality.

Let’s recap... Stainless Steel is sanitary, flexible, functional, recyclable, and trendy. Have I changed your mind? Don’t forget about Stainless Steel for your countertop, sink, cabinets and shelves, backsplash, laundry sink, or even your railing next time you renovate your home. The applications are endless.

Visit us online at www.ridalco.com for more Stainless Steel ideas. While you're there, check out our new online store for small, off the shelf stainless steel items, including smartphone stands and portable food prep stations.