DIY Stainless Kitchen Counters | eHow

Incorporating the clean, industrial look and functionality of commercial kitchens into your home's kitchen can be accomplished by installing stainless steel counters. A stainless steel counter is an affordable option to the higher-end stone countertop choices. Its nonporous surface is easy to clean and maintain, and its appearance and luster pulls in and reflects light back into the room. A shiny stainless steel kitchen is a home chef's delight--bright and airy and ready for food preparation and presentation.

Measure the counter space for your kitchen with a table measure, and sketch the layout of your countertop on a sheet of graph paper. Measure the width and length of your counter space over your base cabinets. Take precise measurements, and check them more than once.

Note the width and length dimensions of your kitchen sink. Use a tape measure to measure where the kitchen sink will be located in the counter. Take measurements from all four sides: from the backsplash to the back edge of the sink, from the counter's edge to the front of the sink and from the ends of each side to the sides of the sink.

Submit your measurements to a stainless steel kitchen counter fabricator to produce your custom counter. Decide on the type of edging you want your countertop to have, such as rounded over or squared, and decide on a stainless steel finish--antique matte finish, stain brushed finish, traditional silver or a metallic-colored finish are a few of the choices.

Determine whether your kitchen sink will be a separate drop-in piece or a seamless part of your new countertop unit. Both options offer varying styles and are convenient to use, but the solid, one-piece sink and countertop combination streamlines the look and usage of your countertop.

Build a base plywood backer for your countertop according to the dimensions recommended by your stainless steel counter supplier. The backer will give the stainless steel counter support, but the counter will completely cover it.

Install the stainless steel kitchen counters yourself or have them professionally installed. Use the recommended adhesives to set the counter in place over the plywood backer. Professional installers weld the seams together when the counter requires more than one piece of stainless steel. Allow the counter time to set, and then install the kitchen sink if it is not a part of the counter.

You will enjoy your updated kitchen once your stainless steel counter installation is complete. Perform regular maintenance to keep your stainless kitchen counters looking new for a very long time.