FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR STAINLESS STEEL COUNTERTOPS

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Question: How thick will my countertops be?

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Answer: We typically construct our countertops from 16ga. (.065) stainless steel. In the case there is a required field weld or integrated sink we use 14ga. (.080)

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Question: Are thicker plate countertops available in stainless?

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Answer: Yes we can use 3/16 thick up to 3/8 Plate.

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Question: Will I need to provide my own sink?

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Answer: No, we can custom build to any size and spec. We prefer to build our own out of a heavier gauge and provisions to integrate into the countertop to control quality. If you have a sink you would like to us we need to look at the specification before estimating.

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Question: How does the countertop get affixed to the casework?

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Answer:  We pre-glue the countertops to the substrate i.e. “wood sub-tops” then bring them out to the site where either the contractor or us can screw the countertops to the casework using the triangular casework reinforcement corners as an attachment point. These are access from the underside of the existing casework. The second option is to pre-screw the substrate i.e. “wood sub-tops” to the casework from the top down and then glue and weigh down the countertops in the field.

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Question: What are the options for finishes?

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Answer: We have a few to choose from. The most popular is the appliance grade (#4 satin finish) this is the most common. There is a (hand honed finish) which is a light non direction finish that softens the look and feel of the stainless and is an easy maintenance finish. A third option is a (220 polished mechanical finish). This is again a non-directional finish with more of a light etched pattern. Other more expensive options are (Mirror Finish), (2B Finish), (Orbital Finishes), & (Wide Coral)

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Question: What if my contractor or woodworker wants to install the substrate? i.e. wood sub-top?

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Answer: We will need to insure that the wood is CLEAN, DRY, & FLAT with NO screw heads sitting higher than the plain of the substrate. We recommend that the substrate only come to the front edge of the casework as shown in the example below, and extend to the wall or side wall/uprights on each side if applicable. If a sink is required we recommend it either be marked in its exact location or cut out to the exact size. We will cut any additional material off necessary for the custom built sink. Faucets, soap dispensers, airgaps, etc.  Should be clearly marked on the wood substrate with a recommended size for us to pre punch for you.

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Question: How do I indicate the thickness and height of my backsplash?

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Answer: This can either be done by cutting the exact thickness and height from the same substrate materials and having your contractor screw the splash into place or it can be simply indicated on the wood sub top. See (layout example) below. For full height flat wall splashes we recommend these be either measured by berlin or Templated precisely by the contractor.

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Question: What choices do I have for my front edge detail?

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Answer: There are several to choose from a standard 90 degree edge. A marine edge, hip edge, rounded edges and more. Below is a link the various edge details that are available.

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Question: Do I need to upgrade to a T-316 stainless steel or is T-304 ok for my residential application?

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Answer: In most cases the T-304 stainless steel is going to be suitable for almost all residential countertop applications. The upgrade to T-316 will give you more corrosions resistance to caustic chemicals, hair dyes, and marine environments where extensive salt water is present.

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Question: Will my stainless steel scratch?

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Answer: Yes the stainless steel in time will scratch with use. Mostly the scratches create a monolithic finish throughout the countertop. Some of the newer finished such as hand honed & mechanical finishes allow you to re-surface the countertops from time to time.

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Question: What does an integrated sink mean?

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Answer: Integrated sink mean that we will weld and polish the stainless sink into the countertop making the countertop and sink one monolithic piece. The weld area where the sink and countertop join will be smooth to the touch and invisible.

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Question: Will my countertop dent?

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Answer: Yes if something heavy enough is dropped on them. If the countertop is laminated correctly to the substrate it will protect the countertop from minor bumps and drops.

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Question: How does pricing of stainless, copper compare to granite & quartz countertops.

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Answer: Reputable stainless companies that offer high quality and professional installation services will charge anywhere in the range of $125.00-$180.00 a sq. ft. Copper approx. $140.00-$225.00 This would be a rough estimate for basic countertop top shapes not including fancy front edge details and integrated sinks. Granite in comparison would range approx. $75.00-$150.00 again depending on your finish and detail. Quarts is typically in the range of $60.00-$100.00