Stainless-steel counter tops have become popular in many of today's modern consumer kitchens, but this is not the only option when it comes to adding some pizzazz to your decor.
Coming back to the interior design scene are metals like copper, zinc, bronze and pewter, all of which are being incorporated into counter tops. In our modern society where antibacterial products are everywhere, metal counter tops are perfect because, unlike granite, they are nonporous which keeps counters stain-resistant and naturally bacteria-free.
Mixed metals, or alloys, are commonly used for counter tops to create a harder surface. Bronze (a combination of copper and tin) or brass (a combination of copper and zinc) are popular additions to designers' arsenals. Unlike the salmon color of pure copper, both these mixed products start with a golden look, but will slowly change to a dark, brownish-black tone as patina sets in.
If a blue-gray tone would suit your decor better, try installing a zinc countertop. This color is the result of patina on zinc, and metal fabricators have seen an increase in requests for this product from the interior design community. The second benefit from using zinc for counter tops is the ability to shape the soft metal for decorative purposes.
Pewter is another popular choice for metal counter tops. Also an alloy, with a mixture of tin and a small amount of copper, pewter is used often to create a bistro setting at home. It, too, offers a patina finish as gray or charcoal colors appear after time. It is also a soft metal and can be formed, such as having decorative edges on counter tops.
The WOW factor with designed metal counter tops
If you don't want to wait for Mother Nature and time to give you the patina look for your copper metal counter tops, you can purchase them with designs already included from the manufacturer. The result is accelerated with the addition of heat and chemicals, but the color and swirl patterns will definitely make your kitchen pop from day one.
Brushed finishes on metal counter tops is another popular choice for consumer and professional kitchens alike. This method is particularly popular with customers who purchase stainless steel counter tops. This design is also beneficial for hiding scratches that occur on the surface.
Copper metal counter tops can be ordered with different textures to add more distinction to your kitchen. Hammered, or reverse hammered copper surfaces define a homeowner's unique taste in distressed interior design choices.
The cost of installing metal counter tops varies, depending on the product choice. Stainless steel is approximately $75-150 per square foot, whereas copper costs closer to $150-200 per square foot. This is comparable with granite, which at mid-range, typically costs $50-120 per square foot.
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