Whether you decide to tile the entire area of your backsplash or just to insert randomly placed individual tiles the results will add impact to your space. These copper and stainless steel backsplash tiles are from Frigo Design.

Want to make a splashy statement in your kitchen? A stainless steel kitchen backsplash or stainless tiles can be the perfect finish to your dream kitchen, or quick way to jazz up an existing kitchen.

Homeowners have not lost their appetite for stainless steel since appliances in this finish appeared on the residential market about a decade ago. With designers and manufactures looking for new applications for stainless steel fresh possibilities are really opening up for the kitchen.

What stainless steel options are available for backsplashes and countertops? How is stainless tile installed? How do you clean and maintain stainless steel?

Stainless Steel Applications

Solid stainless steel backsplashes, long used in restaurant kitchens, are available and gaining popularity in the home kitchen. These come in a variety of patterns and finishes, including satin or matte finishes that mask fingerprints. This attractive, easy to clean option runs from $20 to $35 per square foot.

Custom stainless countertops have practical value and are aesthetically pleasing on islands or when used throughout the kitchen. Looking for somewhere handy to place your hot pots? Have a portion of stainless countertop installed beside your stove or range. For a seamless look select a stainless steel countertop that amalgamates your sink. The cost of stainless steel counter is between $50 and $75 per square foot, before installation and does not including any sinks.

A stainless steel kitchen backsplash can really tie toghether the entire design scheme of your kitchen by echoing the finishes of your appliances and cabinet hardware. This model kitchen by Frigo Design features a stainless steel backsplash and a custom stainless countertop.

Stainless Steel tiles installed as a backsplash can really complete the look of your kitchen. Numerous manufacturers are producing tiles in stainless steel and other great finishes like brass, copper, titanium, and zinc.  Prices vary greatly depending on the size and unit price of each tile, but you can expect to pay between $40 and $200 per square foot.

Installation

Solid custom stainless backsplashes are a smart choice behind stoves or sinks as they protect your wall from grease and water splashes. Once you have the measurements for the area that you would like to cover with the stainless backsplash you can order it from a manufacturer or take the measurements to your local home improvement center and have them custom-cut your piece.  Your kitchen remodeling contractor can then install your kitchen backsplash by “gluing” it to the wall with silicone caulking or by screwing it to the wall with stainless steel screws.

Stainless steel countertops come in different finishes like this leathergrain patterned stainless vanity top by Frigo Design

You can usually order a customized stainless steel countertop by sending your measurements to a company that manufactures counters. Just make sure you follow their instructions for measuring. There are different grades of stainless steel for various applications. For the most part, 14 or 16 gauge is what is typically used in a kitchen. The gauge of a metal refers to its thickness; the thicker the metal, the lower the gauge. You will need to have a professional contractor install your custom stainless countertop for you. Countertops either come with a wood backer or you can have your contractor install a plywood base under the stainless steel surface. The plywood acts as a sound barrier and gives the countertop needed support.

Stainless tiles are ideal for kitchen backsplashes and come in the same thickness as regular tiles. As a result, you can mix and match these materials to create attractive designs. Ask the tradesperson installing your tile about pattern options. Stainless steel tile is installed just like ceramic tile with wall glue and latex or non-sanded grout. Instead of using a regular tile cutter a contractor will need to use a hack saw, a jigsaw with a tungsten carbide fine tooth blade, or a diamond tip circular wet saw in order to make needed cuts.

Cleaning

Ordering a custom counter allows you to integrate your sink. Notice this stainless steel farm sink by Frigo Design

Stainless steel is ideal for the kitchen, not only because it is heat and water resistant, but because it is hygienic and durable. How, though do you maintain and clean stainless steel?  Actually it is very easy. For day to day cleaning simply use warm water and a mild soap on a sponge or soft cloth.  The key to a spotless finish is wiping it dry. If you want to use chlorides or bleaches ensure you rinse it off thoroughly as these can corrode and stain the surface.  Acidic foods, like tomato and lemon, will also cause stains.  So don’t leave them sitting on your counters for long durations and always wash the surface afterward.

For a more aggressive maintenance choose a scrubbing pad that is not steel wool as this will leave particles behind. Rub in the direction of the grain.

Stainless tiles can also be sealed with a fingerprint-less and stainless sealer that will further protect the tiles from stains and make cleaning a breeze. This product is about $5 a square foot.

The contemporary look of stainless steel has staying power. It has moved beyond being a mere passing trend and has become a mainstream style.  Why not consider using stainless steel in your home improvement project in the kitchen.