How Much Do Stainless Steel Countertops Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $2,500 - $6,750
Stainless steel countertops typically cost between $2,500 and $6,750 depending on whether they are custom or pre-fab, the metal guage, and the labor costs.
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Stainless steel countertops aren’t just for the pros; if you’re an at-home chef looking to give your kitchen a major upgrade, this material might be worth the splurge. Stainless steel is sleek, durable, stain-resistant, and heat-resistant. It won’t rust either, thanks to its chromium content (according to Scientific American, all stainless steel contains at least 10% chromium)—but those benefits come at a cost.
Stainless steel countertops add costs to a kitchen remodel, but they can boost your kitchen’s overall appeal The average 30-square-foot stainless steel countertop costs between $2,500 and $6,750 for materials and installation. Here’s how the costs break down.
- Average
- $4,500
- Low end
- $1,200
- high end
- $8,400
Stainless Steel Countertops Cost per Square Foot
Stainless steel countertops cost between $70 to $225 per square foot, including materials and professional installation. Custom steel countertops fall towards the higher end of the spectrum (around $140 to $215 per square foot) whereas prefabricated options cost less (around $70 to $85 per square foot). Most homeowners end up spending an average of $150 per square foot.
Stainless Steel Countertops Cost Breakdown
A typical base price for stainless steel countertops includes the hardwood or MDF backing and the cutouts for sinks and faucets, with customizations and upgrades adding more to the total. Otherwise, size and material are the largest factors impacting the cost of your countertop installation. Steel countertops are on the pricier side compared to other materials like laminate. Many homeowners find the cost worth it, but it depends on your needs and preferences. Here are the cost breakdowns to install stainless steel countertops in your home:
Types
Prefabricated
Depending on the features you choose, prefabricated stainless steel countertops run from $1,200 to $2,700. Prefabricated countertops are available in various shapes and sizes and some have an integrated sink, backsplash, and pre-configured edging.
Custom
As stated above, custom stainless steel countertops cost between $140 and $215 per square foot. With custom stainless steel countertops, you have more options and upgrades to choose from. But it’s essential to remember that each upgrade will increase your total cost. These customizations include:
Straight or L-shaped countertop styles
Custom dimensions
Preferred backing: MDF, plywood, or stainless channel
Finish choice: Matte, mirror, brushed, or scratchy/antique matte
Edges: Standard, marine, beveled, or bullnose
Custom edge height
Materials
The cost of materials for a stainless steel countertop is usually around $70 to $215 per square foot. The thicker the counter, the more it will cost. Stainless steel is more expensive than wood or Corian but less expensive than concrete or quartz countertops.
Cutting and Fitting
If you’re purchasing a stainless steel kitchen countertop on your own, you’ll have to pay to cut and fit the sheet metal. Generally, homeowners spend $700 to $2,100 on this process. Additional features cost:
| Feature | Cost |
|---|---|
| Faucet cutout | $20–$25 |
| Electrical Outlet cutout | $25–$30 |
| Sink cutout | $100–$250 |
Labor
Hiring a countertop installation pro to install your countertop usually costs around $30 to $100 per hour. This price works out to an additional $10 per square foot (excluding any plumbing work your kitchen remodel may need).
Size
The bigger your space, the more it’s going to cost for materials. A small stainless steel island will cost less to install than a large commercial kitchen. The average kitchen has around 30 square feet of counter space.
Gauge
Stainless steel comes in different gauges, which is the thickness of the steel. Lower gauges are more durable, strong, and thick. However, they are also more costly. Most residential homes use 16- or 18-gauge thick stainless steel. You can expect to pay between $50 and $200 per square foot to install 16- or 18-gauge stainless steel countertops.
Removal
If you’re remodeling your kitchen or replacing countertops, you’re going to have to remove your old countertop. This will add between $70 and $225 to the cost of your project (excluding sink removal).
Additional Countertop Costs to Consider
Don’t forget to budget for these add-on costs.
Maintenance
To keep your stainless steel countertops in working order, you should regularly wipe, scrub, and buff your countertop with a microfiber cloth and water or mild dish soap. For tougher stains or stubborn fingerprints, you can buff your countertops with a stainless steel cleaner, making sure to wipe with the grain.
Repairs
You can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 to repair stainless steel countertops. You’ll likely need a countertop pro to come in and repair any cracks, chips, or dents. If the damage is severe, you may need to replace the stainless steel covering altogether.
Cost to Install Stainless Steel Countertops Yourself
If you have carpentry and metalworks experience, you can save $30 to $100 per hour in labor costs. Countertop installation typically takes a full day, so you could save between $240 and $800 in labor.
To complete this project, you’ll need to purchase the proper tools, supplies, and countertop materials. For installations that require sinks and plumbing, you should go with a professional countertop installer and plumber. However, purchasing and installing a countertop for smaller jobs, such as building a kitchen island, is much easier.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
You might save $10 per square foot by not calling a pro, but DIY countertop installation is a breeding ground for costly mistakes. It requires specific tools and meticulous knowledge—not to mention, stainless steel isn’t easy to cut. The safest option is to hire a local countertop installer.
If you insist on doing the project DIY, hire a local metal fabricator to make and cut your countertop (if you’re not already reaching for a prefab option). You should also never attempt any at-home plumbing. Leave sink replacement and pipe installation to a local plumber.
Ways to Save Money on Stainless Steel Countertops
You can search for the best deal by getting three quotes from different pros. Overall, stainless steel kitchen countertops are a splurge, but there are ways to cut costs and work within a budget.
Purchase Your Own Wood Board
To create stainless steel countertops, a pro molds steel around wood. You can cut costs by purchasing your own plywood base (3/4-inch thick). A 4-by-8-foot plywood sheet costs around $22.
Choose a Prefab Stainless Steel Countertop
Prefabricated countertops typically cost less than custom options. A prefab stainless steel counter with a single-basin sink usually costs around $1,200 to $2,700, though it depends on the quality of the countertop material.
Mix Stainless Steel With Other Countertop Materials
Not every homeowner likes the look of a commercial kitchen. Try mixing countertop materials if you want to save some cash and give your kitchen remodel a homey feeling. Opt for a stainless steel island and use a budget-friendly material for the rest of your space. Installing butcher block countertops or granite countertops can save you as much as 50%.
Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Countertops Cost
Crafting your countertops from stainless steel leads to a vastly different kitchen experience than using stone, wood, or laminate.
Pros
Durable: Stainless steel is stronger, safer, and lasts longer than other countertop materials.
Heat-resistant: Commercial kitchens use stainless steel counters because they’re heat-resistant and won’t burn like wood or laminate.
Stain-resistant: Messy cooks don’t have to fear with steel counters because they are impervious to stains. This greatly stands out compared to other common countertop materials.
Rust-resistant: Stainless steel is an alloy of chromium and nickel, which makes it rust-resistant.
Hygienic: Steel is non-porous, so it’s easy to clean and less likely to form mold or mildew.
Sustainable: Steel is recyclable, making it an eco-friendly choice. Additionally, many stainless steel countertops are made with recycled material.
Cons
Price: Stainless steel isn’t the most expensive countertop material, but it’s pricier than average. If you want to save a little money, consider using stainless steel for a portion of the counter instead of the whole thing.
Scratches: Scratches show up easily on stainless steel. However, there are several methods to fade or remove most marks.
Smudges: Whether it’s from fingerprints, grease, or water spots, you’ll likely see streaks on stainless steel counters.
Dents: While stainless steel is resistant to chipping or cracking, it is prone to denting.
Noisy: Shuffling plates, bowls, and utensils across the counter is louder on stainless steel than most other materials.
Style: Even though stainless steel comes in different finishes, it always has a metallic appearance that can feel cold or industrial in homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right countertop for your kitchen isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Since stainless steel is the standard in commercial kitchens, it’s ideal for people with a passion for cooking. It’s also recyclable, so it's a good option for the eco-conscious.
The cost to install a quartz countertop is around $60 to $150 per square foot, so it’s more affordable than high-end stainless steel. The costs are similar if you’re looking for a natural stone, like quartzite.
Stainless steel countertops should last at least 20 years with proper care. It’s possible they remain in suitable condition up to 35 years, but it varies based on the amount of use and the steel’s gauge. Lower gauges like 16-gauge steel tends to last longer than higher gauges like 20-gauge steel. One way to increase the longevity of your steel counters is by sealing them.