Has anyone done stainless steel countertops for their kitchen? If so, can you recommend who you used?
From some of the research I've done, a place called SoupCan in the Merchandise Mart charges over $100/sf., which to me sounds ridiculous.
Thanks,
Vik
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I would be curious as well. When I was looking at remodeling a former apartment, I was in total sticker shock at what everybody charges for stainless steel countertops. Granite was cheaper.
I seriously doubt that resturaunts pay $100.00 per sqare foot for their countertops.
You might try a medical or lab supply house. I think that IKEA might even have some smaller sizes (stainless steel sink/drainboards are common in Sweden). I just saw a stunning 60's stainless steel kitchen with cabinets and countertops all in steel, and has held up well.
specialtystainless.com
they have an estimator as well. if shipping is too far, take their specs to a local metalshop. just look up sheet metal in your yellow pages.
I tried specialtystainless.com and that still comes out to over $65 / sqft + shipping...still pricey...
also, i'm not a fan of the ikea stainless...i want a full long countertop...
Honestly, unless you're in the design trade, everything at the mart is going to be terrifying in price. You're better off as the others said, checking with local metalworkers. But no matter what, it's going to be expensive, that's just how it is. The reason restaurants and whatnot can get it cheaper is because they're usually standardized and buy in bulk.
Apropos of the restaurant aspect: can anyone recommend a restuarant supplier whose willing to do business with homeowners? The solution to me seems to be to build your kitchen around the stock sizes available; the trick is finding a supplier. Any suggestions?
on the corner of the bowery and houston...
a metal fabricator specializing in kitchens..
they are extremely nice, do good custom work, willing to work with anything, anyone..and prices are reasonable....
its definitely the way to go...
just cant remember the name
You don't need to remember the name -- all up and down Bowery between Houston and Delancy there are restaurant supply places (although bar/clubland gentrification is slowly overwhelming the neighborhood like a kind of urban kudzu). My experience is that they sell to anyone who walks in the door, although I don't know if they ship outside NYC.
are the intersections of Bowery / Houston even in Chicago??? I've never heard of those streets?
Ha! Of course not Vik, it's just us New Yorkers being citycentric yet again. ;)
I use American Circle, in Williamsburg. They recovered 18 kitchen cabinet doors, backsplashes, and manufactured a custom sink from my sketch all for under $1,500. More recently they created end caps for a buffet.
They are right off the L train next to the BQE at the Lorimar stop. The proprieter, Mr. Charm (not kidding), is quite interesting. As noted elsewhere, he resembles the chain-smoking landlady from "Kung Fu Hustle."
TeoNYC and Diana and AnonNY, remember we all got here from the "From AT: Chicago" roundup--this good question isn't from NYC, their L is short for "eLevated" and it doesn't go to W'burg.
Surely there is some kind of restaurant supply district in Chicago, though?
the cost of stainless always depends on how much bending, folding and welding are required as well as the finish and the gage of the metal. Kitchen supply stores will have a heavy gage but the finish is not typically as fine as that found in a home. You are also limited to standard pieces. In NEW YORK CITY also try Allen street, ther e are a number of s/s shops over there as well. In CHICAGO try Allen Street also - you never know what might happen.
Here's the trick, whether in NY or Chicago:
Track down a Carrier (or any other brand) air conditioning distributor in your area. They always deal with Stainless Steel, Aluminum and Nickel Alloys to do the duct work that is always to specs. So you just tell them materials, measurements, bends, etc. and they'll have your countertop done in no time with incredible precision. It'll be a lot cheaper too than from anyone with the word "kitchen" in their service offerings.
Good luck!
(In NY, the Queens Carrier licensee, run by a chinese couple last name Wu, does a great job. Sorry. forget the actual name of the shop but must be in yellow pages.)
In Chicago, the West Loop is where a lot of the restauant suppliers used to be, before the gentrification of the neighborhood. There are still a few left. Just walk around the area of Washington and Morgan to find a store. I bought some stainless benches from Herzogs on Madison a couple of years ago, and they were happy to deal with regular consumers (rather than just wholesale).
Herzog Store Fixture Co
(312) 666-2600
1034 W Madison St
Chicago, IL
Or maybe call some of the businesses on this list:
http://www.thecityofchicago.com/restaurant-supply/index.html
Sam's Club online sells very inexpensive stainless prep tables up to 72" long for the restaurant trade. They sell for under $200 with free shipping. I bet you could install just the top as a counter.