Today we spent the day demo-ing the old balcony where the new deck will go (we were rained out yesterday), so we’re hoping to share updated photos of our progress soon—Monday at the latest if all goes to plan.
While we wait, we wanted to share a clever, budget-friendly kitchen idea we recently discovered. We hadn’t seriously considered stainless steel countertops before, but after seeing how easily and affordably Linn and her husband executed the look, we’re seriously intrigued. Below is Linn’s account of their process and why it’s such a smart option for anyone renovating on a budget.
I wanted to share a DIY countertop option that isn’t widely used but is perfect if you want a professional look without a large price tag—and don’t mind doing a bit of hands-on work. When my husband and I remodeled our kitchen, we installed stainless steel countertops for about $400 for roughly 20 square feet. A big-box store quoted us approximately $3,000 for a similar installation!
We began by building a plywood template sized to our counters. Then we took that template to a local sheet metal shop, where they cut and bent a 20-gauge stainless steel sheet to fit the plywood precisely.
Next, we secured the plywood templates on top of our existing Formica counters, creating a sturdy substrate for the stainless steel. After that, we set the pre-formed stainless pieces over the plywood. In the photos we took during installation, the steel is still covered in a protective film to prevent scratches while we worked.
This method turned out to be far less expensive than many natural stone options. If you’re weighing countertop materials and you want a durable, modern finish without spending your whole budget on granite or marble, stainless steel is an excellent alternative.
Stainless steel offers a sleek, contemporary appearance, exceptional durability, and minimal maintenance. It doesn’t require sealing or special cleaners, and it stands up well to heat, stains, and moisture. It’s also very easy to clean with common household products—wipe it down and you’re done.
We’re thrilled with how our counters turned out. The look is clean and professional, and the cost savings were significant—especially once we factored in the difference between doing a custom sheet-metal job locally versus paying for an expensive, pre-built countertop service.
Keep in mind that while stainless steel has many advantages, there are aesthetic and practical considerations to think about before committing. Stainless will show fingerprints and small scratches more readily than some stone surfaces, and depending on the finish you choose, those characteristics can either be part of the charm or something you prefer to avoid. If you like an industrial or modern look, or if you want something low-maintenance that ages gracefully, stainless is a very compelling option.
There are a few practical tips that helped Linn and her husband succeed: build accurate plywood templates so the metal shop can bend the steel precisely; communicate the desired edges and overhangs clearly; and protect the surface with a temporary film during installation to avoid accidental scratches. Working with a reputable local sheet metal vendor also made a big difference—craftsmen with experience in kitchen or appliance-grade stainless know how to produce clean bends and tight seams.
Obviously, the countertop is just one part of a broader kitchen makeover, and Linn’s project included other thoughtful updates that contributed to the final result. If you’re exploring options for your own remodel, consider visiting DIY blogs and project galleries to see full kitchen transformations and more installation details from people who have tried this approach.
UPDATE: A number of readers asked about long-term care and durability. Linn has written follow-up thoughts about living with stainless steel countertops long term, including what to expect with wear and how to address minor surface marks as they appear.
P.S. We also announced this week’s giveaway winner—check our recent posts to see if it’s you.