Stainless-steel cabinets were once more commonly found in commercial kitchens such as those in restaurants and hotels, but in recent years have been gaining more attention from homeowners.
Stainless steel is an alloy that is resistant to many things such as moisture, heat and minor knocks. Similar to built-in wooden or medium-density fibreboard kitchen cabinets, stainless-steel designs can be customised according to the room’s size and layout.
As industrial and modern-style kitchens have become a trend, stainless steel has become the perfect material for homes around the world. Here are some advantages to having such cabinets in your kitchen.
1. Durable
How often do you hear of people changing their kitchen sink? Not very! This is because stainless steel is anti-rust and -corrosion, making it durable and great for heavy-duty use.
Stainless steel is also extremely resistant to heat and can easily withstand the hot and humid Malaysian weather.
2. Hygienic
Stainless steel has non-porous and antibacterial properties that promote good hygiene. It doesn’t absorb liquids, smells and stains, or have any chemical reactions to ingredients.
A stainless-steel kitchen requires very little maintenance, and cleaning it is a breeze – a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, and a clean cloth are all you need.
3. Anti-termite
Termites are a common problem in Malaysia. Wooden cabinets, flooring and doors are always at risk and, once infested, usually have to be replaced entirely.
With stainless-steel cabinets, you won’t have to worry about this issue.
4. Customisable
While stainless-steel cabinets do not come in as many options as non-steel ones, there are several types of finishes that you can choose from, such as matte, brushed, sleek chrome, and patterned.
Each has its own pros and cons. A matte finish is perfect for the cabinet doors as it will make minor scuffs and fingerprints less visible. A mirrored finish has the advantage of making the kitchen look bigger as it reflects more light.
Mix and match finishes and materials to create a bespoke kitchen design.
5. Timeless
The angular and sleek design of stainless-steel cabinets never goes out of style, and the material doesn’t age.
6. Environmentally friendly
Stainless steel can be fully recycled many times over without losing its properties along the way. Even so, you wouldn’t have to worry about recycling it as it will be a long-term investment for your home.
This all said, there are also disadvantages to stainless steel, such as:
1. Potentially noisy
Accidental bangs or drops on the cabinet will reverberate throughout the kitchen and shock its occupants. It might also be slightly noisier than usual when you put your pots and pans away, but this is something you will certainly get used to after a while.
2. Dents and scratches
Lower-grade stainless steel can be susceptible to denting and scratching, so make sure your contractor uses high-quality SUS304-grade stainless steel with the right thickness for your cabinets.
3. Hard to replace
Replacements will not come cheap – for example, if there is a problem with a cabinet door. Fortunately, this rarely happens with normal use at home. At most, some maintenance and restoration work would be required after a few years.
Pricing and other tips
Due to its heavy-duty and long-lasting nature, prices for stainless steel can be hefty. As of last year, a stainless-steel cabinet would cost RM2,100 per foot run (0.3m) for a base unit, inclusive of stainless-steel carcass, 700mm walls, drawers, swing doors, and electropolishing, a process that makes the cabinets corrosion-resistant.
When it comes to buying stainless-steel cabinets, follow these tips:
1. Use high-quality steel
SUS304 is commonly used for building kitchen cabinets and appliances. With the right thickness, it will not be easily dented by knocks that might happen in a home kitchen.
2. Get it professionally painted
Stainless-steel cabinets can be painted in various colours, just like wooden cabinets. If you opt for this, have it professionally done, as regular primer and paint will not adhere to a stainless-steel surface.
3. Take extra care when outdoors
Although a stainless-steel cabinet is great for the outdoors, it could still corrode. The risk is greater if it is exposed to air with a higher salt concentration, like somewhere near the beach.
So take extra care by wiping it down regularly or covering it with canvas when not in use.
This article originally appeared on Recommend.my – Malaysia’s #1 Home Improvement Services Platform. Recommend.my offers a safer and more convenient way to hire the best home improvement and home maintenance professionals. From flooring to interior design to air-conditioner servicing, get access to thousands of the best local contractors and professionals at your fingertips.