Custom Stainless Steel Countertops
Custom stainless steel countertops are widely used in many industries since they are non-porous, resist corrosion and easy to clean. When used in laboratory settings, stainless steel countertops impart an aesthetically pleasing look, and can be paired with many types of lab casework materials. Other common industry uses are in healthcare, operating rooms and the food and beverage industry.
Custom Fabricators supplies and installs custom stainless steel countertops, backsplashes, sinks and casework. We offer a one year normal-use warranty that ensures the inherent quality of our product.
Upon request, we can include many options such as integral welded sinks and mechanical joints and offer L-shaped options.
Benefits of Stainless Steel
Like most types of steel, stainless is made primarily from iron and carbon using a two phase process. To make the steel “stainless,” chromium and other alloys, such as molybdenum, are added. This creates a material that is corrosion, heat and bacteria resistant.
In laboratory and many industrial settings, the benefits of stainless steel countertops include:
- Non-porous
- Easy to maintain
- High heat resistance (will discolor at extremely high temperatures)
- Long life
- Durable
- Aesthetically pleasing
| Stainless Steel Countertop | |
|---|---|
| Cost | $$$$$ |
| Application | Heavy: ideal for clean room, bio labs, food & beverage and areas requiring high tolerances. |
| Heat resistance | 1,500°F |
| Weight | Heavy – proper crating necessary |
| Base composition | Iron, carbon, chromium, nickel & other elements – #304 and #316 alloys available. |
| Moisture resistance | High |
There are many different grades of stainless steel, which is why knowing how and where the material will be used is important. In most settings, #304 and #316 finishes are common.
These both fall under the austenitic category of stainless, which includes a balance of very high corrosion, heat resistance and good mechanical properties over a spectrum of temperatures
304 Stainless Steel Finish
Grade #304, or T 300 stainless steel, uses a minimum of 18% chromium, 8% nickel and a maximum combined 0.08% carbon. This alloy is part of the 18/8 stainless alloy family commonly used for sinks and appliances.
316 Stainless Steel Finish
Another common stainless steel countertop alloy used in labs and healthcare environments is #316 finish. Unlike #304, this alloy incorporates up to 3 percent molybdenum, which provides additional strength, durability and caustic acid resistance. Common uses for this allow are medical devices, chemical processing, pharmaceutical and marine environments.
Use Cases & Applications
Custom stainless steel countertops are used in a number of environments. A common application is in biomedical, research and autopsy laboratories that require a high degree of bacterial resistance.
Countertop Options
Edges
We offer stainless steel tops with standard flat, or marine style edges.
Marine, or no-drip edges, can prevent liquid spills from damaging lab casework, flooring or personnel. They are typically used in environments where containment is necessary.
Flat or bevel edges are a good option when user contact stress or equipment placement flexibility is a primary concern.
Backsplash
A backsplash, or splash guard, protects casework from spills, excessive heat and daily wear. This can be fabricated from stainless steel with your custom choices of the rear curb combination needed. The construction walls throughout the room usually determine where these rear curbs are needed for the extra vertical protection.
Hat Channel Core
Custom Fabricators can provide stainless steel hat channel cores to improve strength and keep the full stainless steel structure some facilities require. As a special request, a plywood or MDF core can be provided.
Sound Deadening Material
Sound Deadening spray/adhesive is used on the underside of all of our commercial applications as industry standard. This allows the user to reduce excessive noise when working on the countertop.
L-Shaped & Corner Top Options
Specific designs and spaces require L-shaped or corner countertops. We can service these requests as needed. Please contact us for a quote.
Stainless Steel Lab & Commercial Sinks
Custom Fabricators offers stainless steel sinks for lab and commercial applications. Standard option is full welded integral style sinks for the cleanest most professional look. We can also produce many custom sizes, shapes and depths per your specifications. Single or double bowl sinks are also available.
Stainless steel sinks offer corrosion and heat resistance. This sink material is commonly used in laboratory and industrial/commercial applications. An alternate sink option is epoxy resin.
CFI partners with laboratory faucet and fixture leader WaterSaver to provide our customers a full package needed to fit out the space.
If your lab or commercial space requires stainless steel countertops, please contact us for a quote. Custom Fabricators has 60 years of experience, and offers unmatched design, supply and support services.
Get a quote today, or let us help you determine the best countertop material for your application.