Advertisement
One of the keys to creating a sleek modern kitchen is metal kitchen cabinets.
They have a remarkable look that can still have a lot of variation to it. Stainless steel cabinets can look futuristic or vintage, industrial or rustic.
So what else do stainless steel cabinets have to offer?
Durability
Image source: Eisenmann Architecture
Besides offering a versatile style, stainless steel kitchen cabinets are very durable. Wood cabinets can warp or crack. Mold and mildew can start growing on then, possibly causing structural damage.
Environmental conditions can also cause wood to discolor. Stainless steel never has any of these issues. It is highly resistant to humidity and temperature.
Great Opportunity for Visual Contrast
Image source: Jordan Lotoski
If you’re worried about color when using stainless steel kitchen cabinets, don’t! Stainless cabinets offer a great way to frame more colorful parts of your kitchen. Pair them with wood for a very effective contrast.
Natural unfinished wood or unstained wood looks great with stainless steel cabinets. You can easily reap the benefits of stainless steel cabinets while maintain a rustic look by using wood elsewhere in your kitchen.
Stainless steel emphasizes the geometric shapes of a space. It’s ideal for a hypermodern look. This is especially true because it is such a functional material, thanks to its durability and hygienic properties. The sheen of stainless steel is the mark of modern styled kitchens.
Consider adding glass doors for a modern spin on a classic look. Feel free to use leaded, opaque, or patterned glass. All of them can look great. You’ll not only see what you’re storing, but you’ll be adding an amazing contrast to your stainless steel kitchen cabinets.
Stone and stainless steel are a great combination as well. They can look industrial together or even naturalistic, depending on the stone’s finish and color. Use natural light well to keep this pairing from seeming too cold. For a naturalistic look, include organic materials, like wooden chairs, accessories tables, countertops.
If you have opted for an entirely stainless steel kitchen, make good use of color. Pops of bold colors like red, green, or blue add a nice touch of liveliness and the stainless steel around them looks even better.
No Need for Maintenance
Image source: thirdstone inc.
Stainless steel cabinets never need re-facing, re-staining or replacement door fronts like wooden kitchen cabinets do. There’s no need for extra detailing to keep the space looking visually consistent. It also saves you time and money, since you don’t have to spend on maintenance expenses. This is perhaps the most important benefit of stainless steel kitchen cabinets. Over time, it is highly cost-efficient.
No Risk of Humidity Damage
Image source: Red Pepper Design & Cabinetry
Normal kitchen use generates a lot of steam. Water, beverages, and sauce splash everywhere. With wooden cabinets, this will eventually result in damage like peeling paint. Wooden kitchen cabinets in a well-used kitchen can easily become eyesores. In humid climates, this becomes an issue even sooner.
Stainless steel cabinets never have this problem. Humidity and water don’t cause any kind of visible damage. They will never warp like wood does under humid conditions. Stainless steel has a much longer lifespan than wooden cabinets and will look better for a longer time, too.
Simple Installation
Image source: Nouvelle Cuisine Design
Stainless steel kitchen cabinets often come already assembled. This makes them much easier to install than traditional wooden cabinets, which must be assembled when they are installed. Depending on your kitchen and house, you may be able to install them yourself.
All you need to do is screw them into the wall. This also makes installation a much faster process. With stainless steel cabinets, you’ll have a functioning kitchen much sooner than you would if you had to go through the painstaking process of installing wooden cabinets.
Hygiene
Image source: Chelsea Construction Corporation
Stainless steel is a highly hygienic surface for cooking. It’s easy to clean thoroughly. Because stainless steel has no pores, like wood, it’s resistant to bacteria and dirt. Removing spills and splotches is as easy as wiping it away with a cleaning rag and (if necessary) some kitchen cleaner.
If you’ve ever seen a professional kitchen, you’ll notice that every surface possible is made of stainless steel. Even hospitals use stainless steel cabinets since they are so resistant to bacteria and other unhygienic contaminants.
Drawbacks
Stainless steel has many benefits, of course, but it has drawbacks, too.
Prone to Scratching and Denting
While stainless steel will never warp or crack, it does get scratched easily. Sometimes you can buff the scratches out, but sometimes they are permanent damage. Stainless steel cabinets can also be dented if hit by a heavy object.
However, this is less of an issue for stainless steel kitchen cabinets than for stainless steel countertops. After all, more sharp objects and heavy items are used near countertops than cabinets.
Expensive
Image source: Koch Architects, Inc. Joanne Koch
Stainless steel cabinets are more expensive than wooden cabinets. If there are areas in your kitchen that could benefit from stainless cabinets more than others, like the area near the stove, consider just installing them there.
You should also consider just having stainless steel cabinets installed as your lower cabinets. This will add a modern look and will also keep the kitchen from becoming too cold and industrial.
Decorating Stainless Steel Kitchen Cabinets
It’s hard to think of a way to add personal touches to stainless steel cabinets, but here are a few fun ideas!
Duct Tape
For a wilder, rustic, DIY look, use patterned or colored duct tape to create patterns and art on your stainless steel cabinets. This is a cool option to use if there are unsightly scratches. It will still be easy to clean up and will prevent more wear and tear.
Decals
Vinyl decals can add a bit personality to your kitchen cabinets. It’s easy to find any kind of decal you want on the internet. Just order it, wait until it comes, then stick it on!
Metal Paint
If you want some different colors in your kitchen, just get some metal paint. Use it to accent the colors of your kitchen and add some life to the stainless steel. Use stencils to create a more permanent version of a decal pattern.
Ending thoughts on metal kitchen cabinets
Stainless steel kitchen cabinets can be a great investment. They’re a highly versatile set of hardware, both in use and in style, but take into consideration their drawbacks before you pay for them.