Installing new countertops is a bold DIY project regardless of the material you choose. These homeowners replaced worn Formica with sleek stainless steel counters and documented the process, showing how striking and practical the upgrade can be.
They built a stable base from plywood and sourced stainless steel sheets from a local metal supplier, which significantly reduced costs. The finished countertop cost about $400 in materials—roughly $20 per square foot. For shaping the metal, they hired a professional to bend the sheets, but completed the remainder of the installation themselves. The result is a clean, professional-looking countertop that resists stains and rust and stands up to hot pans and everyday spills.
Their step-by-step guide covers planning, measuring, cutting and fastening the metal to the plywood substrate, tips for achieving smooth seams, and finishing techniques to protect and maintain the surface. The tutorial highlights cost-saving choices—like buying raw sheet metal locally and doing the bulk of the work yourself—while also noting when it makes sense to hire a specialist for tasks that require specialized tools or expertise.
If you’re considering stainless steel countertops, their project demonstrates that with careful preparation and some patience, you can achieve a durable, modern kitchen surface on a modest budget.