Countertop Materials: Zinc countertops

In the early 1900s, the work area on Hoosier cabinets was covered with zinc. Today, zinc is becoming popular again for kitchen countertops. When polished, the nonporous metal is shiny, but when allowed to naturally oxidize, a blue-gray finish emerges within about 12 months. Zinc sheeting, bonded to a substrate, offers a maximum (seamless) countertop width of 39" and length of 10'.

If the surface is scratched, the damaged area can be polished out or left to add to the counter's character. The material is heat sensitive, and hot pans shouldn't be left on its surface. Price is about $160 per square foot (November 2004).

Supplier: Soupcan Inc.