When you think countertops, you generally don't think zinc. But zinc countertops provide some advantages over that of other kinds of popular countertop material. They are sturdy, easy to clean, easy to polish and cheaper than other kinds of countertop materials, such as granite, soapstone and even stainless steel. Zinc countertop material can even be rolled up for easier transport.

How Rare Is It?

Another thing you don't have to worry about with zinc countertops is finding zinc. It's the twenty-third most abundant element on the planet. Zinc can even be found in your body ? but only in minute amounts. You'd have to go through a nation's worth of bodies in order to recover enough zinc to line one kitchen countertop.

Very thing sheets are all you need for zinc countertops. Even laminate, the most common material for countertops, is only a sixteenth of an inch think. As previously mentioned, zinc countertop sheeting can be rolled up for portability. A reporter and weekend do-it-yourselfer, Eric M. Weiss, even had a company ship his zinc countertops through the mail. The shipping was a lot less than expected, because they could roll it up and send it in a tube.

How Long Does It Last?

Another of the advantages of zinc countertops is that they generally last longer than laminate. They also don't rust like stainless steel (although they can tarnish). When they get dull, scratched or a bit scuffed, they can be polished up to a shine again with a portable electric power polisher. Even many cordless drills or sanders carry polisher features. Only polish when you absolutely have to, otherwise you may weaken the zinc.

One of the best features of zinc countertops is that they are safe to use with food. However, this also makes them prone to get permanent stains from acidic foods. By knowing this in advance, you know to clean your zinc countertops right away when they get in contact with food. They can be cleaned with any mild soap or detergent and water.

Some people prefer to wax their zinc countertops once in a while with beeswax or what's known as "butcher's wax". When you decide to polish in this way, you need to polish the whole countertop, not just polish here and there. Otherwise, you'll wind up with a very blotchy looking countertop. Also, try not to get your countertop in contact with heat of over 300 degrees Farenheight, otherwise the zinc will melt.