Pewter Countertop Buying Guide

Pewter countertops, with their timeless charm, are a unique and sophisticated choice for kitchen surfaces. Not only do they add a touch of elegance to your home or business, but they also boast durability and versatility. With a variety of styles and finish options, you can choose the custom countertops to fit in any space.

In more modern homes or commercial spaces, a smooth finish gives a sleek, modern look. At the same time, a hammered patina adds warmth and character to more traditional spaces. Additionally, pewter is non-porous and non-corroding, so there is no need to coat it with a lacquer that will develop cracks, holes, or wear marks as is done with zinc and copper. This makes pewter countertops a food-safe option for kitchens or bar counters, in addition to being low maintenance and incredibly easy to clean.

Ordering pewter countertops involves several considerations, from understanding the types of pewter available, to familiarizing yourself with the variety of finishes and understanding the pros and cons of each to make an informed decision, and to choosing the right design. In this guide, we’ll explore what you need to know before placing an order, the key considerations in the selection process, and how to choose a designer who’s right for you.

A Short Overview of the History and Popularity of Pewter Countertops

To fully understand the value of pewter countertops, one must first understand what pewter is and why pewter countertops have stood out among other metal options for centuries. Pewter is a tin-based alloy with antimony and copper added for strength, workability, and its distinctive coloring. Pewter has been used in the kitchen for centuries for its distinctive look, the durability of its finish, and its naturally developed patina that adds character through time and use.

The first documented use of pewter countertops can be traced to medieval Europe, in the households and castles of nobles and lords. Its corrosion resistance, anti-tarnish properties, and lasting aesthetic contributed to its popularity through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, when the use of pewter in kitchen and dining areas became synonymous with luxury and sophistication. As the industrial revolution unfolded, cheaper alternatives such as stainless steel became more common, relegating pewter to a niche market.

Nevertheless, in recent decades, there has been a notable resurgence of interest in traditional materials, and pewter countertops have once again found their place in homes, restaurants, and design-forward spaces around the world. Today, high-end designers are increasingly turning to pewter countertops to create bespoke kitchens. Whether in a modern loft or a historic home, pewter countertops provide a unique focal point that combines functionality with artistic expression.

At the same time, the hospitality industry has embraced the allure of pewter countertops, with upscale restaurants and boutique hotels featuring these surfaces to enhance their aesthetic appeal. Pewter’s ability to evoke a sense of history and craftsmanship adds a unique touch to these spaces.

Choosing Metal Size

The right countertop starts with the proper material, and when designing custom, every detail needs to be accounted for. We’ll start by looking at the maximum dimensions available and then some common options that are popular in the industry.

Maximum Width

The hardest limitation on countertop size is the width. Our rolling mills can accommodate sheet metal that is 28 inches wide. Countertops should be made to accommodate this size to avoid time-consuming and expensive face seems that run the length of your bar.

When you order 28” wide material, we ship it at 28.5” because .25” will need to be removed from each side to address minor cracking that occurs during the rolling process. Ideally, 28” wide material would either wrap the entire countertop, or it would match the width of the countertop, allowing for a corner seem along the edge which is much easier to blend than a face seem.

Minimum Thickness

Thinner gauges and wider sheets can be difficult to achieve due to the tolerances of our machinery. During the rolling process, thin material has a tendency to develop waviness that causes it to not lie flat. We can correct this waviness in pieces up to 16 inches in width using heat and evenly applied pressure.

At 28” width, the minimum thickness that is regularly achievable is .050” or 16 gauge, but that is subject to change depending on the length of the piece. We recommend using .064” or 14 gauge thickness because it is regularly achievable at all lengths with a good, flat finish that’s easy to work with.

Some customers choose to go up to .080” (12 gauge), .125”, or more, but thicker material will decrease the maximum length of the sheet we’re able to provide.

Maximum Length

At Oster Pewter, sheets begin as slabs, and unlike coils, slabs only have a certain amount of material in them. The thinner and wider you make the material, the longer you can get on the length. The chart below shows the maximum lengths achievable for given widths and thicknesses.

Finishing Options

At Oster Pewter, we work with craftsmen, designers, and installers to provide the correct materials and proper education for working with pewter to achieve any aesthetic you want. If you are thinking of using pewter in your kitchen, we can also recommend fabricators who will explore customization options across surface finishes and unique detailing to create a pewter countertop that suits any design you have in mind for your space.

Patina

As pewter ages, it naturally develops a beautifully deep patina that enhances its character like a well-worn tool or leather shoes that are broken in just right. This patina takes a long time to develop, but luckily there are ways to get there faster. Using a mild acid specifically designed for darkening pewter, an antique look can be developed from day one.

Mi-Tique 1795 for Pewter Antiquing

This patina works especially well with a hammered finish where it brings out the depth and texture of the look. It is best applied using a bath, but it can also be brushed on.

Surface Texturing

Depending on the look that fits within your kitchen, you can choose either a smooth or hand-hammered finish. While a smooth finish is more common, hammered finishes can add character and depth to the aesthetic. These are not the only two finishes available however. Different craftsmen can also work with you to provide the exact type of finish you’re looking for.

Seeming Sheets Together

One of the nice things about working with pewter is that seems are able to be completely blended with no visible marks. That being said, blending takes time and effort, which increases the cost of the end product. For that reason, it is best to try to work within the dimensions listed above and avoid long flat seems.

To create a seem, pewter sheet can be butt or lap welded by melting a thin strip or wire into the seem joint in a process not unlike oxyacetylene welding.

Pewter Countertop Fabricators

Below are a variety of different firms that we work with to produce the finished product. Custom countertops, range hoods, and sinks are usually fabricated and shipped to their final destination. The metal smiths whose work is featured on our website have no formal relationship with Oster Pewter. We include images of their work and links to their sites only for your information.

Handcrafted Metal

Handcrafted Metal is a custom fabricator of countertops, range hoods, and sinks who is very knowledgeable and skilled at working with pewter. Based out of Texas.

SF Metalworks

A leading fabricator for interior design and decorative metalwork. Based out of California.

Brooks Custom

Based out of New York, Brooks Custom designs and fabricate custom interiors for residential and commercial applications.

Francois and Co.

Primarily based in Atlanta Georgia, Francois and Co. have showrooms in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida.

Raw Urth Designs

Based out of Colorado, Raw Urth does both fabrication and design for a variety of custom interior metalwork.

Final Thoughts

The journey of pewter countertops from centuries ago to its increasing popularity in contemporary design, is a testament to the enduring appeal of kitchen countertops. Pewter has a timeless elegance that adds character to any space, and the versatility of this metal means pewter countertops can be designed to fit a variety of styles.

Whether you’re designing your dream kitchen or a commercial space, pewter is a durable and unique choice that adds character to your space. Oster Pewter is a family owned business and we pride ourselves on producing the finest quality American made pewter in the country. We think pewter is the right choice for you, and our experienced team will help you build the perfect countertops.

Give us a call or email at:

Phone: (401) 398-8238

Email: sales@osterpewter.com