Pewter Countertops and Range Hoods

You have admired them in bars and read about them in novels. Popular since the 1800s, pewter countertops are making a comeback in 21^st-century residential and commercial design thanks to their sophisticated appearance, modern aesthetic, and a wide range of design alternatives. In the rows below, we dig deeper into the reasons that many homeowners and hospitality business owners find pewter countertops and worktops a fantastic choice for the kitchen, and how you can inquire more information and order one yourself.

The allure of pewter countertops

Handcrafted metal creates beautiful pewter worktops and countertops to fit any style and space.

Pewter is a malleable metal alloy composed predominantly of tin, and smaller quantities of copper. At Oldani Brothers, we use entirely lead-free pewter in the production of countertops and range hoods, eliminating any health concerns previously arising from the lead content in pewter, and making the surface completely safe for food preparation. On top of this, pewter has naturally antibacterial properties, making it an ideal choice for bar tops and tabletops, and an increasingly sought-for alternative to stainless steel or copper countertops.

Thanks to their superior quality, versatility, and distinctive appearance, for centuries, pewter countertops have been used in French bars and cafes as the principal element that gives these places their unique atmosphere. As a result, bars in France are often referred to as the zinc (“le zinc” in French), a French colloquialism earning their name from their famous bar surfaces which in fact was not from zinc but constituted a bar top made of cast pewter on top of a wood surface. In fact, the zincs and their pewter countertops may be found frequently mentioned in Ernest Hemingway novels set in Paris neighborhood bars. “I went in and stood at the zinc bar and an old man served me a glass of wine and a brioche”, Hemingway would say in his famous “A Farewell to Arms”.

Fast forward to today, pewter countertops are not only an evocative symbol of the early 20^th century Parisian lifestyle but are popular again in Europe and increasingly popular in the United States. Pewter is making a strong comeback as an excellent choice for decorative and luxurious surfaces thanks to its unique luster and well-worn appeal.

Three reasons to choose pewter countertops and worktops for residential kitchens and commercial bar tops

The list of pewter countertops’ advantages is long: they are versatile, sophisticated yet modern, low maintenance, highly durable, resistant to both heat and water, and pewter has hygienic properties making it the perfect choice to top areas where food and drinks are prepared or served. Below we dug deeper into the top reasons why pewter countertops and range hoods are the ideal upgrade to any family home or hospitality business.

1. Living finish that only gets better with age

Just like wine’s taste gets better with time, pewter’s aesthetic gets better with time. Polished pewter has a vibrant silver tone, and over time its matte surface will naturally develop a luxurious, gray or charcoal patina. Upon installation, it will take approximately a year for the countertop to develop a patina. Pewter is a living finish, which means that its natural patina will continue to change over time as the countertop or bar top ages. And while the surface may scratch with use, most feel this only adds to its well-worn appeal.

1. Extremely versatile designs, ranging from old world classic to modern

Pewter is malleable metal, and thus extremely versatile. Depending on the final aesthetic you want to achieve, pewter countertops can have both traditional and modern edgings to fit any style and design aesthetic. For example, if you want your pewter countertops to have a dramatic effect on your kitchen, choose ornate edges, for a more modern look, a sleek frame. At Oldani Brothers, we connect you with our network of installers to find a local company that will provide the expertise and guidance you need to get started. If you already have a local installer that you’re working with, we are more than happy to consult on installations at no charge.

1. Durable & Low Maintenance

Pewter sheet metal may last for over a century. Our clients enjoy pewter countertops and bar tops because they are easy to maintain and do not require special care. Pewter is a non-porous metal which gives it resistance to staining. Any foods or liquids spilled on a pewter countertop will not seep through the top layer of the metal making it easy to wipe down and clean.

If you have any questions about pewter countertop characteristics, price, or installation, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Why choose our pewter countertops: Our service and craftsmanship

At Oldani Brothers, we have created dozens of pewter countertops for homeowners and businesses in the hospitality industry across the United States. We work with pewter for many of our other products, and still practice many of the same methods used by Master Artisans centuries ago. As a result, our team has the experience and the expertise to create beautiful pewter countertops, worktops, and bar tops that last several lifetimes.

We also offer bespoke solutions for our customers, such that the final product fits the aesthetic you are looking for. + details on what can be customized. To request a consultation, please follow the steps here → link to the Contact Us page

This post was written by Peter Oldani. Find out more about the author.