Custom Stainless Steel Fabrication
for Commercial Kitchens (2026)
Stainless steel fabrication is the backbone of every professional kitchen. But what does it cost, which grade do you need and when does custom fabrication beat standard furniture? A practical guide based on 30 years of workshop and installation experience.
By JMGT Commercial Kitchen Equipment · Published 1 July 2026 · 6 min read
Key points
- AISI 304 is the standard grade for commercial kitchens; AISI 316 for aggressive environments
- Work surfaces: minimum 1.5 mm, for heavy loads 2-2.5 mm
- Custom fabrication pays off for non-standard layouts, equipment integration or strict hygiene requirements
- Lead time: typically 3-6 weeks after order confirmation
- Always request a detailed quote including welds, surface finish and assembly
What is stainless steel fabrication used for in commercial kitchens?
Work surfaces & under-counter units
The base of every kitchen. Cut, bent and welded to your exact measurements.
Sink blocks & wash-up tables
One or more basins, draining surface, upstand - all custom made.
Wall cladding & splash backs
Hygienic protection behind cooking stations and fryer banks.
Kitchen islands
Complex custom constructions with integrated equipment, drawers and refrigeration.
Shelving & racks
Wall shelving, hanging racks and mobile trolleys in your own specification.
Extraction hoods
Custom-made hood matching your cooking setup and ventilation system.
Stainless steel grades compared: AISI 201, 304 and 316
| Grade | Chromium content | Corrosion resistance | Application | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 201 | 16-18% | Limited | Light applications, no wet environment | Low |
| AISI 304 | 18-20% | Good | Standard commercial kitchen, most common | Medium |
| AISI 316 | 16-18% + Mo | Excellent | Aggressive cleaners, sea water | High |
For the vast majority of commercial kitchens AISI 304 is the right choice. AISI 316 adds value in coastal climates or when using high-concentration chlorine-based cleaning products.
From experience
What Jos Menting sees after 30 years in the workshop
"The most common mistake I find in kitchens: a 1.2 mm work surface that bends the moment a gastronorm container with 15 kg of content sits on it. The owner thought they were saving on materials, but now needs to replace everything after three years. Stainless steel fabrication is an investment - do it properly."
Jos Menting, owner of JMGT, has worked in professional kitchen technology since 1995 and has equipped hundreds of kitchens with custom stainless steel. The lesson is always the same: specify thick enough and have the welds inspected.
Frequently asked questions
How much does custom stainless steel fabrication cost for a commercial kitchen?
Costs vary considerably depending on the type of piece, dimensions and complexity. A simple work surface starts at approximately EUR 300-500. A complete custom island with sink, cooking setup and extraction can quickly reach EUR 5,000 to 15,000 or more. Always request a custom quote including assembly and transport.
Which stainless steel grade is best for a commercial kitchen?
For professional kitchens AISI 304 is most widely used: resistant to acids, cleaning products and moisture. In environments with aggressive cleaning agents or sea water (catering on ships) AISI 316 is recommended - more durable but also more expensive. AISI 201 is cheaper but less corrosion resistant and not suitable for intensive use.
What material thickness is required for stainless steel work surfaces?
For work surfaces 1.5 mm is the common minimum for light use. With heavy equipment on top (combi steamer, salamander) or intensive chopping work: minimum 2 mm, preferably 2.5 mm or more for the supporting surface. Thinner material bends or vibrates, weakening the construction and making it harder to keep hygienic.
When is custom fabrication better than standard stainless steel furniture?
Custom fabrication is worthwhile when your kitchen has a non-standard layout (L-shapes, columns, wall recesses), when you want to integrate specific equipment (custom sink, fixed waste chute, built-in refrigeration), or when hygiene regulations require a continuous surface without gaps. Standard furniture is cheaper for straightforward rectangular installations.
How long does a custom stainless steel project take?
Allow 3-6 weeks lead time after confirming the order for an average project (work surface, under-counter unit, sink block). Larger projects (complete custom island, full kitchen) can take 6-12 weeks. Always plan custom fabrication early in the build schedule - it is not a last-minute item.
Request a quote for custom stainless steel?
JMGT supplies custom stainless steel fabrication for professional kitchens throughout the Netherlands. Contact us for a no-obligation custom quote.