Kitchens in a semi-commercial environment like a church or a community centre require a more robust design than that of a home. A domestic-style kitchen won’t hold up to the use of a communal facility, and you will find that it wears quickly and heavily.

That is why groups in those environments should avoid cheaper materials, in favour of durable and robust-constructed alternatives and designs that can withstand more intense use.

Here are your options, with some guidance on how to make the right choice for your kitchen renovation.

Polyester powder-coated mild steel

The properties of polyester powder-coated mild steel make it perfect for a semi-commercial kitchen carcass. It is more than capable of handling the impact of communal use, and it is easy to clean, but the coating comes with options for colour that allow a community group or church to express itself through the kitchen design, and create a welcoming environment that reflects the group’s character and ethos.

Pairing the mild steel carcass with a stainless-steel worktop means that the area with the heaviest use — the work surface ­— is especially resistant to deterioration. Also, the worktop can eliminate germ hotspots, like recessed sinks and rear upstands to wall abutments, where sealant can peel and harbour moisture and bacteria. Instead, a recessed and seamless welded sink, and a folded rear upstand eliminate the need for sealant altogether.

Wood

A wooden kitchen is also a viable option, but only if it uses the right assembly system. Screw fixtures are not suitable methods of joinery for a semi-commercial environment. Screws create weak spots, so those vulnerable points will make a communal kitchen deteriorate quickly.

A semi-commercial wooden kitchen needs a design that eliminates the weaknesses that buckle under stress. The ideal alternative is a tongue and groove glued system that interlocks along the entire length of all assembled sides, so that the carcass is sturdy throughout. That is the system that Steelplan’s Woodplan range uses, and it is certified Gold Level H for heavy use by the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA).

If you do opt for a wooden kitchen, there is a vast range of styles and colours for the fascia, so you can find the character that suits your community, with a fresh and elegant appearance that makes the kitchen a pleasant environment to work in and share.

How to decide which kitchen material is right for you

Ultimately, the choice of kitchen material for your renovation is a matter of your goals and your budget. If you need guidance, Steelplan’s friendly team are always happy to advise on the best kitchen design for your group, your building, and your ambitions. To speak to a kitchen expert, call 0208 254 0090 or email [email protected].