Metal trim serves both aesthetic and functional purposes on commercial cabinets. It provides an attractive finished look while also protecting cabinet edges from damage. There are several types of metal trim used in commercial cabinetry, each with their own benefits. Understanding the role this trim plays helps specify the best option for a particular application.

An Overview of Metal Trim Uses on Commercial Cabinets

Metal trim fulfills several important roles on commercial cabinets:

• Decoration – Metal trim provides an attractive accent that upgrades the overall appearance of cabinetry. Polished stainless steel or chrome give a modern, sleek look. Other metal finishes like antique bronze or brushed nickel create a more traditional aesthetic.
• Edge Protection – The trim protects the vulnerable edges and corners of cabinets from dents, chips, and scratches during installation and everyday use. This is especially important for high-traffic commercial environments.
• Moisture Resistance – Metal trim creates a barrier along cabinet perimeters to prevent moisture infiltration that could cause swelling or rotting of the wood over time.
• Hygiene – Stainless steel trim is easy to clean and sanitize in spaces like laboratories and medical facilities where stringent hygiene is vital.
• Durability – Metal is inherently resilient against damage from impacts and will not warp or crack like wood or plastic trim. This durability is crucial for high-usage commercial settings.

The type of metal trim specifies which of these functions are most critical. Optimal performance and longevity of commercial cabinetry depend on selecting the right metal trim for the intended application.

Popular Metal Trim Options for Commercial Cabinets

There are several metal trim styles used to enhance commercial cabinets:

Stainless Steel Trim

Stainless steel is one of the most popular metals used for commercial cabinet trim. It offers:

• Sleek Appearance – Brushed and polished stainless finishes give a modern, professional look.
• Durability – Stainless steel has high strength and corrosion resistance even in damp environments.
• Easy to Clean – The non-porous surface prevents bacterial growth and is easily disinfected.
• Heat Resistance – Stainless steel trim withstands heat from stoves and ovens without discoloring or warping.

Stainless trim comes in angled, flat-faced, or rounded profiles. A common style is a 1-2″ facing with a 1/4″ return that wraps the cabinet edge.

Aluminum Trim

Aluminum trim provides:

• Lightweight – Aluminum is a lighter metal that adds less weight than steel trim.
• Affordability – It is an economical metal trim option versus other metals.
• Easy Forming – Aluminum trim comes in customized shapes like long curves versus only straight sections.
• Range of Finishes – Many colors are possible from brushed metal to chrome, bronze, and more.

Aluminum is weaker than steel though and more prone to dents. Thicker gauges around 0.050″ provide more durability.

Chrome Trim

Chrome plating on metal trim gives an ultra-reflective mirror finish. Key benefits are:

• High-End Look – Chrome has a luxurious appearance suited to upscale designs.
• Durable Finish – The plating resists corrosion and tarnishing even with frequent cleaning.
• Easy Maintenance – Chrome only needs wiping down and polishing occasionally.
• Uniform Color – The finish will not have variations like natural metals.

Chrome trim can show water spots and fingerprints. Using a base metal like heavier gauge stainless minimizes dings.

Bronze and Brass Trim

For traditional styling, bronze and brass offer classic warmth. Benefits include:

• Antique Appeal – Brushed bronze and oil-rubbed bronze have an aged, weathered look.
• Soft Luster – Brass like satin brass provides subtle reflective shine without being too bold.
• Distressed Option – Many bronze and brass finishes purposefully show small dents and pits for character.
• Living Finish – The patina on real bronze/brass will gradually age and darken over time.

Softer brass is more prone to showing scratch marks with use versus harder bronze. Frequent polishing maintains the original color.

Iron and Steel Trim

For industrial aesthetics, iron and steel trims convey rugged simplicity. Advantages are:

• Raw Look – Black metal and distressed steel have an unfinished, historical appeal.
• Tough Durability – Iron and steel are extremely strong and resistant to dents or corrosion.
• Textured Options – Many mimic old hammered metal or have pebbled graining.
• ** Economical Cost** – Steel trim is typically cheaper than more refined metals.

Raw steel can rust over time if unsealed. Keeping trimmedges clean reduces this concern. Wrought iron has natural rust resistance.

Key Factors When Selecting Metal Trim

Several considerations help choose the optimal metal trim style for commercial cabinets:

Desired Look

The metal type and finish set the overall decorative trim style, from sleek modern to rustic traditional. Finishes range from shiny polished chrome to distressed steel with authentic age spots.

Use Frequency

High-traffic cabinets benefit from more durable metals like stainless steel or bronze versus softer options like brass that show wear quicker.

Exposure to Moisture

In damper environments, stainless steel better resists corrosion than steel or chrome-plated metals. Bronze also has good natural water resistance.

Maintenance Needs

Some metals like stainless steel only need simple cleaning while brass or bronze need more frequent polishing to maintain luster and prevent tarnishing.

Budget

Bronze, brass, and chrome cost more than steel, aluminum, or iron trim. Though long-term durability offsets some of the higher initial price.

Ease of Cleaning

Stainless steel, aluminum, and chrome trim have hard, non-porous finishes that easily wipe clean of dirt, grime, and sanitizing agents.

Considering these factors helps narrow down the selections to the few trim metals that fit both aesthetic goals and functional performance needs.

Customized Options for Unique Looks

Beyond the common metal types and finishes, custom trim opens up creative possibilities:

Mixed Metals Combinations

Blending several metals like brass inlays on steel or bronze accents on chrome trim adds unique personality. Mixing metal colors and textures makes the cabinets stand out.

Engraved Patterns and Text

Lasers can etch custom graphics and logos into the trim for a personalized look. Hand-engraving allows more delicate engraved filigree.

Smoked and Tinted Finishes

Colors like smoky gray, charcoal, and black enhance the depth and drama of metal trim for a bolder statement. Tinting can also match company branding.

Faux Finishes

Using techniques like rubbing and stippling creates faux patinas, antiquing, verdigris textures, and other simulated aged effects on metal trim.

Creative Profiles

Intricate molding profiles like ogee, beadboard, or chevron patterns distinguish the trim. Mixed profiles combine straight sections with curves or angles.

Backlit Trim

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be embedded behind opaque metal trim to produce an eye-catching glow.

Key Installation Considerations

Proper installation helps ensure metal trim performs as intended on commercial cabinets:

Secure Mounting

The trim must be firmly fixed onto the cabinet edges. Adhesives or magnetic strips alone are not enough. Mechanical fasteners like nails, screws, or rivets provide robust attachment.

Flat, Undamaged Surface

The cabinet edges should be freshly sanded or planed to remove bumps, dents, or irregularities before mounting trim. The trim needs complete contact with the flat wood surface beneath.

Water-Resistant Backing

Sealing the raw cabinet edges with a waterproof paint or varnish layer before trim installation prevents moisture damage, especially on cabinets near sinks.

Adequate Overlap

The trim metal should overhang the cabinet face by at least 1/16″ to allow for expansion and contraction of the wood without exposing unfinished edges if the wood bows or cups slightly over time.

Trim Joinery Planning

Joints between trim pieces should be mitered, overlapped, or tightly butted to avoid exposed gaps that allow water and dirt entry. Allowing adequate lengths reduces piece-to-piece joints.

Inside Corner Reinforcement

Fileting inside trim corners with adhesive and a triangular filler strip prevents cracks from forming at the vulnerable joinery intersections. Radius bends also reduce stress.

Proper metal trim installation practices maximize performance longevity and keep the trim looking pristine despite heavy commercial use. Manufacturer instructions provide specific methods for different trim types.

Maintenance Tips for Commercial Cabinet Trim

Like any cabinet component, metal trim requires proper cleaning and care to stay looking its best:

• Wipe down trim weekly using warm water with mild soap and soft cloths to remove grease, dirt buildup, and fingerprints. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
• Rinse surfaces after cleaning and wipe dry to prevent water spots, especially on stainless steel and chrome.
• For tarnished brass or bronze, use metal polish formulated for that specific metal type when simple cleaning fails to restore luster.
• Scratches or dings on durable trim metals can often be buffed out using ultra-fine grit sandpaper followed by a quality metal polish to blend and smooth the finish.
• Check trim corners, joints, and attachment points for any loosening or gaps that allow water intrusion that could cause corrosion or swelling of the cabinet substrate. Re-seal as needed.
• Inspect for cracks at backlit trim electrical connections that may allow moisture damage. Repair any damage to the waterproofing immediately before problems arise.

With proper care, quality metal trim can last for many years on commercial cabinets, maintaining both visual appeal and functional performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Cabinet Trim

What are the most durable metals for trim on high-use commercial cabinets?

Stainless steel, bronze, and solid brass generally hold up best on busy cabinets. Their strength and corrosion resistance keep the trim looking great despite bumps and spills. Chrome is also durable if coated on a resilient base metal.

Should cabinet trim match the handles and other hardware?

Matching provides a cohesive designer look, like satin nickel trim with brushed nickel pulls. Mixing finishes adds eclectic personality though, which may suit some commercial aesthetics like cafes.

Can metal trim be added to existing commercial cabinets later?

Retrofit trim kits allow installing new trim over top of current cabinets. The old edge banding is removed, the flat surface is restored, and new C-channel trim attaches around the perimeter.

Does stainless steel trim show fingerprints easily?

Micro-textured brushed finishes help minimize prints but high-traffic areas will require frequent wiping down. High-polished mirror finishes more readily show smudges. Passivation treatments adds some fingerprint resistance.

What thickness metal should commercial cabinet trim be?

Around 0.03″ to 0.05″ provides a balance of strength while still being pliable enough for bending into shaped profiles. Extruded aluminum and stainless steel are commonly available in these mid-range thicknesses.

Can commercial cabinet trim be used as a grab bar?

Metal trim is only for decorative edge covering. Using it as a structural handle can tear the trim off. Actual tubular grab bars should be specified to meet commercial safety codes.

Should metal trim run continuously or have separate sections on long cabinet runs?

Continuous trim looks most streamlined but risks buckling if the underlying cabinets settle unevenly. Individual 25″ to 30″ sections with subtly overlapping joints allow for some movement.

How much overhang should wrap-around metal trim have?

An 1/8″ overhang on the cabinet face is usually ideal. Too little exposes raw edges if the wood shrinks. Too much collects grime and is prone to denting or catching.

Conclusion

The right metal trim livens up commercial cabinetry while also serving practical protective purposes. Classic stainless steel and chrome offer sleek elegance while bronze, brass, and steel convey tradition. Customized trim takes cabinet design to the next level. Following best practices for installation and maintenance ensures commercial metal trim retains its optimal appearance and performance for many years of use. With the vast options available, designers can specify cabinet trim that truly completes the intended aesthetic.

What is Metal Trim Used For on Kitchen Cabinets?

Metal trim serves both decorative and functional roles when installed on kitchen cabinets. The trim material, style, and finish have a significant impact on the overall look and performance of a kitchen. Understanding where metal trim is most useful helps create a cohesive design.

Key Applications of Metal Trim in Kitchens

Some of the most common and beneficial locations to add metal trim in kitchens include:

Cabinet Edges

Metal trim applied to the front frame edges of cabinet doors and face frames provides protection, covers exposed wood, and enables color accents between pieces with different finishes or materials.

Countertops

Metal trim used along the junction between countertops and cabinets finishes the transition line for a streamlined look while also protecting the vulnerable corner edges.

Backsplashes

Metal applied to backsplash seams and as capping trim along the upper edge can conceal gaps and rough edges for smoother surfaces that are easier to clean.

Molding Accents

Standalone metal molding added to otherwise plain cabinet faces creates interest through raised panels, inset frames, deco trim borders, or other applied features.

Open Shelving

Exposed shelf edges often receive metal trim for aesthetic reasons and to prevent splintering of the wood edges over time as humidity causes minor expansion and contraction.

Island Edges

Islands and peninsulas gain defined shaping with trim outlining the outer contours. This provides a finished look compared to basic rectangular forms.

The wide range of metal trim styles, materials, and finishes allows designers to creatively integrate both decorative and practical trim elements throughout a kitchen’s cabinetry.

Popular Metals Used for Kitchen Trim

Kitchens showcase a variety of metal trim options to align both with desired aesthetics and suitable performance for high-moisture areas.

Stainless Steel

Brushed stainless steel provides a contemporary, professional look. The durable steel withstands moisture, heat, and wear-and-tear. A timeless material choice.

Chrome

The mirror finish of chrome has a classy, luxurious appeal. Resilient plating helps it maintain luster despite frequent cleaning and environmental exposure. Fingerprints can be an issue.

Bronze

With earthy aesthetics, bronze trim adds a unique aged, traditional charm. The darker color hides fingerprints and small dings. Real patina provides depth over time.

Copper

The soft warm glow of copper provides an attractive natural accent. The finish will mellow, darken, and show a distinct patina as it naturally oxidizes from use and cleaning.

Nickel

Satin nickel trim has an understated shine. The finish coatings deter tarnishing and corrosion. Works well with stainless appliances. Costs less than chrome or brass.

Brass

Brass trim conveys subtle luxury, available in polished to matte and oil-rubbed finishes. Lacquered coating helps resist discoloration. Periodic polishing maintains luster.

Key Benefits of Adding Trim to Kitchen Cabinets

Beyond just attractive enhancement, properly integrating metal trim into kitchen cabinetry provides:

Protection – Trim prevents damage to vulnerable cabinet edges and corners, especially in tight spaces prone to bumps and scrapes.

Cleanliness – Metal trim is non-porous and easy to sanitize, avoiding grime buildup in cracks or the absorption issues of raw exposed wood.

Durability – Trim made from hard metals withstands denting and moisture better than base materials like MDF or particleboard.

Concealment – Trim creates clean transitional lines, covers up uneven gaps, and provides a finished edge.

Consistency – Mixed cabinet colors and styles appear more uniform and harmonious when trimmed in a matching metal.

Shaping – Trim outlines custom geometric forms on islands and angled cabinet sections for refined detailing.

Factors To Consider When Selecting Kitchen Trim

Several key factors help choose trim styles that fulfill both decorative and functional goals:

Cabinet Materials

Trim effectively binds together combinations of wood, laminate, and painted cabinetry. Matte metals pair well with glossy painted finishes.

Style Cohesion

Associating trim finishes with other metals creates a holistic high-end look. Aged bronze works well with blackened steel handles and fixtures for rustic charm.

Maintenance Needs

Some metals like stainless steel wipe clean easily. Softer metals like copper require polishing to avoid discoloration from fingerprints and water spots.

Proximity to Moisture

In wet zones near sinks, stainless works better than iron-based metals prone to corrosion and rusting.

Exposure to Heat

Stainless steel maintains its appearance adjacent to hot stoves and ovens. Some plated metals can discolor or bubble from high heat.

Cost Considerations

Simple stainless trim runs $20-40 per linear foot. More exotic metals like cast bronze cost $50-80 per foot. Factor this into project budgets.

DIY vs Professional Install

Pre-finished snap-on trim is simpler for DIY projects. Professionals can provide precision finishing and joining of raw metals.

Thoughtful selection helps narrow down suitable trim metals that align with both visual design goals and practical kitchen performance needs.

Integrating Trim into Kitchen Design Plans

Planning trim placement in the early kitchen design stages allows fully realizing its benefits:

• Specify the quantities of each style needed for cabinet edges, backsplashes, islands, and any accent areas