Zinc
Zinc, key to galvanizing metal, is a versatile choice for roofing, countertops and more
Zinc, a versatile metal, can be used on its own or combined with copper, lead, tin or aluminum when used as an alloy. Iron nails dipped in zinc keep rust at bay, and large surface areas can be electroplated with zinc to make them less prone to corrosion. The process of coating objects in zinc is called galvanizing. Zinc can also be used in solid sheets for roofing, flashing and countertops, and can be cast into ornamental shapes.
Solid zinc makes an attractive industrial-looking counter material. Though it is brittle, it can be bent and soldered to fit into the space.
Solid zinc sheets can be bonded to a plywood substrate. When polished, zinc can be as lustrous as chrome.
Galvanized steel has a thin coating of zinc but is not solid zinc. Without the zinc coating, the steel would rust.
It can be difficult to tell if a surface is solid zinc or coated with zinc, but both options are antimicrobial, making them a good choice for kitchens and baths.
Browse more zinc photos
Browse more zinc photos