All great pizza starts with great dough, and great dough needs the right surface. While we often think ingredients are the most important aspects of making food, food service professionals know that the process and the equipment are equally important.
Pizza dough needs the right surface material and handling to achieve the proper taste and texture. Not all surfaces are created equal. For pizza prep, you want a prep surface that allows for proper manipulation, shaping, and temperature control.
So, which surface material is actually best for professional pizza prep? That answer depends on a few key factors. The best material is the one that works with your dough, meets sanitation requirements, and is durable enough to meet the demands of a commercial kitchen.
Marble, wood, and stainless steel are all popular prep surfaces. Each material has pros and cons, and the choice often depends on the preferences and needs of the kitchen’s operations.
In this blog, we’ll look at these popular choices for pizza prep surfaces. We’ll also look at why stainless-steel prep tables are a smart choice for high-volume pizza operations.
The Pros and Cons of Popular Pizza Prep Surfaces
Not all surfaces are created equal, and the best choice for pizza prep depends on your kitchen's needs. Here are three popular materials for prepping pizza dough:
Marble and Other Stone Surfaces
Marble has long been a favorite kitchen surface material, especially for pastry chefs. Its naturally cool surface helps keep butter-based pastry dough from melting too quickly. Marble is popular for pizza dough because it minimizes sticking and provides a smooth, even work area for stretching and shaping.
However, marble and other stone surfaces (like granite) have downsides that might not be ideal for a busy commercial kitchen. One important factor is porosity. Marble can absorb moisture, oil, and even bacteria if not properly sealed. Over time, this can lead to stains, odors, and sanitation concerns on the porous stone.
Additionally, acidic ingredients like tomato sauce can cause etching, affecting its durability.
Pros:
- Naturally cool, which can help prevent sticking.
- Smooth surface makes dough easy to work with.
- Aesthetic appeal that fits well in traditional pizzerias.
Cons:
- Porous material that requires proper sealing.
- Acidic ingredients can damage the surface.
Wood
Wood surfaces like butcher block countertops have long been popular in kitchens. Wood naturally has a slight texture, making it easier to roll and stretch dough. This is wood’s main advantage over other smoother surface materials.
However, wood is even more porous than marble and can absorb moisture, flour, and bacteria if not appropriately maintained. Over time, knife marks and dents can also make the surface harder to keep clean. This, of course, makes sanitation a major concern for food preparation.
Wood surfaces require regular maintenance to prevent damage that can lead to harboring harmful bacteria.
Pros:
- Provides excellent traction for kneading dough.
- Traditional material with a natural feel.
- Aesthetic appeal for open kitchen designs.
Cons:
- Highly porous, requiring regular maintenance to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Can warp or crack over time, especially with exposure to moisture.
- Harder to sanitize compared to non-porous surfaces.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the go-to prep surface in professional kitchens, and for good reason. One of its biggest advantages is that it’s non-porous. Unlike marble and wood, you don’t have to worry about it absorbing moisture, bacteria, or food particles.
Stainless steel is one of the most hygienic surfaces available and meets strict health code requirements with minimal maintenance. It is also incredibly durable; it can handle constant kneading, stretching, and harsh cleaning protocols without damage. You don’t need to worry about re-sealing or performing special maintenance.
Some chefs find stainless steel too smooth, making rolling dough a bit more difficult. However, this issue can be solved with a little extra flour. Stainless steel also doesn’t have the same cooling properties as marble but adjusts quickly to ambient temperatures. While that may be an issue for rolling out buttery pastry dough, it’s usually not a big issue with pizza making.
Pros:
- Non-porous, food-safe, and highly hygienic.
- Durable and low maintenance, resisting stains, cracks, and warping.
- Meets health and safety standards for commercial kitchens.
- Can withstand acidic ingredients and harsh cleaners.
Cons:
- The slippery surface may require a light dusting of flour for better grip when shaping dough.
- Scratch prone if cutting directly on the surface without a cutting board.
- Not as aesthetically pleasing as marble and wood.
Why Choose Stainless Steel for Pizza Kitchen?
While each prep surface has benefits, stainless steel is consistently among the most practical, hygienic, and durable choices for commercial kitchens. While marble and wood have appeal, they require more maintenance and don’t offer the same level of food safety and efficiency, especially in high-volume operations.
Stainless steel is NSF-certified, non-porous, and easy to clean, and helps ensure safety protocols in the kitchen.
Durability is another major factor. Pizza kitchens are tough environments, and stainless steel can withstand daily prep work, high temperatures, and frequent sanitization without degrading over time.
If you have the space to dedicate a prep area for dough-only, you may prefer a marble or wooden surface. However, if you need a multipurpose surface area that can handle dough prep and other back-of-house prep, stainless steel is a great choice.
304 and 316 Stainless Steel for Pizza Prep
Type 304 stainless steel is the industry standard for commercial food prep tables. It’s highly durable, resistant to corrosion, and an all-around solid option for pizza kitchens.
However, if your kitchen regularly handles highly acidic ingredients—like tomato sauce—or follows harsh cleaning protocols, type 316 stainless steel offers even higher corrosion resistance. It contains molybdenum, which gives it extra resistance to acids, salts, and harsh cleaning chemicals, making it ideal for high-exposure environments.
Metro’s Stainless-Steel Solutions for Pizza Prep
The right prep station can make all the difference in efficiency, cleanliness, and overall workflow in all types of commercial kitchens. And when it comes to sanitation and versatility, nothing beats stainless steel.
At Metro, we offer high-quality stainless steel solutions designed specifically for the demands of professional kitchens, ensuring that every aspect of your pizza-making operation runs smoothly.
Here are some of our top solutions to help you improve your pizza prep:
TableWorx Stainless Steel Work Tables
A great prep surface starts with a solid foundation. Metro’s TableWorx stainless steel worktables are the perfect prep station for kneading, stretching, and assembling pizzas.
- Durable & Food Safe – Built to handle heavy use, they provide a sanitary, non-porous surface for kneading, stretching, and assembling pizzas.
- Easy to Clean – A simple wipe-down keeps them food-safe without the need for special maintenance.
- Flexible Configurations – Available in various sizes and layouts to fit seamlessly into any kitchen.
- Corrosion Resistance—Choose from 304 or 316 stainless steel, both of which offer long-term durability and resistance to warping, staining, and moisture absorption.
SmartLever
A well-organized workstation ensures maximum productivity. Metro SmartLever workstations allow you to optimize your prep space to produce more pizzas faster.
- Adjustable Work Surfaces – Variable-height workstations allow for ergonomic prep, whether stretching dough or assembling toppings.
- Overhead & Under-Table Storage – Maximize every inch of space with shelving that keeps ingredients, utensils, and trays within easy reach.
- SmartWall Grid & Accessories – Attach hooks, bins, and shelves to customize the station for your specific pizza-making process.
- Future-Proof Design – Unlike custom-built stations, SmartLever adapts to your business—reconfigure or expand it as your needs change.
SmartWall Pizza Prep Kit
When space is limited, go vertical. Metro’s SmartWall Pizza Prep Kit works seamlessly with our stainless-steel prep tables to create an efficient, organized workstation.
- Maximizes Efficiency – Keeps ingredients, tools, and essentials within arm’s reach, reducing wasted motion.
- Reduces Clutter – Helps keep the prep area clean and organized, streamlining workflow during busy hours.
- Versatile for Any Kitchen – Whether you run a high-speed assembly line or a craft-style pizza kitchen, SmartWall adapts to your needs.
- Maintains Food Safety – Designed to uphold the highest hygiene standards, ensuring everything stays fresh and accessible.
Optimize Your Pizza Prep with Metro
The right prep surface and storage setup can transform your kitchen's operation. With Metro’s productivity solutions, you can create a streamlined, efficient, and hygienic prep station that meets the demands of a busy pizzeria.
If you want to upgrade your pizza prep area with durable, high-quality stainless-steel solutions, visit our website to find the perfect fit for your kitchen.