The Individual Touch of the Copper Kitchen Sink

Costs
Durability
History
Maintenance

Pictures
Popular Kitchen Remodeling Topics
Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers

References
Related Articles

Considered to be one of the most durable metal choices available for a kitchen sink, copper can also serve as a focal point for any design. Many people love the patina that forms over time and wouldn’t trade their copper kitchen sink for anything. Here is some more information to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your kitchen.

Costs

Certainly one of the more expensive metal choices on the market, copper sinks can range between a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand, depending on the size and quality of the sink. Contact local installers for price quotes and more information.

Pictures

Pros

Copper is non-porous and non-staining.

It is a naturally durable metal.

Many people enjoy the appearance of the patina that will form over time.

Cons

Copper sinks are generally rather costly.

Copper ages by oxidation, which will change the color and appearance over time.

It is softer than stainless steel, and thus more prone to scratching.

Durability

Generally copper is considered to be one of the most durable metals for a kitchen sink available—and of course, the thicker the better. It can be damaged under extreme heat and is more prone to scratching, but should last the lifetime of your home.

Maintenance

Cleaning copper is as easy as cleaning all metal sinks. Simply wipe it down with a clean damp cloth and non-abrasive soap if necessary. Occasional polishing will help remove surface scratches.

Common Questions and Answers

What are some important things to consider when shopping for a copper sink?

The Weld. The copper should be welded, not soldered, as soldered joints will turn black over time. The welded sink will be more expensive, as copper sinks tend to be by and large, but the added cost is worth it when it comes to the quality of the sink. Kitchen sinks should also be on the thicker side (around 16-gauge) for durability purposes. With copper bathroom sinks you can get away with a thinner gauge.

Non-Wax Finish. Some manufacturers will put a wax or lacquered finish on the inside of the sink. Generally, these are not a good idea, as they require more maintenance. Kitchen sinks simply get too much wear and tear, and the copper is naturally durable on its own.

In Square. Because copper sinks are built individually, you must take human error into account when shopping for them. In addition to welding and a non-lacquered finish, you should make sure (if you have the chance to inspect the sink in person) that it is square. Many are built out of square, and can cause trouble for your countertop fabricator at installation time.

Purity. Some copper sinks, especially those imported from other countries, have significant amount of impurities, most notably lead and mercury. A quality copper sink will state that it is lead- and mercury-free. Your best bet is to find a sink made in the USA that is 99.9% pure copper.