Buying your copper sink: useful information and tips
Selecting to use the kitchen or bathroom sink is easy. There were only a few large companies that sold ceramic, enameled steel, cast iron, and stainless steel sinks. In the last decade, there has been an explosion of new products in the sink category and a growing demand for handmade and custom work. There have been several “new” sink media that have gained acceptance recently: glass, various stones, brass, copper, and even wood. This article will focus on copper sinks and what to look for before making your purchase.
Copper is the oldest metal in man, dating back more than 10,000 years. Its use in the home in modern times ranges from copper tubing in your plumbing system to some of the best kitchen gadgets available. Restaurateurs, hoteliers, and interior decorators view copper and brass as naturally attractive metals that make a statement of quality, comfort, and beauty. It’s no wonder that copper has also become a popular material for kitchen, bathroom, and bar sinks.
Copper artisans abound throughout the world, yet artisans who have earned a reputation for making sinks have focused primarily on India, Mexico, and the United States. Most stores that make “handmade” copper sinks are small, and the methods used to build sinks date back centuries. The term “hand hammered” has recently become synonymous with Mexican sinks. This term refers to the original ancient techniques that artisans have been using for centuries in this area. The copper sheets are literally hammered into shape and hand finished.
The results are somewhat rustic, but truly unique and one-of-a-kind. Copper sinks in the United States are made using similar techniques, but are more often “smooth” rather than “hammered.” American copper craftsmen are dominated by shops doing custom work primarily for commercial projects like restaurants. You can see examples of all these sinks at Sinks Gallery. They specialize in handcrafted sinks and have one of the largest selections of copper sinks available, as well as sinks of all different mediums, including glass, ceramic, various stone, and even wood.
There are three main differentiators that determine quality: the construction technique, the thickness of the copper, and the company you are buying from. Construction quality is made up of several factors: how the corners are constructed, welding technique, and proper dimensions to facilitate installation. The quality can vary even when considering sinks made in the same city, like many of the sinks in Mexico. The buyer should make sure that they are buying from a legitimate company that knows the product and is not selling “seconds”. In the world of handmade products, not all sinks are created equal, and often the same store sells two or more quality levels (ie “firsts” and “seconds”).
Copper begins in sheets of various thicknesses or “gauges.” Metal thickness can also refer to weight per square foot. The thicker the gauge of copper, the lower the number. Most bathroom sinks are made from 20 gauge (thinnest) to 16 gauge (thickest) and most kitchen sinks range from 18 gauge to 14 gauge. When shopping for copper sinks, always ask for the gauge and keep in mind that a heavier gauge sink will cost more, and in many cases well worth it! Light gauge metal can produce a “metallic” sound when the faucet is turned on.
Lastly, consider the store you are shopping from. If a copper sink seems “cheap” in price, there is usually a reason. I have seen many of the copper sinks sold on the most famous “auction site”. All I can say is “buyer beware”, or more specifically “you get what you pay for” … If something goes wrong with your sink or there is a problem when it arrives, you need to make sure that the company you bought will be behind your product. Think carefully about buying internationally. Too often a sink that is received is not as it is represented. A reputable dealer should identify your shipping location, clearly state their warranty and return policy, and be available for inquiries.
I’m a fan of copper sinks. I think they are sturdy but elegant, especially as they age. The rich reflections and hues of the patina process are constantly evolving. A copper finish is a “live finish” and never stops changing color. That said, the evolution of a copper finish is gradual and as it ages it becomes even more attractive. You can greatly reduce this change with the use of wax or even a lacquer product, but personally I like to let the copper evolve. Most of the time, this process results in a smooth brown weathered copper patina. I like to refer to her as the soul of the basins.
Copper sinks often come in various finishes, from a shiny copper finish (like a new penny) to a dark patina (we call ours “Dark Smoke”) and everything in between. The copper finish you choose is a matter of personal taste, but our customers often prefer the more “worn” patinas to avoid the maintenance or uncertainty associated with bright copper. If you want to slow down the patina process, try applying a wax like “Renaissance Wax.” Applied every few months, the wax will provide a barrier between the copper and the environment.
Copper kitchen sinks come in two basic forms: undermount or farmhouse style. The rustic nature of copper sinks fits well with the farmhouse sink style. Sometimes referred to as “front apron” sinks, these sinks come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and different configurations, ie single bowl, double bowl, and even triple bowl. Bathroom sinks are generally available in three styles: bowl (countertop mount), flush mount, or undercounter mount. Typically, the style of the lips determines whether the bathtub sink is recessed or recessed. Be sure to order the right lip style to suit your project. A recent trend in bathroom design is to combine a copper mirror frame with the sink in the same patina. This can help create consistency in the appearance of the décor.
If you have any other questions before purchasing any sink, feel free to call us at Sinks Gallery or Copper Sinks Online – 1-877-320-0800. We will be happy to answer any other questions you may have.