Why Get A Copper Sink?

COPPER KITCHENS SINKS COME IN DIFFERENT STYLES

Just like stainless steel, plastic, and porcelain sinks, copper kitchen sinks come in a number of different styles. You'll want to choose the one you like best, and that fits the look and feel of your kitchen.

The farmhouse sink is popular, as the trend of farmhouse kitchens has continued to grow. You don't need to live in a farmhouse to have this style of large, open-style sink. They can be great choices for washing large pots and pans, cleaning and preparing food, and other common kitchen tasks. Plus they make a bold statement and can serve as a focal point in your kitchen. However, farmhouse sinks aren't the only great type of copper kitchen sinks to consider.

The hammered sink is also popular because it provides a very unique look. It can work well in a kitchen where the homeowners are going for an "antique" style, because a hammered copper kitchen sink provides a timeless and elegant old-world look. Antique-style copper kitchen sinks can be true statement pieces that add a quality, high-end look to any kitchen. You might even be tempted to design your kitchen around the evergreen antique style.

Double bowl sinks are generally standard for most kitchens, whether they're made from copper, stainless steel, porcelain, or another material. These sinks might have the standard style of mounting—where they have a lip all around them that sits on the countertop—or they can be undermount sinks that are attached to the bottom of the counter. Either mounting style can work in a kitchen, and it really depends on the one you like best. Both styles are solid, durable, and easy to clean, so you don't have to worry about one style being more functional than the other.

Whether you're looking for a sink that blends in with your kitchen or something that stands out and gets noticed, there are great choices in copper for a bolder, more unique look.

THE BENEFITS OF COPPER SINKS

Among the biggest benefits of copper sinks is their stain resistance. Unlike some other types of sinks and surfaces, they aren't going to stain or mark easily. It's true that copper can change color (we'll talk about that in a little bit), but the color change can be reduced and controlled to some extent.

Copper kitchen sinks, when properly cleaned and cared for, can stay looking great for a long time. They don't pick up the stains and discoloration that other types of sinks can acquire, and they aren't any harder to maintain than other kinds of materials that are commonly used in sinks. While some people may believe that copper is high maintenance, that's not actually the case.

Sustainability matters to a lot of people when designing their kitchen and considering a kitchen sink. Copper is a great choice for sustainability. It's 100 percent recyclable and has been used and reused for centuries. While it's enjoying a surge in popularity at the moment, it's also timeless and has certainly been used in homes in the past. Copper fixtures are not a fad, and do not cause damage to the environment just to give homeowners a particular look in their kitchen. If you like the way it looks and you want to consider copper kitchen sinks for your home, you'll be making a sustainable choice by choosing this material.

Copper has natural anti-microbial properties, too, so it offers a higher degree of protection against some types of germs and illnesses. It's always good to keep your kitchen as clean as possible, to reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses and other types of problems that could be harmful to you or your family.

When you look for copper kitchen sinks, you are making a commitment to a healthier home and a cleaner kitchen that can mean less bacteria and a lower risk of illness. That doesn't mean the sink won't need regular cleaning and treatments, but you could be reducing your potential risk of sickness from bacteria in your kitchen just by choosing a copper sink.

DIFFERENT GAUGES OF COPPER MEANS DIFFERENT LOOKS AND SOUNDS

As you’re shopping for your copper sink, you’ll want to determine which gauge is best for your needs. This will depend on how you use your kitchen, the size of your family, whether you have children or pets, and the types of things you typically cook, as well as the kinds of pots, pans, and other kitchen items you have.
The thinner the gauge of a copper kitchen sink, the more noise the sink will make and the easier it will dent or become damaged. But that doesn't mean you can't use a thinner gauge with success.

The thicker the copper, the better the quality of the sink. A lower number indicates a thicker gauge. For example, a 14 gauge sink will be much thicker than a 20 gauge sink. It's important to remember this distinction so that you do not confuse a higher number as equating with a higher quality.

Most people choose a 16 gauge copper sink because of the durability it offers at a lower price than a 14 gauge sink. Still, if you can make an investment in 14 gauge when considering copper kitchen sinks, you have the opportunity to own a sink that's going to give you the highest level of quality and value.

Lower gauge copper kitchen sinks are much more durable when being transported and installed, in addition to how well they hold up to normal, daily use in your kitchen. Remember: copper can scratch and dent more easily than some other materials because it's softer. One of the best ways to avoid a lot of that damage is by choosing a thicker gauge and a better quality in order to protect your investment over time.

The different gauges of copper kitchen sinks will give you a unique look and feel in your kitchen no matter which one you choose. In addition to the styles and colors or patinas to choose from when shopping for kitchen sinks, you can also get a look you love by choosing the right gauge for your design aesthetic.
If you have a small sink area and live alone, you can very easily choose a thinner gauge without worry. But for people with a large kitchen and a big family who want a roomy sink to go match, it's vital that they consider a thicker gauge. You want a sink that will last a lifetime, and that's much easier to achieve when you make an investment in a quality copper sink.

HOW TO CLEAN AND CARE FOR COPPER SINKS

When caring for a copper sink, it's important to understand patina. Far too often people think their sink is becoming stained or damaged, or just not holding up properly, because of the way the color changes slowly over time. Patina is a natural process, and something you should expect if you choose to install a copper kitchen sink.

Copper changes and shifts in color over time. That's the nature of the metal, and not something you can completely stop or avoid. However, as a copper sink owner, you can control color changes to some extent with the proper care and treatment.

Copper becomes darker over time, as a way of protecting itself from chemicals and other harsh irritants in the environment. Darkening copper is to be expected, but you can slow that process and keep your copper looking lighter and brighter for longer. You may also find that some things you put in your sink strip the patina from it and create a shinier, brighter patch in that area. This isn't a problem and it's not hurting the sink material.

Copper kitchen sinks will last for a lifetime, and the patina will continue to change and develop for the entire time you use your kitchen sink. Cosmetics, acidic foods, and abrasive types of chemicals can change or remove the patina from your kitchen sink, and even the oil from your fingers can affect it. Don't leave these things in your sink for a long time, or they will strip the patina. Keep your sink as clean as possible, and always clean it after use so it can change color naturally.

HOW WELL DO COPPER SINKS DRAIN?

Sinks are designed to drain well, but the kind of sink you have will affect how well the drainage process takes place. For example, hammered copper kitchen sinks have indentations in them due to the hammering process. Those indentations will always hold a little bit of water, and that's something to be aware of if you choose this type of sink.

Sinks that are smooth and correctly sloped will drain without any issues.
If you choose a copper sink, remember that mineral build up can occur around the drain and it has to be cleaned properly and often to encourage proper draining.

BUYING NEW VERSUS USED FOR YOUR COPPER SINK

Choosing new when buying a copper kitchen sink is usually the best option, although there are used sinks that can be of high quality. By purchasing a new sink, you can get exactly what you're looking for along with the backing of the manufacturer or company you purchased it from. Buying new can help reduce chances that there will be a problem with the sink or the way it fits in your space, and can guarantee a high quality purchase for your building or remodeling efforts.

Your copper kitchen sink will look beautiful and last a lifetime with proper care, so it's important that you make a wise purchase and get the new sink you really want. With the right research and planning, you can enjoy the form and function of your copper kitchen sink for a long time to come.