Add elegance to your home by featuring the natural beauty of copper. Just like every aspect of life, not all copper is created equal and CopperSmith only utilizes elite and thick copper materials that are hand hammered, maintenance-free, and naturally antibacterial but we can't speak for other copper companies.
Sometimes understanding copper quality is a chore in itself, we would like to give you some practical advice, so you can be sure any copper purchase you make is of great quality, or at least you know some details of what you’re spending your hard-earned money on.
Get What You Pay For
Sure, you’ve seen a beautiful copper bathtub, kitchen range, or sink online, maybe even in the store and it was surprisingly cheaper than you’ve imagined. The chances are that it is thinly constructed. Purchasing a cheap, flimsy copper product can lead to more costly expenses. Whether the cost is to replace the sink before you were expecting or experiencing water leaks and unsightly dents because you purchase a thin copper product without knowing otherwise. We are here to tell you that the way to decipher the thickness of copper is to understand the gauge, otherwise known as the weight per square foot.
Understanding Copper Thickness through Gauge
Usually the higher the number, the bigger/thicker the thing is. Right? No. With Copper, that’s not the case. A 16 gauge copper tub is thinner than a 15 gauge, which means the greater number is less durable.
Below are more examples to help clarify:
- 36 Gauge Copper – Is easily bendable, cut with a pair of scissors and dents effortlessly. This gauge is commonly featured on kitchen backsplashes or for electrical use.
- 24 Gauge Copper – Sturdier and many times used for flashing, roofing and kitchen range hoods (not ours, though, we use 15 gauge). More durable than the previous gauge.
- 15 Gauge Copper - This is the copper gauge that can bear the weight of a person. Yes, you will pay more for purchasing thicker gauged copper product, but the results are well worth it.
There are many more copper gauges, but this should serve as a tool for you in your search for a quality copper product. Copper gauges can be deceiving and if you don’t research before you may be extremely disappointed in your purchase. Copper is a soft metal and the only way to ensure lasting beauty and functionality is to buy a pure copper product (like the ones offered by CopperSmith) that has a thicker gauge, which in turn means a lesser number.
Explore The Purity
Another important element to consider when choosing a copper product is the purity. You need to check that your copper item does not contain any filler products. It’s particularly crucial that it doesn’t include lead. A lot of companies do sell recycled copper products for your home. While this is certainly beneficial for the environment and could ensure that your home is more sustainable, it is difficult to ensure that recycled copper has a higher purity. Remember to check this if you are purchasing a copper product made of recycled materials. You should also check the specific percentage of copper items. All products from CopperSmith reach the highest standard of purity available on the market.
Cost Considerations
When exploring copper furniture and fixtures available on the market, you will find that they differ dramatically in terms of cost. This means that there is a copper product available for a wide range of home budgets. While it can be tempting to select a copper product at a lower cost, this will often mean that you are buying an inferior product. Depending on the difference in price, there could be issues with the purity or - as mentioned - the gauge. Generally, copper furniture and fixtures that are available at a higher price will often be more durable and last longer compared to similar items. As such, they will add additional value to your home and help you avoid the need for a repair or replacement while you are living in the property.
Check if An Item Is Copper
You may decide to purchase copper products second-hand from a variety of sources. While this is an option and may reduce the cost, you may find items that are marketed as copper are made from an entirely different material. For instance, copper products are often confused with brass. There are several steps that you can explore to determine whether or not a product is truly made of copper.
Color
Copper and brass are often confused due to their color. Copper is a natural pink with a reddish-brown hue similar to a penny. It can darken to look more red or orange over time. Brass in contrast, tends to appear yellow and far more bright.
This is why it’s important to look carefully and determine whether a product is being marketed correctly.
Sound Test
Another key point to be aware of about copper is that it does have a distinct sound. If you strike copper against and listen it should provide a deep, low sound. In contrast, alloys will provide a sound that is similar to the ringing of a bell. Real copper always has this distinct sound that you can check for when determining whether a product is authentic and therefore worth your time or your money.
Magnetic
If an item is made of pure copper or a high percentage of copper, then it will not be magnetic. However, if an item has been created with a wider range of materials, then you will find that it will attract the magnet. This is another key test that you can complete if you are not sure whether a product is truly copper.
If you purchase furniture or items from CopperSmith, you will always have complete peace of mind that you are buying true copper products that are manufactured to the right quality standard.
Benefits Of High-Quality Product Copper Products
High-quality copper products that have been manufactured to the right standard will provide a lot of benefits for your home. For instance, a true copper product will provide a high level of durability. You won’t need to worry about your item showing damage over time. If there are changes to the product, then they will naturally correct themselves because copper is a living material.
Copper products also have antibacterial properties. This makes it a wonderful choice of material for your kitchen sink or for various other items around your kitchen. It means that you don’t need to spend as much time and attention cleaning these products carefully.
Copper is also a beautiful and distinct choice of material for home design. It will add new color and life to any room or area around your property whether used in the kitchen, bedroom or bathroom space.
Copper fixtures can make your home seem like it is more valuable too. It is a wonderful way to invest in improving your home. However, this will only be the case if you choose the best copper products available on the market.
If you have any questions, would like to schedule an installation or would like to contact us for any reason please call us 888-431-4677, email us [email protected] or fill out our contact form.