Make sure you do not leave lots of heavy items in the sink at the same time to avoid them scratching the sink and don’t put any foods with a high acidic content in there, such as citrus fruit and tomatoes. If they do come into contact with your copper kitchen sink, rinse it out immediately to avoid any damage.
Do you want a single or double kitchen sink?
Many people opt for a double kitchen sink, which features two basins with a separator in between. This allows you to wash dishes in one side and leave things to soak in the other, or separate dishes contaminated by raw poultry or meat. It also enables you to keep things that can easily be broken, such as glasses and mugs, away from heavier pots and pans.
However, if the size of your kitchen is an issue, you may want to stick to a single-bowl copper sink.
Choose the finish.
Patina obviously makes the color change over the years, but when it comes to choosing the finish of your sink, there is a huge selection to choose from, including:
Antique: This is a warm and vibrant finish, and it looks like the patina has already taken place. This finish guarantees you durability and gives a more consistent look to your copper sink. It also needs less in terms of upkeep than a new penny finish.
New penny - This is copper at its very finest. It looks, just as the name suggests, like a new penny. You can choose how you want it to age, whether you let age and patina happen naturally with little upkeep or keep it shiny, polished, and looking brand new.
Other choices available from CopperSmith include old coin, rose, and weathered, as well as different textured finishes such as heavy, beehive, and grain. The choices are endless; it is a case of deciding which one will fit best into your kitchen vision!
Consider the size of your kitchen.
Because copper sinks are made from a single sheet of copper, they are generally on the larger side. While this is a good thing in most cases, if you have a small kitchen, you need to make sure that you have enough room. Will a single copper sink or a double one be better for your needs and available kitchen space?
It needs to be installed by a professional.
While it can be tempting to cut corners and fit your copper kitchen sink yourself, we recommend that you don’t, and get the professionals in. Copper sinks, particularly farmhouse-style ones and undermount ones are tricky to put in, and it pays to have professionals put them in for you.
Choose one that is welded and not soldered
Some inferior copper sinks come with soldered seals, and while these might be cheaper in the short term, in the long run the seams will become discolored and eventually start to leak, costing you time and money to put right. The high-quality copper kitchen sinks we sell are made with full apron welded seams and by craftsmen with attention to detail and perfection in mind.
Think about the size of the drain opening and where it is.
When you are making your decision about a copper kitchen sink, you need to factor in the size of the drain opening. If you need to change the drain or waste pipe at any point, you may find yourself hunting around for one that fits the size of the drain hole in your copper kitchen sink. By having a standard-sized drain hole, you will avoid any hassle and be able to find one quickly and easily.
You also need to think about the positioning of the drain and how it can impact its effectiveness. In most cases, the drain in a kitchen sink is in the middle of the sink, but sometimes people choose other locations for it. Make sure everything aligns when confirming your copper kitchen sink design. However, drainage will never be a significant issue, as the bottom of the sink will slope slightly downward.
With copper kitchen sinks being an investment, it is important to do your research and choose the right style, design, finish, and size for you. We hope the above tips will help.
Copper sinks can make your kitchen look stunning but how do you choose the right copper sink? These sinks work with every countertop and every counter style, as well as with both traditional and contemporary kitchens. Copper sinks can handle pretty much the toughest jobs in your kitchen and look great for years to come.
To make sure you choose the right copper sink for your kitchen, you will want to:
1) Consider how much hand-detailing you want. Machine-made kitchen sinks have a smoother finish, while hand-made ones will have more character and will be more unique. Deciding between man-made and machine may also affect your price point and your style options, so take a look at both options.
2) Consider how you will use your copper sink. Copper sinks are antimicrobial and resistant to rust, making them ideal for the rigors of a busy kitchen. Keep in mind that you will need to rinse your sink and dry it if you have hard water to prevent hard mineral buildup. You will also only want to use mild soap and soft cloths on your copper sink to avoid scratches.
3) Consider how much copper is in your sink. The more copper you have, the higher the quality of the sink and the longer it will last. You may have a copper sink with some zinc added in to make it sturdier, but in general, look for a product that is at least 99% pure copper. Alloys will not last as long or look as great as real, pure copper.
4) Be prepared for the patina. Copper develops a patina and changes color over time, becoming a richer and deeper hue. Because of this, copper is also somewhat “self-healing.” If you do get a scratch in your copper sink, that scratch will eventually develop its patina, darkening and changing until it becomes less distinguishable from the rest of the sink.
5) Choose the mount. You can choose the vessel mount, where the sink sits on top of the cabinet, or an undermount or drop-in mount, where the sink is level with the cabinet. Another option is the apron front, which is a large sink that reaches to the edge of the cabinet, so you don’t have to lean in as much.
6) Consider your style preferences as well as comfort levels, when choosing a mount. If you are taller, for example, a vessel mount can mean a higher sink, even if you have lower cabinets and counters. If you need to make your sink wheelchair-accessible, apron front sinks can be a great choice.
7) Consider gauge. Gauge refers to the thickness of your sink. If you choose a higher gauge, your sink may dent more easily, so select a gauge no higher than 18.
If you're ready to transform your kitchen with a stunning and unique copper sink, visit CopperSmith to take a look at your options. CopperSmith has many styles to choose from and offers personalized designs as well, so you can build the exact kitchen you want. If you're interested in adding a copper hood and other copper features to your home, CopperSmith also has copper range hoods and other copper accessories and style choices for you. You can also check out this sink buyer guide for more information.