Copper Sinks
Selecting a kitchen or bathroom
sink use to be easy. Plumbing showrooms were dominated with the lines from just
a few large companies selling ceramic, enameled steel, cast iron and stainless
steel sinks. In the past few years, there has been an explosion of new products
in the sink category and a growing demand for hand crafted and custom work.
There have been several “new” sink mediums gaining recent acceptance – glass,
various stones, brass, copper, and even wood. At Sinks Gallery, we only work
with true artisans that use time-tested techniques for creating quality,
long-lasting products. We have seen mass-produced sinks stamped out on an
assembly line and don’t want any part of it!
Copper sinks have been around for
decades, but recently the popularity of copper has been on the rise. We have
sold copper for many years but recently we have been deluged with questions
about the longevity of copper sinks, what to look for when purchasing a copper
sink, the care and maintenance of copper – we are simply amazed at the
misinformation that exists on the internet. This article and the articles we
recommend that you consult have been written by a team of industry experts who
have been working in the plumbing industry and with copper for decades. Most of
us have copper sinks in our home – both in the kitchen and bath – and appreciate
the warm tones and personality that these sinks acquire over time.
When considering copper sinks, be
careful! There is a bewildering array of copper sinks now on the market. Arm
yourself with facts first and if in doubt, just be sure to buy from a reputable
company. Many companies on the internet appear to be US companies, but
oftentimes are not – and if you need warranty work or have problems, you want to
be sure that the sink is backed by a reputable company. For an in depth article
on buying a copper sink, you might take a look at this article
"Buying a Copper Sink".
How Do They Age?
By far the most common question we get is how the sinks age and questions about
the patina. A copper finish is a living finish and never really stops changing
in color. Every environment is different – whether in your kitchen, bath or bar
so this question isn’t answered with an easy pat answer. That being said, the
evolution of a copper finish is gradual, and as it ages it becomes even more
handsome. You can greatly reduce this change with the use of wax such as
Renaissance Bronze wax. Generally aging results in a mellow brownish weathered
copper patina. We like to refer to it as the basins soul.
Are they difficult to maintain?
Copper sinks generally require the same maintenance as a porcelain sink – soap
and water rinsing from time to time. And if you are concerned about water spots,
there are several ways to avoid this including the finish you choose.
Hand-hammered sinks, a rubbed bronze finish or copper/stainless steel hybrid
sinks are a few of the options if you are concerned about this. For a much more
in depth article on copper sink maintenance, please consult this article:
Copper Maintenance Instructions.
How Do I Get a Custom Size,
Shape and Finish?
Now you can have a sink designed around your lifestyle. No appliance in the
kitchen is used as much as the sink. Assembly-line sinks are designed for the
"average" consumer. They target the market where most sales can be made. The
sinks we sell are designed specifically for you! If we don’t already carry the
right size for you, our sink design specialists will assist you in designing the
perfect sink that matches your lifestyle and décor. We will discuss your height,
whether you are right- or left-handed, your food preparation style and how you
cleanup after a meal. All of these issues are important in designing your
perfect sink. The possibilities are endless and your home will never be the
same. The easiest way to start is to give us a call.
Why Buy From Sinks Gallery?
We have the largest US inventory of copper sinks available and also specialize
in custom sizes. We buy directly from the artisans and only sell the highest
quality and thickest gauge copper that we have seen available on the market. We
have been selling sinks for many years and have a lengthy list of satisfied
customers. We stand behind our sinks and our service and you will not only get
what you paid for, but we are always available to help you with your sink even
after the sale. You can buy from us with confidence knowing you are getting the
best value for your money from a company that cares.