Copper Sinks The Benefits

November 6, 2021
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Copper Sinks, The past and the future often overlap in time, with the old coming back in style or blending in to complement the contemporary.

Whether hammered, polished or left natural, copper sinks have come in line with current trends, offering nostalgic beauty while also being robust, durable, and offering a more food-safe alternative to ceramic. However, like most utilities, they have pros and cons. So are copper sinks worth the investment? Read on to learn more.

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The Benefits of Copper Sinks

farmhouse copper sink double

HIGH QUAILTY COPPER SINKS ON SALE

Using metal fixtures, like a copper sink, in a kitchen or bathroom does have some unique benefits. However, copper does require some attention and care, more than some homeowners and renovators may realize.

If you have fallen in love with the idea of incorporating a copper sink into your new or existing décor, then you will be pleased to know that the pros outweigh the cons. Read on to find out why.

Copper Kitchen Sink Becomes A Living Piece of Art

Copper Kitchen Sink Becomes A Living Piece of Art
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Over time, copper develops a unique patina that changes over time, offering a myriad of natural shades, tones, and layers within the finish, resulting from oxidation.

Every copper sink will continue to develop its patina over its lifetime, meaning no two sinks will ever be the same. However, unlike stainless steel, scratches and marks from wear and tear can add character to copper over time rather than detracting from its appeal.

Copper’s unique aesthetic works in symbiosis with most classic, contemporary and bespoke decors, and although it can cost a little more, it will hold its value well into the future.

Robust

Compared to other traditional sink manufacturing materials, like porcelain or stainless steel, copper is a more robust and lightweight material that will not crack from impacts or other unfortunate accidents.

Because copper oxidizes, it is also resistant to rust and corrosion, meaning it will last for generations to come.

Versatile

Although rigid, copper is a relatively soft metal, making it easy to manipulate and work with, meaning you can drill, hammer and shape an old copper vessel into something unique with little effort.

Bespoke copper sinks and fittings can also increase the appeal of your dwelling if you are renovating for profit or looking to sell the property in the not too distant future.

Antimicrobial

Wet areas in your home, like bathrooms, laundries and kitchens, are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungus and other pathogens such as influenza and the common cold.

Copper has strong antimicrobial properties, meaning that it will kill almost all microorganisms that make humans sick, which can help you and your family avoid the costly time off work or school from fighting off seasonal colds and other diseases.

Easy to Clean

Copper Sinks The Benefits

ALL YOUR HIGH QUAILTY COPPER KITCHEN NEEDS ARE HERE

Copper’s “living finish” is low maintenance. All you will need to clean your copper sink is some soapy water and a cloth; generally, a gentle scrub will do the trick.

A scrubber or sponge can scratch or mark your sink, interrupting the natural patterns in the patina, so it is best to stick to the cloth.

Eco-Friendly

Whether new, second-hand or custom-designed from another copper vessel, copper is a recyclable product and can be reused, reshaped, melted down and repurposed again without losing quality.

Because copper sinks are so easy to clean, you also need less harsh chemicals during the cleaning process, making copper sinks better for you and your family, better for the environment and more sustainable than natural materials like stone.

Other Considerations

While copper sinks have many pros, copper is a unique metal, and there are some things you must be aware of regarding care and maintenance.

Can be Prone to Denting and Scratches

Copper is considered a soft metal that leaves it prone to possible dents from heavy impacts and scratches from sharp or coarse objects or cleaning cloths that are dragged across the surface.

With rustic copper sinks, these dents and scratches can add character to your sink; however, if you have gone with a hammered or polished copper sink, this could detract from the copper finish.

Acid, Heat and Chemical Sensitive

Copper can be temperamental and does react to acidic compounds, excessive heat and harsh chemicals.

Acidic compounds like citric acid and vinegar can remove the patina, leaving a distinct mark where the acidic materials have been.

Excessive heat, like from a pan straight off the flame, can create black oxidation that is hard to remove and require some work to take out of the patina.

Likewise, the acids and heavy compounds in cleaning chemicals can also affect a copper sink’s aesthetic, with some weakening the copper, especially if the copper is thin or of low purity.

Requires Regular Maintenance for Mirror Finishes

how to clean a copper sink If you look at flashy hammered copper sink  and mirror-finished designs, your sink will require a regular polish to maintain the shine.

After polishing, some mirror finished copper sinks or basins are coated with a lacquer to protect the copper from oxidation. This protective coating, however, does have a lifespan, and flaking does occur.

Although all that is required is a copper polish compound, a rag and some elbow grease, it is essential to know that the mirror finish will require more work to maintain than more familiar materials like stainless steel or porcelain before making the financial commitment.

Have you had copper sinks in your home before? What unique bespoke copper sinks and basins have you seen during your copper sink research?

The team here at Kitchenairy loves copper in the home, whether it be copper sinks, copper fixtures or copper cookware.

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