● The gauge matters
Copper is a naturally occurring material. One way to classify this metal is by determining its gauge, which is nothing but the thickness of copper measured as the weight per square foot. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the material. The gauge of copper has a bearing on the durability of the sink, especially the ones used in kitchens. A longer wearing product would ideally be of a higher gauge, and have the ability to withstand the constant bombardment of utensils and dishes, water and other cleaning agents. Lower gauge sinks would not be ideal in kitchens as they can form dents pretty easily. Copper that has a gauge from 16 to 20 is ideal for bathrooms, while that in gauge ranging from 14 to 18 is ideal for kitchens and bars. Thicker gauge copper maybe a tad expensive than thinner ones, but for the durability and strength offered, it is definitely worth the money spent.
● Finishes can differ
Copper is a highly malleable material, and generally comes in two finishes - smooth and hammered. The smooth finish has a modern and contemporary appeal. The hammered finish exudes a hand-crafted beauty that pairs well with rustic, ethnic, and traditional interiors. The smooth finish is less forgiving than the hammered one. It tends to show fingerprints, dents and other surface mars quite easily. This may interfere with the look and feel of the sink, especially when it is used in the kitchen. Hence, the smooth finish works better in bathrooms where the sink is under lesser pressure. The hammered finish stands well against the constant barrage of cooking pots and utensils, and does not show scratches and disfigurations easily. So, it is preferred in kitchens and bars.
● The patina is ever changing
The natural color of copper and its patina change with time. The bright and shiny appearance that shows when you first install the sink changes over time and use. This however does not mar the beauty of copper. This ever changing patina lends a living feel to the sink, and especially desirable in homes with a warm, rustic interior ( https://Foxdendecor.com/blog ). But, for those who want to retain a certain appearance, it is possible to protect the sink with wax or protective finishes. This is also recommended on smooth sinks, which develop scratches easily.
● Mounting styles are varied
The mounting style of the copper sinks used in kitchens and bathrooms vary. Those used in kitchens usually have the standard mounting style or the farmhouse style. Standard ones can be mounted either under the counter, or in a drop-in fashion. Farmhouse sinks, also called apron front sinks are a lot deeper than traditional sinks, and have direct contact with the user, i.e, there is no counter top or shelf that comes in between. Farmhouse sinks maybe of the single well, double well, or even triple well construction.
Copper sinks used in bathrooms typically have three mounting styles. The vessel sink stands over the counter top. The undermount and drop in styles differ only in the finish applied to the lip area or rim. The latter may have more decorative detailing, while the under mount is usually completely flat.
Now that you have a little background to copper sinks and know what you need to keep in mind, go ahead and browse the collection available. Pick one of the right size, design, and all other elements mentioned above. Rest assured, your buying experience will be a breeze.