Buying the perfect sink for your kitchen is an important factor in any design or renovation project. 

You’ll need to consider how much daily use it will succumb to, the amount of countertop space you have for it, the style of installation you desire, its functionality, all while finding an option that will fit into your budget.

It can become a tough journey! Luckily for you, you came to the right place!

At Deslaurier, we are experts in all things kitchen design. Although we do not install kitchen sinks, we understand how important it is to determine the right sink for your unique kitchen needs. 

In turn, many of our clients often ask us about the benefits of different kitchen sink materials, such as copper. That’s where we come in!

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about copper kitchen sinks.

Let’s begin!

Copper Kitchen Sinks

Copper is one of the most widely utilized materials in the world. Be it as a pure metal or a mixed copper-alloy, copper is widely used in items ranging from jewelry, and musical instruments to wire pipes and, you guessed it, kitchen sinks.

It’s no surprise why! 

Over 80 percent of all the copper ever mined and manufactured are still in use today, and they are all recyclable. Because of this, copper is considered one of the most eco-friendly metals.

Copper sinks can be made in various thicknesses, from 20 (thinner) gauge to 14 (thicker) gauge. The lesser the number, the thicker the copper will be.  

Copper is renowned for being one of the most practical materials for kitchen sinks. This reputation is largely due to the fact that 99.9% of pure copper is naturally antimicrobial, can kill harmful bacteria, and is completely recyclable!  

After all, most cooking areas are full of germs and bacteria, and having a sink material that naturally kills them is invaluable within a kitchen.

When it comes to aesthetics, copper is versatile, allowing you the ability to get creative with the look and finish of your sink. With available options such as a hammered finish, smooth finish, and a variety of different patina selections, copper is one of the most versatile sink materials you can find.

Strength and Durability of Copper Kitchen Sinks

Copper is an extremely durable material, especially when it's used for kitchen sinks. 

As previously mentioned, one of the most appealing factors of a copper sink is that it naturally eliminates 99.9% of bacteria. Studies have shown that copper molecules will "punch holes" in bacteria membranes, preventing their metabolisms and stopping growth.

Further, copper sinks won’t stain unless they have been exposed to hazardous materials. They also won’t crack or break like porcelain and are highly resistant to denting. 

Copper sinks are usually built with a heavier-gauge material than the steel used in stainless steel sinks. Anything 16-gauge or better is considered high-quality when it comes to copper. In fact, copper is such a long-lasting and durable material that you’ll still often see antique copper sinks that date back 50 years or more! 

Characteristics like that speak to the enduring toughness and appeal of the timeless copper kitchen sink. 

Copper has a living finish, so extra care is needed to look clean and damage-free. You can wax the sink monthly and wash with copper-specific cleaners to prevent discolouration and corrosion.

If you want your copper sink to develop a copper patina that gives a unique look over time, you might have to use less cleaning and waxing.

Imagining how a copper sink would fit into your dream kitchen? Kickstart your kitchen design by booking a free consultation with a Deslaurier expert! 

Sizes and Types of Copper Kitchen Sinks

Single Basin Copper Kitchen Sinks

Single basin is a broad category of kitchen sink that includes farmhouse and in-counter sinks. As made clear by the name, the defining feature of these sinks is that they offer one large, single bowl or basin with no divider. 

Further, single basin sinks are offered in various widths ideal for both spacious and limited kitchens, from small island prep sinks to large farmhouse sinks. 

Generally speaking, single-basin sinks provide the best value and most common configuration. They require less plumbing (just one drain and faucet), which also lends convenience to the installation process. 

Larger single basin sinks are ideal for handwashing dishes or cooking supplies, as they can accommodate large pots, pans, or platters that must be soaked before scrubbing. 

Double Basin Copper Kitchen Sinks

Sinks with two bowls are preferred for their multifunctionality. 

Multi-basin sinks have the option to use one section for hot water washing and the other for cold water rinsing; one to soak tough pots and pans while simultaneously allowing the other basin to be available for any routine function.   

The double-bowl, low-divide sink, is one of the most exciting new additions to double-basin sinks. Its central divider is lower than traditional double basins, which allows it to accommodate pots and pans with long handles, while still offering the benefits of two basins. 

In terms of kitchen practicality, an excellent double basin sink is hard to beat.

Triple Basin Copper Kitchen Sinks

Triple basin sinks are not for every kitchen. They are typically much larger than both single and double bowl sinks and require a vast amount of countertop room to comfortably integrate into a kitchen. 

Since they are so rarely used in home kitchens, triple basin sink options are somewhat limited, especially in terms of materials. It will be hard to find many options outside of copper or stainless steel.

As you can imagine, triple basin sinks come with a large price tag. Add in the copper material, and triple basin copper sinks can come at a staggering cost. 

Copper Farmhouse Kitchen Sinks

Farmhouse kitchen sinks hold the unique distinction of being both their own style as well as requiring their own installation method (more on that below). Farmhouse sinks are equipped with a large, deep single or double-bowl and an exposed front (apron) that extends past the base cabinetry.

Copper is one of the finest materials you can use when it comes to farmhouse kitchen sinks, and it shows! 

The exposed front apron of a farmhouse sink allows for the copper’s luscious, rich appearance to be prominently on display. It’s no wonder the rustic, countryside aesthetic of high-quality copper meshes perfectly with the sensibilities of a farmhouse kitchen design. 

Farmhouse sinks are also larger and more expensive than other types of kitchen sinks due to the need for special cabinetry. A deep farmhouse basin will require a special base or modified cabinet for it to properly extend past the cabinet front.

While the additional space and installation required for copper farmhouse sinks can be too much of a hassle for some kitchens, it can be well worth it to incorporate such a stunning feature when designing your kitchen with custom cabinets and countertops in mind! 

Copper Kitchen Sink Installation Methods

Copper kitchen sink’s versatility doesn’t stop there. You can incorporate copper sinks in a multitude of installation methods, such as drop-in, undermount, and the aforementioned farmhouse style. 

Top-Mount Copper Kitchen Sinks

The top-mount sink installation method has long been a common configuration for kitchens. Although not as popular as they once were, top-mounts still offer unrivaled affordability and practicality when it comes to installation. 

The sink slides into a hole in the countertop, with the edge of the rim holding it in position. This renders them extremely easy to install, and they work well with almost any countertop material! 

These sinks are also called "self-rimming." 

Additionally, top-mount sinks can be fitted with clips or screws to increase stability. In terms of price, top-mount sinks will always be the most cost-effective option. 

Top-mounts, however, are not quite as common in copper as they are in something like stainless steel. Copper sinks generally lean towards farmhouse or undermount styles. 

Undermount Copper Kitchen Sinks

Undermount sinks are perfect for low-maintenance designs because they don’t have a raised rim or lip around the edges. Instead, the sink is installed on the underside of the countertop. 

This allows for easy cleaning, as you have the ability to wipe crumbs from a flush countertop directly into the sink basin. They also offer increased surface space with no lip or rim extending onto the countertop. 

Undermount sinks are best utilized with solid surface countertop materials such as granite or quartz, especially with regard to the heaviness of copper. The strength and thickness of these countertop materials support the weight of an undermount installation method better than a less compact option like laminate.

How Much Do Copper Kitchen Sinks Cost?

It should come as no surprise that copper is typically one of the most expensive kitchen sink materials available on the market. 

The cost of copper kitchen sinks will vary depending on the size, style, installation method, and thickness of the material. A copper farmhouse sink will be more expensive than a standard copper top-mount of the same size.

All things considered, the rule of thumb when it comes to copper is the thicker the gauge is, the more expensive the sink will be. 

Use caution if you find a lower-priced copper sink, as they may be made with a thinner gauge metal, which will show signs of damage much faster. 

A quality sink of 99% copper and just one percent zinc, between 14 and 18 gauge, will start around $600 and only go up from there. In fact, don't be surprised to find some styles that are $3,000 or higher.  

The price ranges listed below are for standard-sized kitchen sinks of 24” to 33”. They won’t be relevant to smaller “prep” sinks or larger, custom-sized options. 

Design With Deslaurier Custom Cabinets

Wondering how to incorporate a luxurious copper sink into your dream kitchen? You’ve come to the right place!

At Deslaurier Custom Cabinets, we have everything you need when it comes to designing your dream kitchen. With over 40 years of experience to our name, we provide our clients with a fully customized design process with our talented team of designers. 

Book a free consultation today and meet with one of our Deslaurier design experts in our Ottawa showroom!

Interested in becoming an authorized Deslaurier dealer? Visit our Become a Dealer page to learn more!