The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Copper Sinks
Copper is a metal that comes in a distinct reddish-brown hue, and it possesses a number of unique advantages and disadvantages as a building material. This means that sinks that are made out of copper enjoy a certain set of characteristics over other metal sinks. Understanding what a copper sink has to offer your bathroom or kitchen remodeling can help you figure out if a copper sink is the right fit for your project.
Advantages of Copper Sinks
Rust and Bacteria Resistance: The main advantage of copper as a building material is the fact that it is naturally resistant to both rusting and bacterial buildup. Any bacteria that does end up in your sink will naturally die relatively quickly, which can be a huge benefit for soaking food in the sink or doing dishes. This will also help cut down on odors produced in the sink, as the bacteria that produce foul smells will not be able to survive long.
Aesthetic Appeal: Another key advantage of copper sinks is that they provide a luxurious and clean aesthetic to your kitchen or bathroom. While all copper sinks come with the characteristic coloring, there are a multitude of different shades, finishes, and other design options to choose from. Notably, copper is extremely easy to work with, being a soft metal, allowing for custom designs to be completed to give your new sink a dramatic flair.
Disadvantages of Copper Sinks
Price: The main disadvantage associated with copper sinks, and the most common reason why they are not chosen for a specific remodeling project, is the fact that they are quite expensive. This is due to copper's high material cost. While sinks made out of thinner layers of copper are available at a lower price, they are not as structurally durable as their thicker counterparts, and can become physically damaged over time due to normal use.
Coloring and Staining: While copper sinks can look beautiful, their exposure to elements such as toothpaste and food can lead to discoloration as the metal reacts, creating a patina over time. While this is not necessarily a downside, as some homeowners find the patina to be visually appealing, those who want to maintain the red-brown coloring of your sink when it was first installed will need to complete a great deal of constant cleaning to remove all traces of food, liquid, and other substances from the sides of your sink.
Share