Move over stainless steel and porcelain - copper is back and it’s taking the kitchen & bath world by storm!

“Old World” materials have been gaining momentum for some time now. The use of natural stone, wood and copper is replacing the “sterile” look of stainless steel and porcelain – the standard in plumbing showrooms for years.

What does copper have that stainless steel doesn’t? One reason is its “living finish” that can be purchased in many different patinas. The darker patinas are a perfect compliment to oil rubbed bronze hardware and the natural stones such as granite that are becoming standard in today’s designs.

Another appeal of copper is its “living finish” that evolves and changes. This quality exudes a “lived in” look that seems to be a part of the current design trend. A living finish is simply an oxidation process that darkens the metal over time much like the way a penny evolves as it gets older.

In fact, most copper sinks sold today already have a “weathered copper” or darker finish due to the maintenance required to keep a copper shiny. These darker finishes require very little maintenance – just mild soap and water.

As a 20 year veteran of the plumbing industry, I have seen a lot of trends. Today, homeowners seem drawn to unique products in their kitchen and bath. This trend also includes an increase in the popularity of natural stone and even wood sinks. Homeowners are using the sink is a focal point in their design project and they don’t want to see the same sink in their neighbors house.

Besides being functional works of art in their own right, copper has some very practical qualities. Most copper sinks sold today are “hand hammered”. This technique in combination with the natural living finish quickly hides any scratches or dents that might occur with regular use. Copper is a naturally hygienic metal and germs such as E-coli cannot survive longer than a few hours on it’s surface.

The rise in sales of copper sinks has helped bring the costs down. It has also created a vast array of choices which is welcomed by the homeowners looking to install a unique design that reflects their own personal sense of décor.