The Pros and Cons of Copper Countertops

The countertop you choose does not just affect the ambience in your kitchen it can also impact the enjoyment you get from cooking meals there. While copper may be more used for cooking, rather as opposed to kitchen countertops but it has numerous advantages for countertops.

Copper Countertops: The Benefits

Apart from suffusing your kitchen with character A copper countertop can also help keep your kitchen clean and your surroundings healthier.

A striking look

Plastic laminates and ceramic tile countertops are so ubiquitous that they can’t provide much of a difference to your kitchen an appearance that is truly unique to you. With its striking color copper stands out from the rest of the kitchen. The rich, vibrant tones of this metal bring warmness to the kitchen which makes it more welcoming for meals with family and convivial gatherings.

As they age, un-sealed copper countertops start to oxidize and develop the appearance of a complicated patina, with shades of brown, red and green that are distinctive in every case. Copper with this kind of patina has an authentic look and blends well with kitchens designed with rustic, country and traditional styles. In the event that your home already features a copper sink range lighting, hood or other fixtures that are copper, then a copper countertop would be an ideal complement.

Sealed countertops will last longer if they’re well taken care of. With their shine and vibrant hue they are suitable for contemporary decors. Both kinds of copper countertops are distinctive enough to allow you to create your kitchen around the countertops.

Simple Cleanup

Many countertops require the use of cleaning sprays and scrubbing pads to clean. For a countertop made of copper you’ll need an easy cloth and some detergent and water that is warm to get off food particles and small staining. Copper with a patina could be cleaned using a mix that includes table salt, lemon juice followed by rinsing with water. This is not just a way to save time, but will also save you cash on cleaning products.

If you have a copper countertop that has been sealed cleaners designed for glass or stainless steel will be able to do the job. To prevent dulling the shine on your countertop that has been sealed be sure to stay clear of cleaners which contain citric acid, bleach , or ammonia. These substances interact with copper, and may cause staining.

Germ Resistance

Certain kinds of copper produce an environment that is particularly hostile to viruses and bacteria. In reality natural antimicrobial copper alloys kill bacteria better as stainless steel. This decreases the chance of food-borne illness and other illnessesthat are transferred through the kitchen.

There are a few countertops that come with this feature, however. To claim that a manufacturer claims that their countertop is antimicrobial the claim has to be approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following independent testing.

Eco-friendliness

Because it’s a natural material that doesn’t require any manufacturing process that may result in hazardous waste. Being a metal, it can last for a long time and unlike other materials like wood, it isn’t weakened with time. This means that it can be taken from salvaged objects and used to make countertops with no loss in strength or longevity. If you are bored of your countertop, you can offer it to the market for scrap and reuse it to serve a different reason.

Copper Countertops have disadvantages.

Although you may be enthralled by the look and color of your copper countertop but you’ll need to realize that it will not remain that way for long. Copper is easy to clean however it needs regular care . Even with regular maintenance, it can undergo natural changes.

Changes in appearance

Copper is regarded as an “living material,” meaning its appearance changes and develops as time passes. This is the case no matter the kind countertops made of copper you select or the way you maintain it.

Matte copper gets darker to create an appealing reddish-brown hue. As the patina is developing however, the color may be a bit blotchy and brownish phase that not everyone finds attractive. If you’d prefer to avoid this stage, or want an even, uniform hue in the final patina you can opt to use professional coated copper rather than leaving the patina to grow naturally.

Regular Maintenance is Essential

While it is it is easy for cleaning, the copper needs to be protected with a layer of beeswax or wax to prevent the copper from the tarnishing process from occurring. This allows the countertop to be able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. If you do not take this precaution the countertop will begin to rust quickly. It is also necessary to remove acidic liquids like orange juice, quickly to avoid staining.

Possibility of Damage

Copper is comparatively soft when compared with other types of metals. The impact of hard objects on the counter could cause dents or scratches. Knives can also cause scratches, and cooking straight from the oven may leave burn marks. When copper is coated with patina, scratches appear more prominent, which makes them difficult to cover. To keep your countertops looking nice, you can employ a cutting board, and place it under hot cookware.

As time passes, your countertop will begin to show dents, and while you could polish off minor scratches but you may not think it worthwhile to clean it. The countertop will acquire the appearance of being textured.

High Cost

Copper is among the most costly material you can use to build countertops. The price ranges from $100-$140 per square. feet. however, it can cost more. Gauge can have a major impact on price and weight, with the heavier gauges of copper costing more than light gauges. Customization, for example, specific finishes and texturing will raises the price.

Large gauge copper is popular because of the deep-colored patina it forms and also for its long-lasting durability and easy maintenance. The light gauges of copper retain their shine and are bright. Additionally, they’re less difficult to cut and work with as well, which reduces your cost of installation. No matter what thickness you pick, however the installation of a copper countertop isn’t something you can do with an average home-owner. This means that you’ll have to include the cost to have a professional install it into the total cost.

If you’re in search of counter-tops that add character to your kitchen and think that color variations along with a few dings or scratches add character to your counter Copper is the right choice for your countertop. Although copper is among the most expensive counter tops for kitchens It can last for decades and its appeal only increases with age.