Surprise Contender: Copper for Kitchen Countertops
Unexpected and full of character, copper is getting buffed for its growing appearance on the countertop scene
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
If you're in the market for a kitchen makeover, you've probably spent hours debating countertop choices. Granite or marble? Laminate or quartz? Soapstone or stainless steel? Just to add to your dilemma, here's one more player on the scene: copper. Although it's not as common as its countertop cousins, this timeless favorite is growing in popularity, and it's worth adding to your list of possibilities. Here's what you need to know.
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| The Pros of Copper Ease of maintenance. It may sound surprising, but copper is relatively simple to clean. A mixture of lemon juice and salt will scour it well (be sure to rinse afterward), but you can also get by with warm water and a squirt of ordinary dish soap. Dry the surface thoroughly and wax or oil it periodically to keep it in the best possible shape. |
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by Oak Hill Iron
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| Mellow patina. Considered a "living" surface, copper tarnishes as it oxidizes and reacts to the substances that cross it. For many, that's part of its appeal. Unsealed copper will gradually dull and transition to a blend of matte reds, browns and greens, which a lot of homeowners appreciate for the character it adds. |
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| Germ resistance. Some — but not all — copper alloys have natural antimicrobial properties. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates this claim and requires manufacturers to register antimicrobial copper products, so check with the EPA if you want to ensure that your copper countertop (like these along the perimeter of this kitchen) will resist bacteria. |
Green living. Copper often can be salvaged from scrap yards or commercial applications, so it's popular with those committed to sustainable living.
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by PMWArchitects
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| Versatility. Copper is a chameleon — it can take on a variety of personalities to suit your space. It feels as appropriate in a modern townhouse or an industrial loft as it does in a traditional kitchen or a comfortable cottage. |
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| The Cons of Copper Discoloration. This is the flip side of the pretty patina that copper develops. If you're attached to the new-penny look of shiny copper, you'll have to be diligent about resealing. Check out examples of aged copper countertops to determine if or how much you'll still like them years down the road. |
by Oak Hill Iron
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Dings and scratches. Because it's soft, copper is easily marred by knives and heavy pots and is susceptible to everyday wear and tear. Although these often can be buffed out, some people enjoy the sense of age that results. If you're really concerned about dents, opt for a hammered or otherwise distressed finish, which won't show them nearly as prominently.
Cost. Copper doesn't come cheap. The average cost ranges from $100 to $175 per square foot installed. It takes skill to affix copper sheeting properly to a substrate, so this is a tricky task for the average DIYer, too.
Tell us: Have you tried copper countertops in your kitchen? Leave a comment and let us know what you think!
See more guides and ideas for your kitchen counters
Tell us: Have you tried copper countertops in your kitchen? Leave a comment and let us know what you think!
See more guides and ideas for your kitchen counters
Ideabook published on June 22, 2012.
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So what is the best way to seal them. I'd love some input.
The maintenance is easy: soap/water and pledge. The beauty of the copper remains and displays significant character. It is a big WOW factor.
Personally, we love it raw with just a starter patina and then let it do its own thing. It's only a nightmare if you want something that looks the same from day one to day 1,000.
Protect with coasters, chopping boards or trivets if you want to protect it - as you would with wood.