Need some opinions on custom copper cabinet handles

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

Hi all,

I'm in the process of remodeling our kitchen and I'd like to get some opinions of what I have in mind for the cabinet handles and drawer pulls.

The kitchen will be copper themed: copper sink, copper pot light trim, copper ceiling fan, copper-colored bar stools at the breakfast bar, and a few other places.

The kitchen cabinets will be repainted an off-white, there will be light maple butcher block counters, a multi-colored metallic-glass tile backsplash with copper accents, and stainless steel appliances. We haven't settled on the flooring,yet, but most likely a neutral porcelain tile.

Anyway, I've been shopping around for cabinet hardware and I haven't really liked what I've seen too much, mostly too expensive for our shoestring budget. I came up with this design that I can make for less than a dollar each using standard 1/2" copper pipe and fittings . They will be standard 5" center to center screws, and about 5 3/4" total length. There will be a total of 32 handles and drawer pulls.

My concern is that they will look too "industrial". Do you agree or disagree? Any other feedback welcome. Thanks.

Featured Answer

PRO

User

11 years ago

well the trim ring and baffle for the can lights is not real copper, its a finish to look copper, the fan is probably the same way, or it would cost a fortune, copper isnt that cheap. and the bar stools are copper color. so this would mean the sink, which is treated, and the pulls would be the only real copper in the space, thus, i would just get bronze knobs and save your self the work.

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Comments (9)

PRO
User
11 years ago
how do the screws mount or fix to the handle to hold them on? no it will not be industrial, perhaps farmhouse or traditional, go well with the butcher block!
aa112358 thanked User
PRO
User
11 years ago
they will be black in about a month anyway, the oils from your hand will leave marks and tarnish them as it is raw copper.
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aa112358
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Not shown in the photo, but I will insert a short piece of 5/8' dowel into the open end of the elbows. Then the mounting screw will go into that.

Good point about the potential for discoloration, but the copper will clean right up with some steel wool. (not Brillo).

Not sure if it makes sense to coat it with polyurethane or some other clear finish.
PRO
User
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
If you are OK with a living finish, go ahead. NO steel wool on copper! It will leave behind microscopic pieces that will rust, and then you'll have that added to the brown patina that the copper will get. Coating it with anything other than a clear powder coat finish from an expert after an acid bath will result in it peeling rapidly.

If you want copper to be bright and shiny always, you're setting yourself up for major work and major disappointment by using so much of it in your kitchen. You have to love the ever changing look that it will have. All of the colors.
User
11 years ago
IMO copper should be used judiciously.
User
11 years ago
I agree with flair and would use the ORB knobs. Sounds like you are bordering on copper overload anyway.
User
11 years ago
Copper is very far from maintenence free if you want shiny. It's a royal PIA. If you like a dozen shades of brown, it's a great choice.
aa112358
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks all, yes I realize that copper has its own life as it ages and wears over the years. I know the sink will "age gracefully" and If I decide to go with these home-made handles, I'll see how it goes in terms of trying to keep them shiny. I have some non-metallic abrasive pads for finishing wood that work like steel wool but without the metallic bits left behind.