Our builder now tells us that their plumber deals only with Stone Forest.

Get a different plumber.

Unfortunately we're not working with a custom builder. Our builder is willing to customize some things, but we're stuck with the contractors they use... We have several other sink sources and I'm going back to the builder to see if the plumber will use one of them. As long as he gets his markup I don't know why he would care...

Had my heart set on a copper sink in my recent kitchen remodel, but ended up choosing a black granite sink with copper faucet and copper backsplash. I am so glad I did not get copper sink. Got 2 copper vessel sinks in my bathroom and they stain (spot) so easily. It takes weeks for the spots to look like the rest of the sink. And, I don't use lemon or tomato products, or anything acidic in my bathroom.

A few suggestions:

To jstell2008 - use wax on your sinks and spotting will not be an issue - this from someone who has lived with several copper sinks for years. They are incredibly easy to clean and maintain if you do an occassional waxing.

To carolyn20 - I have never heard of a plumber who will not put in what you want. ...this is your house. Especially right now in this economic climate I would think you would have a bit more leverage. Do not settle for a 16 gauge copper sink or you will not be happy. As for a smooth interior, I think this means the sink is from India. I would definatley be wary of that type of sink for two reasons - the welds and the smooth finish. The smooth finish will look great for about two weeks... Copper is much softer than other metals and without the hammering that strengthens the surface (as well as the much beefier 14 gauge thickness) regular use will eventually dent and scratch the surface...

Get a 14 gauge hand hammered sink made in Mexico from a reputable retailer and you will be glad you did. We did a lot of research before buying our sink and we love it! These sinks are hand made so they are all different and it's really important you pick the right one. They are expensive and you want to be happy long-term.

I have put a link to an article that I highly recommend you read.

Here is a link that might be useful: Copper Sink Buying Guide

I remember our local EXPO had a Stone Forest sink. I was particularly interested in it at the time, since I had ordered ours from Handcrafted Metal in Austin, TX. I'm sorry to say the quality isn't there. The sink had dents and the welded corners were terrible. My sinks have radius corners and are a heavy gage. I had to add some extra soundproofing to mine, which Handcrafted does for a reason. (So your sink doesn't have condensation underneath the sink cabinet.) There was no soundproofing at all on the SF sink. Stone Forest isn't a very good product IMO, and if your plumber only deals with them, he's getting some kind of a kick back and isn't concerned about You, the Customer. Ask yourself this: Will you be disappointed the first time you drop something in your sink and get a big dent in it? Your builder is only as good as the people he/she works with and if this their answer to your concerns, it's time to pitch a fit with your builder and get a better sink.

First of all a copper finish is a living finish and it never really stops changing in color. But don´t worry thinking that your sink will change colors in a few days or months, the evolution of a copper finish is very slow and gradual thanks to the "patina" tha ha sbeen applied to the surface, and as it slowly ages your sink will become even more handsome and unique.

Here is a link that might be useful: Copper Sinks