Copper Tops:
Copper as a Countertop Material
This private residence island countertop features seams that fall in-line with the cooktop cutout and handmade corner caps with copper dome head rivets.
Mio Metals’ Copperworks division has been crafting copper countertops since 1981, creating custom countertops and bar tops for homes, bars, restaurants, cafes and even picnic tables for exquisite terraces. But what’s the story behind copper as a countertop material? Copper countertops perform pretty much the same as zinc countertops when it comes to the finish and patina. The primary difference is that the copper is an orange-red base color that will turn to brown in an interior situation. Green oxidation commonly only happens in exterior applications and, unless you are on a coast, can take decades to really develop. When it comes to copper, you can watch it evolve from the moment it is installed. Copper countertops take on a beauty that is truly unique to every installation. With the metal’s natural patina process, it will show character based on how it is used. Also of interest is the fact that the EPA has certified copper as antimicrobial — the first surface material to be certified as such. And while it should be noted that Mio Metals is not certified by the EPA, designers and consumers may want to give some consideration to this positive aspect of copper as a countertop surface. Texture and Dents Because copper is a relatively soft metal, it is subject to denting. However, in most everyday use, it will stand up to typical kitchen wear. Over time, though, dents will form from various situations that arise. One option to add character and combat denting is to have the surface textured with a hammering effect. Starting off with a light texture is a great option to differentiate a copper countertop and
hide any dents that may form over time. Because texturing is noticeably bumpy, light or medium texture is recommended for countertops. Pricing When it comes to the price of a copper top, prices vary greatly. Numerous factors affect the price, from the fabricator chosen to the edge detail to the overall complexity of the project. A general price range is somewhere between $80 to $200 per sq. ft.
This sushi restaurant chose a long copper bar with hand-wrapped rail to provide an ever-changing surface. Within a week, the patina made the copper look like it had been there for decades.
Care and Maintenance For those who want a shiny copper kitchen, be forewarned, a lot of work performing regular polishing with odorous polishes is in your future. However, if you are content with the beauty of the aging process and watching the material react with its environment, caring for copper surfaces is not overly difficult. Cleaning a copper countertop is simply done with mild dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge. Mild abrasives can be used, but are not recommended. A mild abrasive pad, such as those found on the back of a sponge, can help remove dried-on substances, but too much pressure may leave marks. However, the shiny marks will soon darken, and any grooves put in the metal will eventually be rubbed down. If something extreme happens — such as a wine spill goes unchecked for a long period of time — an unsightly blob may form in an area that gets a lot of visibility. In these cases, metal polish, such as Brasso, may be used on the affected area to return it to a bright, shiny copper. However, Mio Metals warns that the challenge is determining when to stop polishing. “We still don’t recommend polishing the whole countertop
This wine tasting room features copper countertops all around, attracting guests to sit and sample the latest releases. because it is a smelly, time-consuming job,” states the company’s website. “Just create a polished area in place of the unsightly blob and let that area begin its aging process again.” For more information, visit www.copperworks.com. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 19