| First of all, you should be aware that there are | | | | Copper naturally ages with time and use. When |
| several types of copper used in manufacturing | | | | copper ages it develops a patina. Under normal |
| copper sinks. There is annealed copper, which is | | | | home use, the coloration of the patina will be a |
| generally recycled copper. Annealed copper is | | | | deep caramel color. Some manufacturers offer |
| very soft and can be easily dented or bent. The | | | | finishes which are not natural. The problem with |
| second type of copper is cold rolled copper. Cold | | | | these types of finishes is that it requires the user |
| rolled copper is not manufactured from recycling | | | | to maintain the finish on a daily basis. A natural |
| wire and old copper pipes. It is made with virgin | | | | patina will require no more maintenance than a |
| copper and is many times harder than annealed | | | | stainless steel sink. |
| copper. This is the preferred type of copper if | | | | Lastly, copper sinks are made differently. Look at |
| you are considering a kitchen sink. It is not quite | | | | drain location. A center drain is common and easy |
| as important if you are looking at a small lavatory | | | | to manufacture. The center drain is not |
| sink. | | | | convenient however. Once you place an item in |
| Secondly, you should look at warranties. Read the | | | | the sink, you will generally cover the drain making |
| fine print carefully. Some manufacturers offer a | | | | it difficult to work in the sink. Look for sinks with |
| one year warranty and others a lifetime | | | | rear corner drains. Look for websites with lots of |
| warranty. | | | | good information and you will find a quality |
| Thirdly, you should understand patina and finishes. | | | | product. |