About Farm-Style Copper Kitchen Sinks

Farm style copper kitchen sinks are a great way to add old world charm to a kitchen countertop or work area. Farm style copper kitchen sinks are designed after some of the first sinks placed in kitchens that were able to accommodate running water. Farm style sinks are the workhorse of the kitchen, and often times made wide and very deep to serve as not only a place to run water but to perform kitchen duties in as well.

Significance

Many people choose to implement a farm style copper kitchen sink into their kitchen simply to add to the theme of their decorating style. French Country, Traditional Country, Tuscan, English, Rustic and Old World are all decorative styles that would accompany a large farm style kitchen sink set in copper. Many farm style copper sinks are hand hammered giving them a distinct design that is well sought after in kitchen decor. Farm style copper kitchen sinks are also made for longevity and require minimal upkeep and repair. For those looking to implement a sink that is made of natural material as well as a larger size than standard kitchen sinks, this sink fulfills those needs.

Function

A farm style copper kitchen sink is used for decoration, washing dishes and vegetables, meal preparation and general kitchen tasks. The sink can be used anytime of the day but is generally put to hard work during breakfast and dinner when food needs to be prepared, water utilized as well as cleaning tasks. Many may feel hesitant on using the copper sink for fear of staining, but the patina is actually what gives the sink character. Copper sinks are also antibacterial in nature so they are safe to wash and prepare food in as well.

Types

There are two main types of farm style copper sinks: a double well with two separate areas for water storage or a single well in which the water fills up the entire sink. Double wells are popular in functioning kitchens where the cook utilizes the sink on a daily basis mainly for household chores and washing dishes. The single sink works well as more of a meal prep sink or a decorative piece. The gauge of the copper is also important when making a purchase of a farm style copper sink; most kitchen sinks are around a fourteen gauge. The higher the gauge, the thicker and more durable the sink.

Features

Some of the features that one can chose from when they buy a new farm style copper kitchen sink are embossings that lie within the copper, such as raised textures and designs such as stars and fruit vines. These looks can be custom made to suit the decor of the kitchen. The front or face of the sink that is visible alongside of the cabinets is where the main design theme comes into play, and offers contouring such as a smooth rounded front, flat, as well as textured into a weave or stone design. Copper drains and faucets can be purchased separately to make the sink functional.

Identification

When identifying a farm style copper kitchen sink, the first impression is the deep bronze or copper color that the sink gives off. Most farm style copper kitchen sinks arrive unpolished and therefore may have a dark brown hue to them, this is the effect of raw copper straight from the manufacturer and it also protects the sink during shipment and installation making it less slippery and smooth. Once the sink is installed it can be polished and protected with a gentle wax such as renaissance wax. Some people prefer to not wax their sinks because they want the natural color of the copper to evolve through the usage of the sink, this is called patina. A multitude of colors can result from this from yellow to a turquoise blue or green. A waxed copper sink can be the color and sheen of a new penny or as dark as a tree trunk depending on the copper that is used in the design of the sink. Because copper is a natural mineral each piece is unique, giving each farm style copper kitchen sink its own individual design.

History

Farm style copper kitchen sinks are traditionally used as a heavy duty working sink in the kitchen area; they feature a deep base sometimes up to ten inches in height which comes in handy for cleaning food that comes in from the farm. When they first originated back in the late 1800's, farm wives used the sink to clean whole chickens and turkeys as well as rinse of fresh meat and vegetables from the garden or the barn. Today the farm style copper kitchen sink works out perfectly for those with large families or those who entertain guests on a frequent basis.