Good morning, again!
In the annual Houses issue, there is a blurb on copper counter tops, page 116.
Copper is so much warmer than stainless steel. I don’t mind the staining that will inevitably occur. I don’t mind the wear and tear that will make it used and lived in (scratches, etc). I would consider using copper, but I have a real issue with the safety of this metal in food preparation uses. And i’m not much of a scientist, either, bu the way!
Every time you get a liquid on it, are you not setting up that corrosion process that produces the green (copper sulfate?) Wouldn’t that be poisonous?
It would be my job to apply the olive oil: i think that is very impractical, it sounds like “make work” to me. Every time you set something down on the counter it will leave a mark. Fingerprints on the counter! Arrgh! Or – is there a technique/machine that sort of buffs this into the surface? Or – copper pots can come with some kind of coating that prevents their tarnishing. I wonder if that might be available?
Last question, the article states “$27.00/square foot for the 16 ounce material used here”. Can you give me an approximation of thickness of the sheets used, as i can’t get my head around that weight measurement. Many thanks!
You know what I think might a wonderful application for copper sheathing? To make a huge keep warm surface with a couple of heating elements below. Switch on/off as required for buffet dinners, parties. I’ll drop that one on Hubby … laughing!
Thanks for any assistance.
Kate
Replies
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Fingerprints on the counter! Arrgh!
That'll only be a problem when it's new and shiny.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>"$27.00/square foot for the 16 ounce material used here". Can you give me an approximation of thickness of the sheets used, as i can't get my head around that weight measurement.
Copper has jumped in price considerably since that articl was written, but that price surely had to include the substrate and fabrication labor. I'm selling 16 oz for about $6.25/lb today. It may be more tomorrow.
Now, 16 oz copper is approxiamately 24 ga. One lb covers one sq ft.
Its never too late to be up to date.
http://grantlogan.net/
THank you for that!
Kate
> I'm selling 16 oz for about $6.25/lb today.
Yikes. I paid $1.74 just a couple years ago.
-- J.S.
thread hijack: Don't suppose in your copper crystal ball you can see when the price is gonna come back down? As per the wiring thread, there is NO WAY I'm paying $400/roll for 12-2 copper wire.
jt8
"The difference between greatness and mediocrity is often how an individual views a mistake..."-- Nelson Boswell
Here's a link to the page I use to see what it's gonna cost tomorrow.http://www.reverecopper.com/metalval.htmDivide today's price by .85 and that's my cost in bulk lots. Divide by .65 and you get a by the sheet price. I don't know how to guesstimate wire prices.
Its never too late to be up to date.
http://grantlogan.net/
That's like looking at gas prices. Going up, up, up.jt8
"The difference between greatness and mediocrity is often how an individual views a mistake..."-- Nelson Boswell
Much worse than gas prices:
View Image
a little red X would be worse...
like a laser and cross hairs arangement...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Your picture didn't come through.
jt8
"The difference between greatness and mediocrity is often how an individual views a mistake..."-- Nelson Boswell
Hmmm. Some people saw it, but now I can't see it either.
See attached:
That's an ugly curve.
jt8
"The difference between greatness and mediocrity is often how an individual views a mistake..."-- Nelson Boswell
approximation of thickness of the sheets used, as i can't get my head around that weight measurement
If you have a tape measure that show 1/64s of an inch, it is just a bit thicker than 1/64th.
As for safety, if you have a fish tank forget the copper unless you be sure to not get any near the fish. EPA will let you dump any amount of Ferrous sulfate down a drain, but Copper sulfate is a no-no due to overall effect on marine life. No harm to humans except possible influence on ulcers, according to MSDS.
I know i did some finishing in a house where the beaten copper undermount sink cost close to 5kus$, it's likely up to 7k$ by now.
Just to wash dishes (as if the two dishwashers weren't enuf eh?
I guess if yu can afford copper on any job these days, you gotta have a site super to prevent pilverage. No joke.
Eric in Cowtown
I would suggest using 20 ounce copper for that top. Sixteen ounce is pretty easy to puncture and dent.
Maintenance will be constant.
The electric heating mat used for tile floors might work well, but you will have to prevent the copper from making contact with the thinset.