Real copper? Sounds like a maintenance/polishing nightmare. Have you considered an imitation metal laminate instead? (If you are anywhere near the Pluckemin Inn near Bedminster NJ, check out their copper bar in the grill room (awesome food as well). It's pretty cool, for a bar, but I absolutely would NOT want that for my own countertop!)

Real copper is gorgeous, and super easy to care for, IF you like patina. My copper countertop could not be easier. Quick swipe with a damp rag - done. An aged copper would be a lovely, old-world look. Go to the metal working forum and take a look at the DIY copper countertop thread for more details and pictures.

If you really love the shiny, new copper look, then smarge may be correct - that would potentially be a nightmare. Although, I suppose the look could be maintained with a wax polish.

I have a copper counter on my island. The island is painted black/distressed. I love how it looks. There is little to no upkeep, I just wipe with a wet rag. But you do have to like/love patina. Copper will react to oils in your skin, beverages etc. But for me this is all part of the charm. I love to see the changes.

We are currently building a new home and I am planning on bringing the island with me. (KD thinks we may be able to fit a larger island). At minimum I'm taking the counter with me for somthing in the future.

I'll try to get pictures over the weekend.

I don't think it would look good shiny, but I think once it develops a patina it would be FABULOUS! Really wonderful if you pick a granite that has some copper in it as well (or go black).

Have you considered a different range??? Something like a Lacanche which would really play up that old world look???

I would love to see a pic of a copper countertop island that is not brand new. It sounds wonderful. I was under the impression that it was not a durable surface so had crossed off my list. Is it really functional?

I've heard that copper is antibacterial-- hope you go for it!

I too will have copper countertops on my perimeter. I LOVE the patina. Sorry no photos yet, as they aren't due to be installed for another 3 weeks (hopefully). However, when I made my decision I did with A LOT of help from this forum. Following is a link for one I found VERY helpful AND check out aliceinwonderland's STUNNING island w/ cooktop. Her's was my inspiration.

Here is a link that might be useful: copper counters

For those of you with these counters, how do they hold up with hot pans? We had stainless in our last house and loved sticking the pans right down...the laminate here is driving us nuts from that perspective.

The other option we're considering is zinc - wonderful old-world quality, as well. Anyone have zinc, and if so...same question about the hot pans?

Thanks!
Deb

Hot pans don't work well with my island as the copper is attached to some sort of MDF base with adhesive. The problem, I believe, is with the adhesive not the copper.
Pictures later.

For those of us mesmerized with the good looks of a copper counter top( I can see it on my island) who are not adept at measuring, cutting and or folding... where would I look to find someone who could do it? I tried googling but I must be doing it with strange terminology.(copper countertop new jersey?)

Try your local tin shop-- the place that fabricates metal gutters and HVAC parts. They're the place to go locally for copper, brushed stainless, etc...