I don't have an answer but I have to ask: why a copper countertop? Can it be sealed to retain the shiny look, would it be a maintenance nightmare, or does one just give up and welcome the patina? My cousin put one in; she says it's not a maintenance problem (Barkeeper's Friend is recommended) but she's never home and doesn't cook. I'm sorry if the tone of this post is rude, as it's not intended that way -- I just like unusual and different, says the owner of a new blue granite countertop.

Did you see the thread from the poster who didn't like granite? Several people suggested zinc, with links. Sounds like Dr. Seuss -- a zinc sink link! :)

I have a copper counter top and a Shaws. I wussed out and didn't do it myself because of the corners and front, and I'm glad I did (I never would have been able to do this, certainly not in a timely manner!). I had a local sheet metal place do it for me, and they had to rework it a bit after the first try. There was some discussion about the sealability, and having enough metal folded underneath. Here are some photos.

BTW, I love the copper. I like the patina. It's not for everyone.

cheers bluekit,

No, no, not rude at all. Actually I'd been going on the assumption that I'd do soapstone, but after seeing some really gorgeous copper tops recently have been swayed in that direction. The financing is not going as quickly as I'd like, so I'm looking at something intermediary for countertops before I can afford the soapstone.

In terms of cost, copper (done ourselves, and we're big DIYers) will cost only a few hundred more than butcher block, my other option. I have an old house and actually want the patination, so if I go this route, I'll probably only use some butchers' wax to maintain it. Like soapstone, I embrace the idea of a material that can take anything I dish out and just look better and better over time.

My only hesitations re. the copper are 1) acoustics and 2) the issue of possibly having to ground the thing since it's metal. I have wooden floors, so I don't think it will clank too much, and it's reputed to be softer than stainless.

See this inspirational thread over in the GW Metalworking forum for lots of information and pics of gorgeous DIY copper counters.

I must confess I am also not a granite fan. In fact, I was one of those zinc-lincers on the other thread. That said, your new blue is truly stunning! You must be riding quite the countertop high right now. :-D

DH the copper guy says I'd have to do something really special to electrocute myself on this counter, so it's just wrapped around the base, no ground. I hope he still likes me as much as he says....

I was worried about noise also, and, while it's a little noisier than the butcher block, it's not noisy.

Claybabe -- LOL-- yes, I too am at the mercy of my partner, a finish painter. If I misbehave, he threatens me with orange-peel walls and popcorn textured ceilings ...

Great info, seriously. Keep it comin'!

I'll give you all I have and then take some detail photos in a bit. I should have photographed the underside before install, but basically the curved portions had to have a little welding (you can see the weld in the back corners) in order to get enough metal to bend under the countertop continuously (for moisture control). Be especially careful to get enough under the part where the dishwasher might be blowin steam.

Actually, these photos were to show the patina and abuse, and don't really demonstrate what you need very well. I'll get some photos back to you shortly.

Thanks for the email, circuspeanut! Here ya go (sorry this took so long): Oh yeah, and the silicone is not nearly as noticable in real life, but I wanted to show you the warts and detail, and as an added bonus you get some of my very own silicone job (had to scrape it off the first time and missed some)

This one shows the welds in the corners:

This is the under side: I wanted them to have this area completely covered in copper, but somehow "fold over 1.5" " didn't communicate the issue well!

This shows the front corner/top side of all the goopy silicone:

Claybabe--
Your kitchen is a knockout!!
Below is a link to sink treatments. You can scroll down to a double bump out setting for a farmhouse sink set into stainless steel counter tops. There may be others there, too. I haven't looked through all of them for your particular question.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sink gallery

Thanks, Kitchendetective!

Circus, I have more photos if you need them for your fabricator.

I remember looking in the sink gallery for this when I was planning the counter, and I STILL can't find the stainless counter....

Claybabe,
You are a goddess! Forgive the delay in response, I just caught up with mail and had missed this post on the forum.

YES, those are exactly perfect and VERY VERY helpful! I can't thank you enough! These, along with the thread in the metalworking forum, should give us ample inspiration to go on.

Was there a reason you decided to notch out the counter where it hit the sink, rather than leave it full thickness? Aesthetics or other? It looks fantastic, I must say. Do you know what substrate was used?

We templated our mdf/plywood substrate this week, copper sheet purchase is next week. Starting to get excited!

PS: Here's the stainless counter from the sink gallery:
{{!gwi}}

Well, I did it. I now have copper countertops!

DIY details are here.

Cheers and thank you again Claybabe for your invaluable advice along the way.

Now on to the fun part: tiling the backsplash! *whew*