I would consider our kitchen "busy" and we have been using our 14 gauge copper sinks for close to two years. They are fantastic and have stood up well to the test of time. We are very happy we took the time to research these sinks and buy the best value on the market. Claybabe is right - the heavier 14 gauge sinks (what we bought) are OK and will probably outlast you and your home. I would personally not buy the thinner 15 or 16 gauge sinks. I remember when we purchased our sink, the rep with Copper Sinks Online said something like "we could sell the thinner sinks but the owner refuses - he wants to be in business a long time". I have seen the thinner gauge sinks and I agree. Please take a look at the info on the link. I say "Go for it!" Here is a link that might be useful: copper Sink Info

I would go with ORB. It will look much nicer with the copper sink than the stainless, IMO.

Believe me, there are NO plumbing issues involved. What MAY be an issue is finding a hardware store--or other source--for the parts you need to do a changeover. The best thing you can do for yourself is get down and climb under your present sink, the neighbor's sink, your family member's sinks, and familiarize yourself with the plumbing that's under there !! While you're down there, check for leaks, and use a ruler/tape measure to get an idea of sizes. Bathroom sinks are usually 1 1/4" diameter thinwall pipe; the tub/shower and the kitchen sink are, or should be, 1 1/2". One thing to remember: the 1 1/2" thinwall pipe hooked directly to the bottom of your sink, and tied into the "S" or "P" traps under there, is NOT NOT NOT the same as the 1 1/2" drain piping; HOWEVER--there are adapters to mate the thinwall to the heavier piping. By the way, you ARE gonna go to the store and find out what a "P" or "S" trap is, aincha?? Dont be afraid to ask Q's, and do realize many of the guys you ask are about as ignorant as you are when it comes to plumbing....many--not all of 'em. THEN: when you find somebody who sounds like (s)he can help you do this project, and they put down on paper the parts you need, the best thing you can do is repeat the process--go find somebody else at another store who can do likewise, and then compare the parts recommended, &c. Maybe this soundz like plumbing 101--you're right, it is. Anything else spellz disaster in the making, not to mention the resultant feeling you bin ripped off and jerked around, and that you coulda done a better job yourself.... if only.... you'd taken to heart the suggestion of: kenn 1RmSchlHse millersport oHIo -- there's a time and place for spontaneity....

I have a copper sink that ended up with a stainless flange for the disposal because the solid copper one I ordered (that was ReeeEEEaaaAally expensive) was too soft to hold the disposal, and bent/would have leaked. I intended to put a black one in (powder coated or something durable) but haven't gotten around to it. I think the site you mention may be the only place that does solid copper (probably for a reason!), and I didn't like the faux finish of any of the copper finishes I saw. I don't even notice it anymore, so probably I would have been fine with anything! I wonder if your guy just didn't know the difference? Maybe they were electroplated, although it doesn't seem like that would fail. Hmmmm. Anyway, be aware that the gorgeous solid copper pieces are soft, probably ok for a drain only but not for a GD.