Copper

Copper is one of the oldest metals used by man, dating back 10,000 years, and it remains very popular for sinks. Copper comes in varying gauges, or thicknesses. The thicker the gauge copper, the lower the number. Most bathroom sinks are made from copper that is 20 gauge (the thinnest) to 16 gauge (the thickest) and most kitchen sinks range from 18 gauge to 14 gauge. A lightweight gauge metal can result in a “tinny” sound when the faucet is running and it will also dent easier. Copper comes in a number of finishes, and copper sinks will acquire a green patina over time as the copper interacts with oxygen: this is part of the charm of copper. Avoid copper sinks that are lacquered: the lacquer will wear off unevenly, so the patina will develop in weird looking patterns. Smooth copper finishes in a kitchen sink will likely show scratches quickly, so another finish is recommended.

When shopping for a copper sink, look for a solid copper sink (which has natural antimicrobial properties). Avoid copper sinks made with copper alloy; some sinks from China and the Middle East use an alloy of copper and lead, and the lead can be harmful to your health. If you are buying a new sink with an aged patina appearance, inquire as to the method by which the patina was achieved. The accepted method is to create a patina is to heat the sink until a patina develops, however some imported sinks are using harmful chemicals to create the patina, and the negative health effects of the chemicals can impact sink users.

Glass

Tempered glass sinks are becoming popular for bathrooms. They are durable enough to withstand almost anything that goes on in a bathroom (though some users put a mirror over glass sinks, rather than a medicine cabinet where objects might fall from a hieght into the sink). Glass sinks come in a variety of shapes, colors, and designs. We recommend only installing tempered glass sinks; avoid glass sinks that are not tempered. We do not recommend glass sinks for use in kitchens.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel sinks are usually made from 18 to 20 gauge steel. They are very durable, so they are popular in kitchens and as utility sinks. Stainless steel sinks often have an "industrial" look, so they are popular for use in modern bathrooms.

Soapstone

Soapstone is natural rock material that is used to make sinks, countertops, and fireplaces. Soapstone is a metamorphic rock that contains talc, quartz, and other minerals. There are two grades of soapstone: artistic and architectural. Artistic soapstone has a high talc content, making the stone soft and a good material for sculptors. Architectural soapstone has less talc, is much more dense, and is the material used to make sinks, countertops, etc. Because of its density, architectural soapstone is impervious to staining, an excellent characteristic for kitchen and bathroom sinks. Soapstone can withstand a great amount of heat, making it ideal for kitchen sinks. Soapstone is relatively expensive, but will have impact on your kitchen or bathroom design.