Copper Counter tops Tutorial; Kitchen Renovation Concept

Stunning, heat and welcoming kitchens like this are the guts of the house.  Observe this copper DIY countertop tutorial to make your kitchen simply as heat and welcoming.

In case you are in search of extra kitchen inspiration take a look at our kitchen Island concepts submit, our 40 grey kitchen spherical up, and common kitchen format submit.

Effectively hey there fellow Remodelaholic readers, I’m right here to point out you my Copper Counter tops tutorial!

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I’m Merrilee, and after I’m not being rescued from faux peril by my 2 tremendous heroes I might be discovered at Lilliedale.

Lilliedale is a a spot the place I share my endeavors to stay a easy and ecologically accountable handmade life-style. From transforming to recipes my husband and I at all times try and make it ourselves, and most of the time we’re in love with the outcomes. I hope you pop over to see just a few of the opposite initiatives now we have accomplished with our personal 4 fingers and some re-purposed supplies!

I’m so jazzed that Cassity requested me over in the present day to share a bit concerning the copper counters we put in in our kitchen. It’s a protracted one, so get cozy!

DIY Copper Counter tops Tutorial

Once we determined to revamp our tiny kitchen we selected a objective of utilizing as many re-purposed and recycled objects as we might. For probably the most half we had been capable of give the whole lot a second life. We purchased second hand home equipment, used an previous kitchen desk for our butcher block, turned vases into lighting,re-painted the present cupboards, and even used brown paper luggage because the flooring.

When it got here to the counter tops we needed one thing particular, in spite of everything we had saved a lot cash on all these different objects, proper?

We needed new counter tops and one thing distinctive, heat and wealthy trying. Being a Jeweler/Metallic employee I’ve at all times had a love for copper, and we had at all times cherished the way in which the copper counters regarded in one among our favourite espresso retailers, so we selected copper and off we went.

See beneath for the professional’s and con’s of copper as a kitchen floor, I recommend you totally learn up on copper earlier than deciding to go for it. Copper will not be for everybody as a result of it requires quite a lot of upkeep, I nevertheless, don’t thoughts the work and LOVE LOVE LOVE the depth and sweetness that the copper offers my kitchen.

Putting in copper as a floor is lots like putting in laminate counter tops. Principally all you’re doing is making use of a skinny sheet of copper over a powerful base of MDF or plywood substrate. There are quite a lot of tutorials on the market and it’s important to select the suitable one in your talents and wishes, in the present day I’ll present you the way we did ours. There are additionally actually nice ones at this Garden Web Forum.

Supplies Wanted for the New Countertop

Here’s a very fundamental record of the supplies that you’ll want:

• 16 or 20 oz copper sheeting (I ordered mine from an area roofing firm)
• 2 layers of three/4″ MDF or plywood
• Dremel or desk noticed with steel reducing blade
• about 100 bar clamps of all sizes (purchase and borrow if crucial!)
• information
• sandpaper
• Drill and Screws

Dealing with the Copper

We used 16 oz copper roofing materials as an alternative of the really useful 20 oz sheeting. We had been simply very cautious to not dent, bend, or tear it earlier than laminating it and it labored out fantastic.

We transported it from the provider to our residence sandwiched flat between 2 sheets of plywood to keep away from dings and dents as an alternative of the really useful methodology of rolling it up trigger that’s simply asking for issues (i.e. dings and dents) whenever you un-roll it!!

Step 1: Take away previous Countertop

We began by eradicating all of the earlier plywood all the way in which right down to the cupboards as a result of the present counter was not stage and the plywood had in depth water harm. In case your current wooden substrate is stage and in good situation you may simply lay the mdf proper on high of it. 

Are you able to cowl an current countertop?

I’ve heard of individuals laying the copper on high of laminate however I don’t suggest it, as a result of the glue is designed to soak into the mdf which it clearly couldn’t do on laminate.

Step 2: Set up the MDF Sheets

Subsequent we reduce sheets of three/4″ MDF and screwed it to the the highest of the bottom cupboards. On high of the primary layer of MDF we positioned one other layer of three/4″ mdf however didn’t screw it down. On the nook of the L form we used miter bolts in holes we routed out from beneath to hitch the two sections securely on the highest layer of MDF. One thing like this…

To safe the highest layer of mdf to the underside layer we utilized building adhesive in between the first and 2nd layers after which screwed them collectively from beneath (ie, inside the cupboards up into the primary and second layers of mdf)

You do that so there aren’t any screw holes on the highest floor that you would need to fill and sand and they might in all probability nonetheless present via the copper.

NOTE: We didn’t screw this in place till after the copper had been utilized, in order that we might simply slide all the unit out to clamp the entrance edge. complicated I do know however stick to me…

Step 3: Putting in the Edges

For the perimeters we screwed oak boards into the mdf and plywood earlier than making use of the copper sheeting. Mdf is comparatively delicate and can dent simpler than oak will. This can be a fairly normal method of doing edges when making use of common laminate.

After screwing the oak boards to the edges we then stuffed and sanded the holes completely clean so they might not present underneath the skinny layer of copper.

We determined to use the copper to the edges earlier than placing the highest on to keep away from having the seam on high. If in case you have entry to or want to make a sheet steel brake then you may simply bend it to a 90 angle and glue it down. I nevertheless didn’t need a rounded edge, however there are just a few tutorials round if that’s the way in which you need to go.

We reduce strips from our massive sheets of copper with a dremel in our storage. This step takes ceaselessly however makes an ideal reduce with out warping the copper as shears would. Merely lay the sheet out with a board beneath to raise it a bit. then mark your line, put goggles on, and patiently reduce alongside your line. Minimize your strip a couple of quarter inch wider than you want so it may be filed/sanded down to suit completely after it’s put in place.

Prep your surfaces by calmly sanding the again of the copper and cleansing each the oak edge and the copper with rubbing alcohol.

Should Use This Glue:

That is the ONLY adhesive I recommend you employ, TC-20 Premium Copper Adhesive, it’s definitely worth the cash, cleans up with water, is VOC free and has a protracted working time. Sure, you might use building adhesive however that is so significantly better and has twice the working time. You possibly can order it a number of locations however I bought mine and a glue curler collectively here.

Observe the instructions on the glue and apply glue to the again of the clear copper and oak edges and tape into place.  Then clamp ayway!

(See how all the factor is scooted out a bit so we will clamp to the again edge. Later we glued and screwed the mdf to the decrease sheet of mdf like I discussed above)

It’s best to have just a few units of fingers to rapidly clamp the sting. The glue permits fairly a little bit of working time, however I do suggest cleansing up any that squeezes out with a moist towel whereas it’s nonetheless moist. As you may inform we used A LOT of clamps, the extra the higher! We positioned one other board over the copper earlier than clamping so the clamps wouldn’t mar the copper and would evenly dissipate the strain.

Enable the perimeters to dry in a single day earlier than eradicating the clamps. As soon as dry, file and sand the highest edge flush with the mdf layer. The copper high will go over this so it is necessary that it’s completely flat and clean.

Step 4: Glue on the Copper Sheets

Subsequent we reduce the copper sheets to only a bit bigger than what we needed our completed dimension to be. We used the manufacturing facility fringe of the copper for the entrance and positioned our reduce edge within the again, that is solely essential in case you are doing a “L” form or lengthy span and must have a seam on the highest. Ideally you need to mate the two manufacturing facility edges collectively to make an ideal seam.

*Discover within the image above that we had already reduce out the sink gap out of the mdf sub-layer. Do that, however wait to chop the sink gap within the copper till after it’s glued down.

Prep the again of the copper and the highest of the mdf by calmly sanding the copper and cleansing each with rubbing alcohol. We had an “L” form so we selected to put just one section at a time.

Apply the glue with a curler CAREFULLY and lay down the copper. Easy out all air bubbles and canopy with one other sheet of mdf. You’ll do that in order that the strain from the clamps is evenly distributed and that the clamps don’t mar the floor.

Here’s a basic concept of the way it ought to be laid out in order that the seam shall be on the sting and never on the highest. Fairly snazzy sketch huh?

This ridiculous image is as a result of we figured that the extra weight and strain we utilized the much less air bubbles we’d get. So we positioned nearly each transportable heavy object in our residence on high of the mdf. It labored too as a result of there aren’t any air pockets underneath the copper. Additionally we didn’t apply an excessive amount of weight on high of the place the sink could be to keep away from denting the copper that had no mdf beneath it.

After permitting the glue to dry in a single day we eliminated the clamps, scooted the entire shebang again and into place and glued and screwed it to the plywood layer from beneath as I mentioned earlier.

Subsequent, we filed and sanded in order that the sting seems to be 1 strong piece. As I’ve talked about earlier than I’m a jeweler/ fabricator so this went quick and simple for me. Largely you simply must make it possible for the perimeters really feel clean and that there is no such thing as a hole between the highest layer and the sting, If there’s then you may squish in some only for copper epoxy putty I used this as an alternative of solder.

I bought mine at Ace {hardware} and adopted the manufactures directions to be used. that is additionally what we used to fill the seam on the highest of the counter. I merely smooshed it into the clear crack, waited for it to dry then sanded it flush.

Here’s what the completed edge seems like.

See the way it seems like 1 strong piece moderately than 2 sheets butted collectively.

Right here is the one exterior nook. It seems just like the nook is sharp however is is under no circumstances sharp, it really barely rounded on the level. additionally discover the little bit of oxidation on the underside, it could actually simply be cleaned off with a scrubby.

Right here is the one inside nook that additionally strains up with the one high seam. That is the place I discussed the manufacturing facility edge is essential in order that the highest seam look straight and solely a bit noticeable when completed.

Conclusion

Ultimately we’re undoubtedly pleased with how we did the copper countertop, however we needed to do quite a lot of figuring and downside fixing to make the opposite strategies we had seen work finest for our house. In the event you ought to select to put in an analogous floor you’ll in all probability must do quite a lot of your personal adjusting to make it give you the results you want.

It has been simply over a yr and I’m glad to say that our counter nonetheless is scratch/dent free except 1 small dent that got here with the copper sheet. We have now no air bubbles and nonetheless love the way in which it seems is our residence.

They appear good day or night time!

Care and Upkeep:

How I clear my copper countertop. 1-2 instances per week I take away the whole lot from the counter. Scrub it down with a non-scratching sponge and soapy water. Then utilizing a light-weight multi-surface spray wax, (I take advantage of Swiffer Dust and shine furniture polish) I polish the floor.

Earlier than it’s cleaned there are inexperienced spots “verdigris” from water drops. The spots will come proper off however see the ring from a glass over in the suitable nook, that won’t polish out until you employ a heavier polish. Secondly, this image has been cleaned and polished. The “dwelling” elements-residual marks are nonetheless there, besides now the inexperienced spots are gone.

Right here is identical polished spot however shot from a unique angle, see how clear and glossy it’s regardless of that mottled patina of the floor.

In the event you’d wish to get again to a more moderen look, you might strive what folks do for copper pans, by cleansing it with a mix of lemon juice and salt. Though contemplating the quantity of sq. toes, and the quantity of elbow grease you’ll must put in, ensure you have the time and inclination to complete the entire mission or don’t begin. The directions are to chop a lemon in half and sprinkle a little bit of desk salt on the reduce aspect. now, rub in your counters for about 10 minutes and any piece of copper that has minimal stains or a bit patina ought to sparkle.

You could possibly additionally take into account a industrial copper cleaner.

DIY Copper Countertop Questions and Solutions?

Is copper kitchen countertop?

A copper end will not be sealed and subsequently it’s just like the countertop is alive with ever altering, oxidizing, newness. I wish to say, it has a “dwelling” end. If one thing is available in contact with copper it’s going to go away a mark. This offers a lot curiosity to the end in my thoughts. It has a mottled depth and plenty of curiosity. It additionally typically seems a bit grungy. I adore it.

Copper has anti-microbial properties, which makes it ultimate to be used in a kitchen. Additionally micro organism is killed on contact with copper, once more one other profit in a kitchen setting.

Warning: Copper can scratch and dent simply as a result of it’s a delicate steel. So further care must be taken to keep away from marks, dents and scratches. It’s attainable to sand out a scratch, however watch out as a result of if the thickness will not be excessive, you could put on down the floor.

What are Copper Counter tops Price?

Copper is getting dearer, as it’s thought-about a semi-precious steel. It could not presently be a brilliant reasonably priced possibility. You would wish to test with native steel suppliers to get a present market worth of a 20 oz sheet of roofing copper and take into account the MDF, glues and epoxy fillers – plus any instruments wanted. In fact the extra labor you do the extra reasonably priced it makes any mission, however time can also be a useful commodity so that you may need to issue that in.

How thick ought to the copper be?

20 oz sheeting is really useful. A 20 oz sheet of copper is the same as 21 gauge thickness -it isn’t precise that is the closest gauge to the 20oz sheeting.

For this tutorial a 16 oz sheet was used which is a couple of 24 gauge. (the person promoting tried to get me to purchase 20oz) It’s skinny sufficient to bend together with your fingers, however too thick to chop properly with tin snips.

Are you able to cowl an current Countertop?

The specialty glue we used soaks into and adheres to MDF to create a powerful strong bond. In case your present counter is stage and in fine condition you might add the MDF proper on high and glue between the layers with a building adhesive.

I have no idea if the glue we used (which I extremely suggest) would work for utility on an current laminate countertop for instance. You’ll have to do analysis to discover a completely different adhesive. Additionally, no matter floor you connect it too should be completely clean in order that it doesn’t present via. (bear in mind its a delicate steel, if it doesn’t present up instantly it could present up after time and use)

Are copper counter tops sturdy?

Sure and no however like talked about above they do react and always change over time. If one of these mottled end would hassle you then copper is NOT a sensible choice for you.

Disadvantages of copper counter tops: copper can scratch and dent simply as a result of it’s a delicate steel. So further care must be taken to keep away from marks, dents and scratches. It’s attainable to sand out a scratch, however watch out as a result of if the thickness will not be excessive, you could put on down the floor.

The brand new penny end when first put in will NOT final. It should age and keep that method thereafter.

Learn how to seal a copper countertop.

The one end I take advantage of is a light-weight furnishings wax not less than twice weekly.

Any end you paint on the copper will in the end rub and peel off in heavy site visitors areas so I don’t suggest any kind of roll on end.

There may be one exception that *MAY* work (I’ve not examined this on sheet items). I’ve seen penny counter tops which are set in epoxy. In the event you just like the preliminary look of copper and need to preserve it with out the getting old, you would wish to epoxy the highest instantly.

I think about the copper should still age however this concept would have to be examined for positive. It could be contact to air that ages it to a brown end, so the epoxy could preserve the brand new copper look. I recommend testing this on a small pattern if you wish to know the way it will work, as a result of I can’t inform you from private expertise what is going to occur, however the concept appears sound.

Why Copper for counter tops?

There’s a distinctive magnificence to copper. They’ve an inherent heat that I simply love. My type didn’t lean towards granite, quartz or marble (additionally the price of such is prohibitive), I didn’t need to cope with cleansing grout and I needed one thing larger finish than laminate. A neighborhood favourite espresso store has copper counter tops I’ve at all times admired. So my analysis started by devouring each discussion board, calling native suppliers of steel.

If in case you have any further questions be happy to ask, I’m at all times glad to share and assist.

Thanks once more to Cassity for having me over and I hope you all cease by Lilliedale and take a look at just a few of our different handmade initiatives!

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