Copper Countertops: Would You Do It?

Cambria Bold
Cambria Bold
Cambria Bold is the Executive Editor of Cubby, and one of Apartment Therapy Media’s first full-time editors from way back when. She was The Kitchn's founding Design and Lifestyle Editor as well as Managing Editor of Re-Nest, Apartment Therapy’s late '00s green living site. She now thinks a lot about design, kids, and designy kids' things. She lives with her two daughters and their father in St. Paul, MN.
updated May 2, 2019
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How To Clean and Polish Copper (Image credit: Erika Tracy)

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In the kitchen, a copper countertop is known as a “living” surface, which means that (like copper cookware) it reacts to acid. Unsealed copper countertops will oxidize and tarnish over time, giving it a unique patina with hints of red, green, and brown in it. (In other words, kitchen spills add character. If you’re a perfectionist, then the changeable nature of copper is probably not for you!) Sealed countertops will keep their shiny appearance longer, but do need to be treated periodically with beeswax or butcher’s wax to keep it in good condition.

Other things to note: copper is a soft metal, so it is easily dented and scratched. Again, some people like the distressed look this gives the countertop over time, but if not, you can usually buff the copper back into shape. On the good side, copper countertops are apparently surprisingly easy to clean. Use warm water and soap, or a little lemon juice, salt, and a scouring sponge (with a good rinse after). Copper countertops are also naturally antimicrobial, and are said to resist bacteria better than stainless steel.

The not so great part about copper countertops? They don’t come cheap, averaging around $100 – $175 per square foot.

What do you think? Have you ever considered copper countertops, or have experience with one in your kitchen? Share your thoughts!

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