A hand-made copper or brass sink takes about two weeks from the first design day to a finished piece. Our Fes workshop spends around 3 days on the conception, then cuts a sheet of copper or brass, forms and hammers it into shape, welds it if the sink is large, cleans it and applies the finish you chose. Every step is done by hand.
In this article
- The steps at a glance
- What happens during the conception?
- How is the metal cut and formed?
- When is a sink welded?
- How is the sink cleaned and finished?
- Why Fes?
- FAQ
What are the steps to make a hand-hammered sink?
| Step | What happens | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Conception | Size, shape and details are set for your sink | About 3 days |
| 2. Cutting | A sheet of copper or brass is cut to the pattern | After conception |
| 3. Forming and hammering | The metal is shaped by hand with hammer and anvil | Several days |
| 4. Welding (large kitchen sinks) | Parts are welded together where the size requires it | During assembly |
| 5. Cleaning | The sink is cleaned and prepared for its finish | Before finishing |
| 6. Finishing | Polished, brushed or aged patina, as ordered | Done about 2 weeks after conception |
What happens during the conception?
Before any metal is touched, the sink is planned. Size, shape and details are settled in about 3 days, so the artisan knows exactly what is being built. For custom pieces, this is where your measurements are worked into the design.
How is the metal cut and formed?
Once the design is set, a sheet of raw copper or brass (16 gauge) is cut to size. The pattern is marked on the sheet with a ruler and pencil, then cut out.
The artisan then forms the sheet into the basin by hand. Working with hammer and anvil, thousands of strokes shape the metal and give the surface its texture and strength.
There are no molds and no mass production. The hammer marks are the visible record of the work, they catch light differently from every angle, and no two sinks carry the same pattern.
When is a sink welded?
Welding is only used when the size calls for it, which means our big kitchen sinks. Smaller sinks do not need it. When a large sink is made in more than one part, the parts are welded together so the finished sink is one solid piece.
How is the sink cleaned and finished?
Once the sink is formed, and welded if needed, it is cleaned and prepared, then given the finish you ordered: polished, brushed, or aged patina. We leave our sinks unlacquered, so no clear coat seals the metal. The surface stays free to change as it meets water, air and touch, the way solid copper and brass have always aged. Our Care and Patina Guide explains what to expect from each finish.
Why Fes?
Fes has been a center of metalwork for centuries. We work directly with the artisans there, so we know who made your sink, and they know where it is going. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for made-to-order production before the sink ships.
Hand-made brass with an integrated drainboard. Undermount or drop-in, brass drain included. $1,490, ships from New Jersey.
View the sink →Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to make one sink?
About 3 days for the conception, and the sink is done around two weeks after that. For made-to-order pieces, allow 2 to 4 weeks for production before shipping.
Are two hand-hammered sinks ever identical?
No. Because every stroke is made by hand, hammer texture and surface marking differ from piece to piece, and from the product photos.
Are your sinks welded?
Only the large kitchen sinks, where the size requires it. Smaller sinks are formed and hammered without welding.
What finishes can I choose?
Polished, brushed, or aged patina. All of them are unlacquered.
What thickness is the metal?
Our sinks are made from 16 gauge copper and brass.
Can I order a custom size?
Yes, ask us through the contact page and we will tell you what is possible. See also our custom and made-to-order sinks.