Designing your kitchen, bath or bar area can bring about various concerns involving style, visual appeal, and ergonomic functionality. Each answered question directly effects another question, making the design checklist ever-growing. For example, "If I choose dark cabinets in my kitchen, what kind of countertop will match?", "If I go with stainless steel appliances, which sink should I get?" As you can tell, the list goes on, and designing your home can turn into quite the process.

Let's start with the basics, and determine which metal will best suit your home: copper or stainless steel. 
As you progress through the design process, selecting between copper and stainless steel will inevitably be one of the most important decisions for your kitchen, bath, or bar. Take a look at both of the Havens sinks below, each one displaying it's own characteristics and features.

Copper Sinks

• Naturally ages to give the sink a unique look, which changes over time.
• Antimicrobial properties allow the copper to kill harmful microbes in less than two hours, which makes for a cleaner food prep area.
• Self-healing patina allows the finish to restore itself regardless of what the metal is exposed to (acidic foods, abrasive cleaners, metal pots and pans).
• Extremely durable, heavy duty 14 gauge metal. Copper is one of the oldest metals known to man.
• Made from USA melted 99.9% pure copper (the highest quality copper available).
• Very easy to clean and maintain. All that is needed for cleaning is a soapy sponge.
• No need to dry or wax the sink after using it, the copper restores itself.

Stainless Steel Sinks

• Metal doesn't change over time and maintains the same appearance
• Crafted using heavy duty 14 gauge Stainless Steel
• Visually compliments a modernistic or contemporary designed kitchen
• Extremely resilient to acidic foods, abrasive cleaners and metal pots.
• Very easy to clean and maintain (a soapy sponge will do the trick).
• Made from USA melted 99.9% pure stainless steel (the highest quality stainless available).

 The full Collection of Havens Copper and Stainless Steel Sinks can be found using this link: Havens Metal

A Guide to Buying The Perfect Sink

Before purchasing a sink it is important for a homeowner to know the level of quality the product represents and what you will be getting when you make your investment.
 With this in mind, we have come up with a basic guide to give homeowners some pointers and answer general questions that arise when researching to find the perfect sink for your home. 

At Havens Metal, we want to earn your business by laying out the facts in hopes of helping you make an educated decision you feel confident with. Doing your research is key in this process and the Havens team is always here for any questions you might have along the way. Check out our guide, and if you still have questions, give us a call!

In the highly competitive industry of kitchen and bath products, it’s unfortunate that many manufacturers mislead the consumer by sacrificing quality for profitability. The nature of the industry has lead many of our competitors to import their products from Mexico and Asia, which has lead to unsatisfactory quality for the consumer.

Make sure you read the fine print, as most of our competitors sell imported sinks, made from recycled material. Don't just take our word for it, do your research and hold the industry accountable for a quality product manufactured by a trustworthy brand.

At Havens, we always strive to bring forward the industry standards for a quality product that a homeowner will be proud of for decades to come. With this in mind, we make it very clear that all Havens Metal products are manufactured in the USA from domestic made non-recycled copper.

About our Metal

Maintaining a Havens Sink is very easy due to the nature of quality on the materials used by our expert craftsman. From start to finish, Havens uses the highest grade of materials, machinery, and skill to bring forth a perfect product our customers will be proud to display in their home. 

Copper: The grade of copper Havens Metal uses on all copper products is 14-gauge non-recycled. The reason we’ve chosen this metal is due to the fact that this is the highest quality of copper you can build a sink out of. All of our copper is domestic grade, meaning it comes directly from a supplier here in the United States of America.

As one of the oldest metals known to man, copper has proven to be a highly useful material with many properties that allow for a sound and safe environment in the home. Studies show that copper also functions as a defense against bacteria, and growth is inhibited on the surface of copper, which makes it a perfect metal to make a home sink out of.

Stainless Steel: Havens Metal uses solid 16 gauge Stainless Steel in manufacturing our sinks. Regardless of the texture, whether it is hammered, smooth, or with a pattern, our Stainless Steel is guaranteed to last for life and never rust. All of our Stainless Steel is melted and made right here in the USA, never imported.

Download a printable version here: The Sink Buying Guide

Not to be underestimated, a kitchen sink holds the power to change the way you do things in your kitchen space on a daily basis. With the ability to maximize efficiency, reduce clean up time, and make the most out of your kitchen area, the right sink is often times a game changer. 

Choosing the right kitchen sink has proven to be an important factor for homeowners, as maximum efficiency in our everyday tasks holds tremendous value. Not every homeowner uses their sink in the same fashion, which has prompted our team at Havens Metal to create ergonomic designs that are functional for kitchen users of all different styles.

From basin depth to drain placement, our sinks are designed to perfectly fit the needs of the user. With this in mind, we've introduced two different styles of kitchen sinks thus far: The Heritage and Legacy Collections. 

The Heritage Collection: Designed with simplicity in mind. A single bowl traditional farmhouse sink available with or without an apron front. The Heritage sink is available as a top or under mount sink and stocked in sizes 30-36 inches. Right side drain placement and cross brakes to ensure perfect drainage with every use. 

The Legacy Collection: A more extravagant all-in-one design aimed at efficiency in the kitchen. Includes a built in ledge with sliding grid-drain and cutting board functionality. The Legacy Sink allows the user to cut foods, wash or dry dishes, and soak pans all in the same place. Through personal experience and intentional design, we've perfected the Legacy Collection to minimize clean up times and bring about a visual masterpiece to the kitchen.

With ergonomics and efficiency in mind, Havens Metal has satisfied the everyday kitchen sink owner's needs for copper farmhouse sinks for over two decades. It's no secret why a Havens sink has proven to be of the finest kitchen furnishings in the world. From inception of concept to fabrication, a Havens sink is designed to exceed the expectations of the user with the end result of a truly ergonomic kitchen experience. 

In 2008, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed copper as the first solid metal to posses antimicrobial properties effective in killing and eliminating harmful, potentially deadly bacteria living on touch surfaces. Through extensive antimicrobial efficacy testing, it was found that copper begins to eliminate germs upon contact, and eradicate 99.9% of harmful bacteria within two hours. This research leads the movement in transitioning copper as the primary touch surface in all hospitals and healthcare facilities. So what does this mean for your kitchen?

Installing a copper sink in your kitchen not only adds functionality and aesthetics, but also the inherent health benefits found when using antimicrobial copper. These benefits include the continuous elimination of harmful bacteria, a dramatic reduction in contamination from dangerous food-borne pathogens, and a defense against spreading infections/diseases throughout your kitchen. By using a copper sink, your kitchen becomes a safe, bacteria-free environment to prepare food, and sanitize cooking utensils/dishes for the protection against illness and disease. 

However, imported copper products are manufactured using annealed recycled copper, not pure copper. This lower quality material allows bacteria to survive on non-copper alloys, reducing the antimicrobial benefits of virgin copper. At Havens Metal, we're proud to say that we exclusively use 14 gauge cold rolled 99.9% pure copper; Purchased domestically from a USA copper mill. This manufacturing process ensures your full benefit in eliminating harmful bacteria from your kitchen within two hours of exposure. Combining the inherent health benefits of antimicrobial copper, with a stunning aesthetic and functional experience, Havens sinks create the standard for quality and design. 

For more information about Havens Metal and our materials, view our guide here: The Sink Buying Guide

So you've found the perfect copper sink for your kitchen...it fits the budget, the dimensions are up to par, the style is perfect, heck it even looks more efficient than your old sink! But just wait...did you read the fine print?

While all of this may seem great, you may want to consider the immediate and lasting consequences of purchasing an imported sink. Now, I am not saying ALL imported sinks are garbage, just MOST of them.

Finding a reputable supplier who is transparent about their quality is a responsibility left best for the homeowner, so in the mean time please enjoy my attempt at unbiased two cents on imported copper sinks:

The copper sink is an increasingly prominent addition to any home kitchen, bath or bar area, assuming that the sink fits the homeowner's standards for quality. Choosing the wrong copper sink can turn out to be a massive headache, and eventually even turn into an eyesore in your beautiful kitchen.

Maintaining a sink should be one of the easiest tasks you come across within your home. Waxing, drying, or polishing your copper sink is considered obsolete by any Havens Metal sink owner.

Through basic research it's easy to see that many companies selling imported sinks are using disclaimers or warnings on their products that look like these: "dry sink after each use", "wax once a month to preserve the finish", "dimensions may vary up to 1/2 inch."

Before purchasing a sink online, it's very important to research the product. The last thing you want during a kitchen renovation is a poorly made copper sink to be installed, as this will cause major problems down the line.
Think about it...most of the imported sink manufacturers are using a thin gauge of recycled copper to build their sinks that when finished, may be up to an entire HALF INCH off of the original dimensions. To make matters worse, their products aren't backed by a lifetime warranty or any kind of guarantee. 

While some homeowners can rationalize hands on maintenance for an inexpensive copper sink, it's important to remember that a quality copper sink should require little to no maintenance. Since copper is a living metal that will naturally patina over time, the finish will recondition itself gradually which makes for a visual masterpiece.

Finding the perfect Copper Sink for your home can be daunting. In today's world, it is easy to be mislead by manufacturers who misrepresent their products, eager to make a quick buck. With Havens Metal, you will never be mislead. As a USA manufacturer of the finest copper sinks in the world, we stand behind our products with a lifetime warranty. 

For more information on buying sinks, you can view the our guide here: The Sink Buying Guide

To view the Havens Metal Copper Sink collection, use this link: Copper Sinks by Havens

Hello everyone!

We want to start out the month by talking about how you can stay up to date with Havens Metal's latest projects in the digital world of kitchen and bath. As an avid user of various social media outlets, we are constantly keeping the community informed, showcasing our latest designs, and giving advice where needed.

On any given day of the week, you might find The Havens team of marketing professionals creating a 3D Youtube video of a new sink design, giving Houzz advice on how to install an under-mount sink, showcasing a new gallery on Google+, or even announcing a special discount code exclusive to our social media community.

Keeping up with Havens on social media is a great chance for our customers to get a better feel for who we are as a brand. As a USA manufacturer of the finest stainless steel and copper sinks in the world, we are constantly innovating ways to bring luxury and functionality to your kitchen area.

Whether you've been a Havens customer for some time or are just an avid fan of this blog, we invite you to come and join our growing community on social media through these outlets:

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/havensmetal

Houzz: http://www.houzz.com/pro/havens-metal/havens-metal-works

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+HavensMetalWorksOrlando

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJzKo37CP2zFuhNF7Mbf4HQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/havens_metal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/havens_metal/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Havens-Metal-1192100514145180/?pnref=story

You've heard about it, researched it, and even visualized it: bringing Copper to your home kitchen area.
As grand as it sounds, you have some hesitation...how will I maintain and clean the copper? How will it age over time? What is the life expectancy of the sink?

Well not to worry, this information is here to alleviate some of your concerns with bringing Copper to your home.

As one of the oldest metals known to man, copper dates back to medieval times, often used for cooking, weapons, or even structures. As a multi-purpose material, copper maintains certain properties that give it an advantage over other choices for a home kitchen sink.

While addressing the benefits of the metal, please keep in mind that not all copper is made equally and certain properties may only apply to pure, quality grade copper. It's very important to know the quality of the metal before making a sink purchase, as buying a sink made from low-grade copper can have disastrous consequences.  

The Look

In terms of display, you can never go wrong with copper as it entices the focal point of the home kitchen, drawing the eye to it's rich blends of oranges, browns, and rustic teals.

Although copper might be beautiful, what does it mean for cleanliness, prep or cleanup?

The Cleanliness

As you may or may not know, copper boasts antimicrobial properties making it a fighter against bacteria, harmful pathogens, and viruses spread through raw and uncooked foods. According to studies, copper eradicates bacterias within a half hour of exposure and slims the chance of spreading viruses known to cause food-borne illness.

The Maintenance

So it's great that copper is a lean mean germ fighting machine but what does cleaning and maintaining the sink entail? "Don't I have to wax it and dry after each use?"

The answer is NO! We get this questions ALL the time. Unfortunately, the copper sink industry has taken on a reputation of tedious maintenance and strenuous cleaning due to the nature of our competitor's quality.

Beware of cheap imports!

To cut costs, copper sink manufacturers are using a higher gauge of recycled material to build their sinks out of, resulting in an inferior product. When a brand uses this type of metal to make a copper sink out of, the natural characteristics of the material will alter dramatically: dimensions vary up to an entire half inch with some manufacturers, the finish may be lacquered (this means no antimicrobial properties), the sink may pool water and not drain properly, etc. 

With all of this in mind, we urge all of our visitors to do their homework! Research is key when choosing the right copper sink for your home kitchen. Make sure to read ALL maintenance guides, disclaimers, and be sure to know where the product is made!

While there are only a handful of USA copper sink manufacturers (Havens Metal included), we find that most copper sinks are made south of the border, Mexico. While their prices may seem great, you get what you pay for in terms of quality. Mexico is notorious for flushing out inferior "hand-hammered copper sinks" made by "Artisans." What you're actually getting with a Mexican sink is a poorly measured scrap of copper that won't drain properly and is hammered to hide imperfections. Say, there has to be a reason EVERY SINGLE Mexican sink on the market has the "hand-hammered" finish!

The Solution

With plenty of choices for copper sink brands, we want to let you know that Havens Metal crafts all copper products from American made non-recycled 99.9% pure copper with a standard to create the finest sinks in the world. Purchasing a Havens sink guarantees effortless maintenance, no drying or waxing, and perfect drainage with every use. 

Copper is truly a timeless metal, dating back to the earliest years of civilization and used for a wide variety of reasons. From medieval weapons to vessel sinks in the Roman Empire, copper has proven to be a highly versatile, ageless metal made to withstand centuries of use.

As a self-healing metal, copper is known to re-patina itself over time which gives it a very unique rustic look. What other metals have you heard of that have the ability to refinish themselves? The beauty of Copper is that it's actually a "living metal," meaning the surface is ever-changing and constantly developing. Having the ability to patina itself, this makes Copper the perfect metal to build the everyday household sink out of, as sinks are often exposed to acidic foods and abrasive cleaners.

So copper might stand the test against cleaners and foods, but what about time? For nearly 6 millennia B.C, copper was the only metal known to man. As an ageless metal, copper dates back over 10,000 years in production. It's known that copper has actually been used in plumbing dating back to as early as 4500 B.C. Irrigation, sewage, and bathroom fixtures have never been the same since the discovery of copper. Known for it's solidarity, ability to withstand extreme conditions, and malleability, copper makes for an exceptional solution in the world of plumbing.

In the 18th century, copper became increasingly popular for europeans as a means to make a bathtub out of. Since copper is an excellent conductor of heat, these bathtubs would actually retain warmth longer making them perfect for a soaking tub. Not only is it a heat-friendly metal, studies show that copper holds antimicrobial properties which eliminate germs and bacteria at the surface. What's commonly known as a "Japanese soaking tub" in today's world, was originally a simple solution to keeping water warmer longer in more primitive times. 

Although copper wasn't very popular to the average American household until about the 19th century, many plumbing pipes and electrical wires had already been installed to their homes in the prior decades. It's no mystery why copper is such an excellent addition to your home, it has no expiration date. Even used and abused, copper is here to stay...for centuries.

Choosing the right sink can be daunting, but taking into consideration the lifespan and minimal maintenance that copper brings to the table, is there a better choice? Although the copper sink may outlive the structural integrity of your home, at least you'll be able to pass it on to the grandchildren!

When picturing a kitchen sink, most of us imagine a perfectly symmetrical design with the drain located middle-center.

Few know, that moving the drain just inches to the right or left of center may provide benefits greater than keeping with the classic center design. Here are three key reasons you can appreciate having an off-center drain in any Havens copper or stainless steel kitchen sinks. 

• Prep, Wash, and Dry at the same time! For those who prize functionality, the off-center drain has many of the same benefits as a double-bowl sink. Just like a double-bowl sink, an off-center drain allows you to prepare food on one side of the bowl, while dishes dry on the other. This feature removes the hassle of juggling the cooking and cleaning processes, leaving more time to enjoy your meal.

• Dishes at the Bottom, not Water! In some sinks, a wrongly placed dish can block the water flow. Havens sinks are designed to send water directly to the drain, regardless of its location. This means when using an off-center drain, you’re able to place dishes in the center of the sink while still allowing sink water to be removed from the basin.

• Disposal & Storage! Possibly the greatest feature in an off-center sink drain is moving your plumbing and disposal into one consolidated corner underneath the sink. This not only maximizes under-sink storage capacity for chemicals and supplies, but allows for alternatives like pull out trash bins and drawers, leading to an even more convenient workspace.

With fine craftsmanship and expert design, Havens Metal is able to customize any type of copper or stainless steel kitchen sink to fit your design needs. Having an off-center drain changes the way we work and organize kitchen space, making it easier than ever to prep, wash and dry in one convenient location. 

When it comes to designing your kitchen or bathroom, you want everything to fit in line with your needs. No two homes are alike, and you wouldn’t want the same exact elements that everyone else has right? At Havens Metal Works, we have the ability to build you a completely custom sink for whatever room you need it in. By using only the highest quality American made metals, we’re able to craft your dream. Since no two rooms are the same, you want to be sure that your newest addition is exactly the way you want.

Level of Customization

In order to know what the overall design should be, the first thing you have to do is envision how you will use the sink. If it’s going to be in the kitchen, will you be using it to wash dishes regularly? To soak vegetables? Or something else entirely? Regardless of what the intended use is, these are elements that must be taken into account in the design process. At Havens Metal Works, we’ll work with you to create your perfect dream. First, ask yourself these questions:

• What material is your sink made of?
• Are you looking for a single basin or multiple?
• What side of the sink do you want to have the disposal?
• What will you be using it for? And what’s the most convenient way to accomplish those goals?
• Are there any accessories that you want to go along with it?

With our more than 30 years of experience working with metals, we know exactly what elements are necessary for a perfect sink. Whether you want a stainless steel design, or a copper finish, we can make any adjustments as needed.

For more direction on designing your sink, use this link: Custom Sink Information

Patina Finishes

One thing that really brings our sinks to life is the use of patina finishes. These are purely cosmetic alterations to your beautiful new sink’s apron front. Whether you’re looking for the shiny copper look, a brushed and darkened look, or you want one of the textured and colorful finishes, we will work with you to find the best option for your home. If you’d like to see more about our patina finishes, please visit this link: Custom Patina Finishes.

Built for Your Use

Once you’ve figured out how you intend to use it, we can mold the metal designs to match that intent. Stainless steel and copper are both very moldable materials, and as a result, we can make any designs from a single sheet of metal. Commonly we see people request farmhouse style sinks with a drying area attachment, but that doesn’t mean that’s all we work with. If you want a single basin, or want a space to separate dirty and clean dishes, we’ve got you covered. If you want the drain/disposal on the right side or left side, we will do that for you. Whatever your need is, we guarantee our ability to work with you, for complete customization.

Accessories make the Difference

When you order a sink through Havens Metal Works, you’re not just getting a sink. We have many other things that you can order so that you can bring your sink to life. Do you want a backdrop or matching faucet? Or perhaps you want a drying rack or cutting board? Whatever your choice may be, we’re able to work with you and make sure that your sink is exactly what you want. You won’t have to go anywhere else other than Havens Metal Works to build the sink of your dreams.
To check out the full Collection of Sink Accessories, use this link: Sink Accessories

Havens Metal of Orlando, FL

Awarded Best Of Houzz 2017

Havens Metal is a USA Manufacturer of Copper Sinks, Stainless Steel Sinks, Range Hoods, and other custom metal products based out of the Central Florida area. 

Over 40 Million Monthly Unique Users Nominated Best Home Building,

Remodeling and Design Professionals in North America and Around the World

January 17th, 2017 – Havens Metal of Central Florida has won “Best Of Customer Service" on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The family owned business is known worldwide for designing and manufacturing copper sinks, stainless steel sinks, range hoods, and other custom metal products. Havens Metal was chosen by the more than 40 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 40 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2016. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award. A “Best Of Houzz 2017” badge will appear on winners’ profiles, as a sign of  their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.

“We’re so pleased to award Best of Houzz 2017 to this incredible group of talented and customer-focused professionals" said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “Each of these businesses was singled out for recognition by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts for helping to turn their home improvement dreams into reality.”

Follow Havens Metal on Houzz to keep up with their latest projects involving copper sink designs, custom range hoods, stainless steel kitchen sinks, and other custom metal products.

About Houzz

Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish – online or from a mobile device. From decorating a small room to building a custom home and everything in between, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin, Sydney, Moscow and Tokyo. Houzz and the Houzz logo are registered trademarks of Houzz Inc. worldwide. For more information, visit houzz.com.

A Unique Display of Traditional Style,
Integrated with the Modern Luxury of Today

Choosing the right kitchen sink for your home's kitchen presents various options and features, all of which can benefit individual household needs for washing, prepping, and entertaining. 

Any Havens sink can be fabricated to have an apron front, which is a prominent feature that offers the kitchen a visually rich focal point. The farm sink dates back to 17th Century kitchens, and is commonly referred to as the farmhouse sink.
The farmhouse design is a timeless classic, known for it's 17th century heritage where it would be found in homes of wealthy European families. The very first farm sink designs aimed to reduce reach distance to the sink and at the same time provide a large wash basin, ultimately resulting in a more comfortable work space for the user.

The Legacy Collection: An Advanced Kitchen Sink

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call: 

UNDERMOUNT LEGACY KITCHEN SINKS