A custom copper kitchen sink is a handmade sink built to your own measurements instead of a fixed catalogue size. To order one, start from the closest standard style (drop-in, undermount or farmhouse), measure your base cabinet and countertop, decide on bowl depth and drain position, and send those numbers to the maker before your countertop is cut. A bespoke copper sink is the right choice when a standard size would leave gaps, crowd the cabinet or force changes to your kitchen.
We make our handmade copper kitchen sink in our own workshop in India, where we have been making copper products since 2013. Every one of our sink styles can be made to the customer's measurements, so this guide explains, from the maker's side, what to measure and what to tell us (or any maker) so the sink arrives ready to fit.
When a Custom Copper Kitchen Sink Makes Sense
Standard sizes suit most kitchens. A bespoke copper sink is worth it when:
- You are replacing an old sink and want the new one to fit the existing countertop cutout without re-cutting stone.
- Your cabinet is an unusual width, such as older or European cabinetry, a corner unit or a custom island.
- You want a different depth, deeper for big pots or shallower for comfort or an accessible kitchen.
- You need a second, smaller sink for an island, bar or prep area that matches the main copper sink.
- The sink is the focal point and the proportions have to work with the cabinetry, window or range around it.
If none of these apply, a standard size is usually quicker to plan around.
Start From a Standard Style
The easiest way to brief a custom order is to pick the style that is closest to what you want and then change the numbers. These are our four standard styles:
| Style | Standard size L × W × D (mm) | Inches | How it is mounted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop-in | 556 × 461 × 245 | 21.9 × 18.1 × 9.6 | Rim rests on top of the countertop |
| Undermount | 545 × 440 × 200 | 21.5 × 17.3 × 7.9 | Fixed below the countertop |
| Heritage Farmhouse | 635 × 508 × 250 | 25.0 × 20.0 × 9.8 | Exposed front apron, sits in the cabinet |
| Grand Farmhouse | 833 × 508 × 250 | 32.8 × 20.0 × 9.8 | Exposed front apron, sits in the cabinet |
All four are hand-hammered and come in an aged or an antique copper finish. If you are still deciding on the farmhouse option, our copper farmhouse sink guide covers apron-front sizes, cabinets and installation in detail.
How to Measure for a Bespoke Copper Sink
Measure in millimetres if you can, and measure twice. Ask your installer or cabinetmaker to check the numbers before you order, because they will be the ones fitting the sink.
- Inside width of the sink base cabinet. Measure between the inside faces of the cabinet sides. The sink has to fit inside this space with room for its supports or clips.
- Countertop depth. Measure from the back wall to the front edge of the countertop. This limits the front-to-back size of the sink.
- Existing cutout (for a replacement). If you are keeping the countertop, measure the length, width and corner radius of the hole that is already there. For a drop-in sink, the rim must be larger than the cutout; for an undermount, the bowl opening should line up with it.
- Bowl depth. Decide how deep you want the bowl. Deeper bowls hide dishes and fit large pots but mean more bending. Check that the depth still leaves room for the drain and pipes in the cabinet.
- Drain position. Note where your plumbing comes up. A drain at the centre or toward the back can free up cabinet space; your plumber can tell you what works.
- Faucet position. Decide whether the faucet will be on the countertop, on the wall or on a sink deck, and make sure the sink outline leaves room for it.
- Apron height (farmhouse only). For an apron-front sink, measure the height available on the cabinet front and decide whether the apron should sit flush with the doors or stand slightly forward.
Common measuring mistakes
- Measuring the outside of the cabinet instead of the inside.
- Forgetting that the countertop overhangs the cabinet, so the two depths are different.
- Choosing a depth without checking the space needed for the drain, trap and any waste disposal unit.
- Letting the countertop be templated before the sink size is fixed. Stone fabricators should cut to the actual sink.
What to Send the Maker
A clear brief avoids back-and-forth. When you ask for a bespoke copper sink, include:
- The style you are starting from (drop-in, undermount, Heritage Farmhouse or Grand Farmhouse).
- Your required outside length, width and bowl depth, in millimetres or inches, and which one you measured in.
- Where your drain needs to be, if your plumbing requires a specific position.
- Your finish: aged or antique copper.
- A simple sketch or a photo of the cabinet and countertop with the measurements written on it.
- The country you are shipping to.
You can send these details to us through our contact page, and we will make the sink to your measurements.
Shipping and Installation
We ship copper kitchen sinks door to door by courier. Local customs duties and taxes are paid by the buyer, so check what applies in your country before ordering.
When the sink arrives, have your installer check it against the plan before the countertop is cut or the cabinet is finished. A few general points that apply to any heavy sink:
- Undermount and farmhouse sinks need proper support underneath, not just adhesive or the countertop.
- Seal the joint between sink and countertop with a sink-grade silicone.
- Have your plumber connect and test the drain before the cabinet is closed up.
If the sink is part of a larger remodel, our kitchen renovation checklist shows where the sink decision fits in the sequence.
Caring for a Custom Copper Sink
A made-to-measure sink is cared for exactly like a standard one. Copper is a living finish that develops a patina over time, and a hammered surface helps hide small marks. Rinse and wipe the sink after use, clean it with mild soap, warm water and a soft cloth, and avoid bleach, harsh chemicals and abrasive pads. Do not leave acidic foods such as tomato, citrus or vinegar sitting in the bowl. For more detail, read Is a Copper Kitchen Sink High Maintenance?
Why Order a Bespoke Copper Sink From the Maker
A custom sink is easier to get right when you can talk to the people who make it. We are the workshop, not a reseller: we control copper quality in-house, our artisans shape and hammer each sink by hand, and we pay them up to 50% more than typical industry rates. You can read more about buying direct from the maker or browse the rest of our handmade copper collection.
FAQ
Can a copper kitchen sink be made to custom dimensions?
Yes. Every Kaarigar sink style (drop-in, undermount, Heritage Farmhouse and Grand Farmhouse) can be made to the customer's measurements. Send the size, bowl depth and finish you need, plus any drain position your plumbing requires.
What measurements do I need for a custom copper sink?
At minimum: the inside width of the sink base cabinet, the countertop depth, the bowl depth you want and the drain position. For a replacement drop-in or undermount sink, also measure the existing countertop cutout.
Should I buy the sink before the countertop is cut?
Yes. Fix the sink size first and let the countertop fabricator measure from the actual sink or its confirmed dimensions. Cutting the countertop first is a common cause of a poor fit.
What finishes are available for a bespoke copper sink?
Kaarigar copper kitchen sinks are hand-hammered and come in an aged or an antique copper finish.
Do you ship custom copper sinks internationally?
Yes. Sinks are shipped door to door by courier. The buyer pays any local customs duties and taxes.