Metal Countertops
Metal countertops, a signature design element in French cafes and bistros since the Renaissance, are making a noticeable renaissance of their own today, and for good reason. The luxurious look and feel of pewter, zinc, bronze and copper , "living" alloy metals, (click thumbnails on left for detailed descriptions) adds a classic "Old World" feel to the modern kitchen, restaurant, hotel or bar. Metal countertops give a warmth and charm to any kitchen, restaurant or bar. Recyclable, anti-microcrobial, durable and with flexible design choices. the metal countertop is a perfect choice for your busy home kitchen or restaurant bar.
Bronze
A copper and tin alloy and it achieves a deep patina when its copper oxide is formed. This layer of oxides is not just pretty, it is the protection bronze needs to sustain itself. Left alone bronze will last ten lifetimes over. It is not a metal that deals well with continual polishing, its best left to its own devices. Over time, bronze will achieve a deep, rich brown-gold color.
Copper
Normally associated with the more rustic log cabin look. Our copper is cast in ways not normally found in architectural metal work. By changing the method of manufacturing, we have achieved changing the aesthetic. Copper creates a timeless look and requires little maintenance. Like most of the metals we use it is a living metal and is better off left to its own devices. Expect a patina of copper oxides to form, often chocolate-brown with hints of copper tones peering through. This is its charm.
Pewter
Our pewter consists of 99% tin, with 1% copper added for hardness. This is what is commonly called "ultra fine" pewter. It is food grade as well, and no there is no lead in modern pewter. Pewter has a brighter feel than zinc and wears very differently. Pewter requires a little bit of maintenance and polishing but develops a truly rich feel and coolness that somehow is still warm and homey.
Zinc
Our most popular choice of metal by far, zinc has enjoyed a renaissance in the modern design world. Once known primarily for its use in French bistros, today, zinc countertops and bar tops are being installed in homes and restaurant bars throughout the country. The hue of zinc exudes a warmth and coziness to any decor rather than the cold look of stainless steel.
Alloy Evolution
We work with you to customize your counter or bar top, creating the look and feel you wish to attain. The finished product is easy to maintain, can withstand hard use and in fact, gets prettier over time. Each counter top will develop its own personality with its unique patina dependent on use and exposure to its environment. Polishing your metal counter top can bring back the original shininess but we recommend letting the color patina organically, allowing your counter or bar top to morph over time, subtly telling the story of your room's history.
History
Prior to the discovery of bronze, in 4000BC, artisans worked with pure copper. It was then discovered that the addition of a little bit of tin a much stronger metal which was also quite beautiful. Ancient artisans quickly adapted the new metal and it grew in popularity. It became so widespread, that a new era was launched called the Bronze Age, between 3500-1200 BC.
History
Copper was used by some of the oldest civilizations in history. Copper was the first metal Copper metal mined and crafted by man. Its abundance and accessibility made it widely popular and it was used to craft weapons, tools, art objects and ornaments. In the Roman era, copper was principally mined on Cyprus, hence the origin of the name of the metal as Cyprium, meaning the "metal of Cyprus", which was later shortened to Cuprum.
History
Pewter and bronze are related alloys; pewter is mostly tin, with a small amount of copper. Conversely, bronze is an alloy made up primarily of copper, with a small amount of tin. It is speculated by historians that pewter was invented when the quantities of metal in the alloy were reversed. No one will ever know if this was by design or by accident.
By the middle ages the use of pewter in Europe was widespread. Around the 12th century, pewter was only within the reach of the wealthy, where it was to be found on the tables of castle halls and in the houses of rich merchants and churchmen. Later its use spread into taverns and cottages. It was mainly used for functional items like plates and cutlery, but pewterers also made small decorations and toys, referred to as "trifle".
History
Andreas Marggraf is credited with the discovery of the element zinc in 1746. However, zinc ores were commonly used to make brass as early as 1400 to 1000 B.C. in Palestine and an alloy containing 87 percent zinc was discovered at prehistoric ruins in Transylvania. In the 1200s, India produced zinc metal by burning organic materials with smithsonite, also known as zinc carbonate.
