Copper Buying Guide
Everything you need to choose the right copper: which gauge suits your project, how much you need, and what it costs. Every sheet is cut to order in Kansas City.
Step one — which gauge?
Heavy gauge (24 gauge / 22 mil) is what almost every architectural project calls for — backsplashes, ceiling tiles, wall panels and any vertical application, as well as range hoods, countertops and bar tops. It cuts with metal shears or a grinder with a thin blade. Sizes to 4' × 10'. From $174.
Light gauge (36 gauge / 5 mil) is thin enough to cut with household scissors and bend by hand. Best for craft and art projects, wrapping curved surfaces, and cabinet fronts. Sizes to 3' × 20'. From $59.
If you are unsure, call us on 913-205-3350 — our founder and team are available to talk your project through before you order.
Which gauge for your project
| Project |
Light gauge |
Heavy gauge |
| Kitchen backsplash |
|
✓ |
| Ceiling tiles |
|
✓ |
| Wall panels |
|
✓ |
| Any vertical application |
|
✓ |
| Range hood |
|
✓ |
| Countertop |
|
✓ |
| Bar top |
|
✓ |
| Craft and art projects |
✓ |
|
| Wrapping curved surfaces |
✓ |
|
| Cabinet fronts |
✓ |
|
Side by side
|
Light gauge |
Heavy gauge |
| Thickness |
36 gauge / 5 mil |
24 gauge / 22 mil |
| Cuts with |
Household scissors |
Metal shears or grinder |
| Largest sheet |
3' × 20' |
4' × 10' |
| Adhesive |
Contact cement |
Contact cement or liquid nails |
| Lead time |
5–7 business days |
7–10 business days |
| Starting price |
$59 |
$174 |
| Finishes available |
29 |
30 |
Both gauges are handmade in Kansas City and arrive lacquer-coated. Every sheet varies in colour and pattern — no two are alike.
Step two — how much do you need?
Step three — full size and price list
Heavy gauge — 1.5 feet wide
| Size |
Coverage |
Price |
| 1.5' × 4' |
6 sq ft |
$259 |
| 1.5' × 6' |
9 sq ft |
$359 |
| 1.5' × 8' |
12 sq ft |
$459 |
| 1.5' × 10' |
15 sq ft |
$569 |
Heavy gauge — 2 feet wide
| Size |
Coverage |
Price |
| 2' × 4' |
8 sq ft |
$389 |
| 2' × 6' |
12 sq ft |
$549 |
| 2' × 8' |
16 sq ft |
$699 |
| 2' × 10' |
20 sq ft |
$839 |
Heavy gauge — 3 feet wide
| Size |
Coverage |
Price |
| 3' × 2' |
6 sq ft |
$174 |
| 3' × 4' |
12 sq ft |
$349 |
| 3' × 5' |
15 sq ft |
$449 |
| 3' × 6' |
18 sq ft |
$539 |
| 3' × 8' |
24 sq ft |
$709 |
| 3' × 10' |
30 sq ft |
$879 |
Heavy gauge — 4 feet wide
| Size |
Coverage |
Price |
| 4' × 4' |
16 sq ft |
$629 |
| 4' × 5' |
20 sq ft |
$779 |
| 4' × 6' |
24 sq ft |
$939 |
| 4' × 8' |
32 sq ft |
$1,249 |
| 4' × 10' |
40 sq ft |
$1,559 |
Light gauge — 1.5 feet wide
| Size |
Coverage |
Price |
| 1.5' × 2' |
3 sq ft |
$59 |
| 1.5' × 4' |
6 sq ft |
$109 |
| 1.5' × 6' |
9 sq ft |
$149 |
| 1.5' × 8' |
12 sq ft |
$199 |
| 1.5' × 10' |
15 sq ft |
$249 |
| 1.5' × 12' |
18 sq ft |
$299 |
| 1.5' × 14' |
21 sq ft |
$349 |
| 1.5' × 16' |
24 sq ft |
$399 |
| 1.5' × 18' |
27 sq ft |
$449 |
| 1.5' × 20' |
30 sq ft |
$499 |
Light gauge — 3 feet wide
| Size |
Coverage |
Price |
| 3' × 2' |
6 sq ft |
$99 |
| 3' × 4' |
12 sq ft |
$149 |
| 3' × 5' |
15 sq ft |
$189 |
| 3' × 6' |
18 sq ft |
$219 |
| 3' × 8' |
24 sq ft |
$279 |
| 3' × 10' |
30 sq ft |
$349 |
| 3' × 12' |
36 sq ft |
$459 |
| 3' × 14' |
42 sq ft |
$529 |
| 3' × 16' |
48 sq ft |
$659 |
| 3' × 18' |
54 sq ft |
$749 |
| 3' × 20' |
60 sq ft |
$839 |
Rules of thumb
-
Kitchen backsplash: typically 25–35 sq ft
-
Range hood: typically 12–20 sq ft
-
Wall panel or ceiling: measure width × height of the area
Add roughly 10% for trimming and overlap. If a single sheet will not cover your area, sheets can be seamed — the patina pattern varies naturally, so joins are far less visible than with plain copper.
Still not sure?
Call 913-205-3350 with your dimensions and we will tell you exactly what to order, including which gauge suits the application. We would rather spend five minutes on the phone than have you order the wrong thing.
You can also order a sample pack to see every finish in person before committing. Copper patina is genuinely difficult to photograph accurately, which is why we send samples.
Shipping
Light gauge ships rolled in a tube. Heavy gauge ships flat or rolled depending on size. Large heavy-gauge orders ship by freight, FOB Kansas City — contact us for a freight quote before ordering if you need a delivered cost.
