Zinc Countertop Information Page

Is Zinc safe?

Yes, Quite safe. Zinc is an important mineral for the body.
It has traditionally been used on Bar tops serving Seafood and Shellfish (presumably for it’s antibacterial qualities)
We do recommend using a chopping block for cutting and food prep.

Does it look like stainless steel?

The color is rather like Pewter
Zinc acquires an oxidation layer (patina), imprecise and charming like a crudely made early American artifact.

Does Zinc scratch?

Yes, That's part of the country charm
The long-term look is distinctly " Country" in nature as these Counters and Sinks acquire a Living Finish that changes with time.

Do Zinc Counters Tarnish?

Yes , They acquire a pewter gray patina.
Food and drink sitting for a time can also create their own pattern of use on your countertop.
The tarnishing process may be partially controlled by occasionally waxing with Butchers or Beeswax
Zinc Countertops may be re-polished for a bright appearance. Re-sanding on-site, to remove signs of wear and scratches, is a fairly simple process.
Some locations have a water mineral content, which, while standing or puddling, may produce a white coating. This is quite rare but you may wish to test on a small sample of zinc ahead of time.

How are the counters put together?

Our countertops are soldered and welded out of 1/16" thick, heavy duty zinc sheet.
We do not laminate our tops ( like Formica). We actually weld the corners and polish them out.
Countertops and splash panels are bonded to a waterproof fiber core backer or frame.

How about sinks?

We make Zinc sinks and can seamlessly weld them into the top so they become integral.
All Sinks and Counters are welded using Zinc welding rods, ground and polished to produce an integral and seamless look.
Sheet Thickness is 1/16" heavy-duty material.
Under mount farm and porcelain sinks work fine as well.
Sinks are sound proofed.

Are splash panels just flat sheets of Zinc?

They come bonded to a 1/4" backer with finished returned edges. They read as though they were 1/4" Thick
The thickness of our backer is variable and may be customized.

Quilted Pattern Splashes are a great addition behind a cook top or above a wood or marble countertop.

Do you make Hoods and other specialties in Zinc?

Getting Pricing

How long to make?

Our Countertops are made with 16 gauge(1/16" thick) grade Government spec Zinc
All joints are welded, ground, blended, and polished. They are not laminated and glued.
Edges are available in any thickness. 1 1/2" is a common standard.
The filler material for welding is Zinc or special Non Lead Solder.
Square, bull nosed, angled back, and marine (no drip) Edges, are very popular.
Sub structure is bonded to solid waterproof MDF. It is equal in height to the front edge thickness.
Any length or layout may be produced. Joints are welded and polished and are pretty much invisible.
Some color difference is evident at material seams.
The long-term look is distinctly " Country" in nature as these Counters and Sinks will acquire a Living Finish that changes with time. Note: Points of welding, soldering, attachment of sheets, etc, yield a different shade and at times different levels. This is to be considered part of the "charm" of Zinc countertops. (As well as Copper) They are a traditional "Country Look.
For very large tops a mechanical, interlock, silicone sealed field joint is provided. No welding is done on site.
Faucet holes are provided according to your specs.
Drain Pans are tapered about 1/4".
We can fabricate a Custom Integral Sink and weld it in as a seamless part of any top.
Finishes include: #220 matte (our standard), Hi Polish reflective, Hammered, or Custom Grinding patterns to spec or sample.

Integral and Farm Sinks are welded with a slightly radiused bottom and sides.
Bottoms are pattern creased for drainage
Sink configuration may be: Double, Triple, Uneven pairs, Uneven depths, Farm front, under mount, Integral, Square, Rectangular, Circular, or Oval.
Finishes may be Matte (220 scrubbed), Hi Polished, Distressed, or custom ground.

Integral Coved splashes may be any height and have a return to the wall of any thickness.
Splashes may be separate units. They are bonded to a backer of any thickness (usually 1/4”). They are returned back at the ends for a professional butt joint or finished end.
Splashes may be quilted to any size grid or diamond pattern, or even a custom sunrise or fan pattern.
You can drill, file and cut Zinc on site using metal cutting bits and blades, at slow speed with support.
Finishes may be #4 brushed, Hi Polished ,Distressed, or custom ground.

Templating and Installation throughout N.Y. N.J. Ct. Ma. Nh. Vt. by our own in house professionals.
You may provide a full size paper, plywood, foam core, or hardboard template to us by mail or UPS.
You may provide plans, specs or drawings (use a ruler please) by fax.
We will provide you with shop drawings for your approval to make sure that all details are correct.

Minor scratches and mineral streaking can be brushed with a household Scotchbrite pad.
Deep scratches may be sanded through the grades up to 220 and buffed with the same pad.
Use a circular pattern for a #4 finish or a straight-line motion for a machine brush.
High polish Zinc may be serviced with automotive compound and a machine-polishing pad.
More info: http://www.zinc.org/ American Zinc Association http://www.iza.com/ International Zinc association

Pricing is done by layout and specs only (fax them to us at 800 244 5432). No verbal quotes are given.
Please provide plans, specs or drawings (use a ruler please) by fax.
Delivery time is 4 -6 weeks (varies with season) from template or approved shop drawing and determined at time of actual order only.
Safe Packing and Shipping throughout the U.S.
Terms: 50% deposit to commence, balance COD. MasterCard and Visa accepted.

Zinc Countertops from Brooks Custom