Brass vs Copper: Key Differences

Brass and copper are two of the most popular metals used in luxury kitchens and bathrooms. While they may look similar at first glance, their properties, durability, aging behavior, and ideal use cases are very different.
In this guide, we break down the real differences between brass and copper, how each material performs over time, and which one is the better choice for faucets, sinks, and hardware.
What Is Brass?
Brass is an alloy made primarily from copper and zinc, engineered for strength, stability, and long-term performance.
Because of its durability and resistance to corrosion, brass is widely used in faucets, valves, drains, and architectural hardware.
Why designers prefer brass
Stronger than pure copper
More resistant to dents and deformation
Ideal for high-use areas
Ages gracefully, especially in unlacquered brass finishes
👉 Explore our Unlacquered Brass Collection for faucets and hardware designed to age beautifully.
What Is Copper?
Copper is a pure metal, known for its warm reddish tone and natural antimicrobial properties.
It is often used for decorative sinks, tubs, and accent pieces, where visual impact is more important than structural strength.
Copper characteristics
Softer than brass
Develops patina faster
Requires more maintenance
Best suited for statement pieces, not mechanical parts
Brass vs Copper: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature    Brass    Copper
Strength    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐    ⭐⭐⭐
Durability    Excellent    Moderate
Maintenance    Low    Higher
Patina    Slow, refined    Fast, dramatic
Best for    Faucets, drains, hardware    Decorative sinks, accents
Which Is Better for Faucets & Hardware?
For functional elements like kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, P-traps, and drains, brass is the superior material.
Why?
Handles water pressure better
Threads and connections last longer
Maintains performance for decades
This is why professional manufacturers and designers almost always choose solid brass construction for premium fixtures.
👉 View our Bathroom Faucets and Kitchen Faucets crafted from solid brass.
Brass vs Copper in Luxury Design
Both materials are beautiful — but they serve different roles:
Brass → timeless, architectural, durable
Copper → expressive, artisanal, decorative
In high-end interiors, brass is often used for fixtures, while copper is reserved for focal pieces.
Final Verdict
If you’re choosing between brass and copper for everyday use, brass is the clear winner.
Copper shines as an accent, but brass delivers longevity, performance, and elegance — especially in unlacquered finishes that age naturally over time.
👉 Discover why designers choose BrassOna’s Unlacquered Brass for luxury kitchens and bathrooms.