What Is Copper? The No-Faff Guide for Makers and Trades
28 Sep 2025
Copper. You’ve seen it, you’ve used it – but do you actually know what makes it such a good all-rounder? From pipes to pans, and wiring to roofing, this reddish metal is tougher and more useful than it looks.
Whether you're welding, soldering or just shaping it into something smart, here’s the lowdown on why copper deserves a spot on your project list.
Article in Brief
Copper is a pure, highly conductive metal with excellent corrosion resistance.
It’s used across construction, electronics, plumbing and decorative work.
C101 is ideal for electrical work. C106 suits general engineering and plumbing.
It’s easy to bend, shape, solder and weld – just don’t expect great machinability.
The green patina that forms outdoors isn’t damage – it’s built-in protection.
Copper is 100% recyclable and still holds value in the scrap market.
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So, what actually is copper
Let’s cut to it – copper is a reddish-gold metal that’s been used by humans for over 10,000 years. It's one of the few metals found in its natural state, so it doesn’t need a load of chemical faffing about before it’s usable. That’s part of why it’s been so popular for so long.
Technically speaking, it’s a non-ferrous metal – that means no iron and no rust. It’s also got a face-centred cubic crystal structure (if you’re into that sort of thing), which gives it great ductility and makes it easy to form into wires, sheets and all sorts.
On top of all that, copper’s second only to silver in terms of electrical conductivity – but way cheaper. That’s why it’s the go-to metal for anything that needs to move electricity or heat.
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Where is copper used?
Short answer – almost everywhere. Copper’s versatility makes it a favourite across industries. You’ll find it in:
- Building and plumbing – It’s the backbone of heating and water systems, thanks to its corrosion resistance and ability to handle high temps.
- Electrical work – Cables, circuit boards, transformers, busbars, motor components – copper keeps the power flowing.
- Construction and roofing – Looks great and weathers even better. That greenish layer that forms? That’s not damage. It’s protection.
- Brewing and distilling – Copper is used in fermentation tanks and stills because of its antimicrobial properties. It also doesn’t affect flavour, which is a win.
- Decorative features – Fascias, sculptures and even garden edging. Copper adds class, ages gracefully and lasts forever.
- Kitchens and cookware – It's great at conducting heat evenly, so no hot spots in your frying pan.
And don’t forget, copper alloys are everywhere too. Add a bit of tin and you’ve got bronze. Add zinc, and boom – brass.
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The copper grades: C101 vs C106
You’ll mainly deal with two types of copper in the UK – C101 and C106. While other grades of copper exist, such as C110 in the US, C101 and C106 are the main UK standards. They look the same, but they’re made for different jobs.
C101 – For the sparkies
Also known as Cu-ETP (Electrolytic Tough Pitch), C101 is top of the class for electrical conductivity – ~100% IACS. That’s as good as it gets outside a physics lab.
Use it for:
- Power cables and electrical wiring
- Busbars and switchgear
- Transformers and motors
- High-end audio and electronics projects
It's also decent for general use, but it’s more expensive than C106. So, if your job doesn’t need top-end conductivity, save your budget and go with…
C106 – For the rest of us
This is your go-to copper for non-electrical jobs. Known as Cu-DHP (Deoxidised High Phosphorus), C106 copper is tougher, easier to work with and less prone to cracking when heated.
Use it for:
- Plumbing and pipework
- Radiators and heat exchangers
- Roofing and architectural features
- Soldering and brazing
Additionally, while it’s great for general fabrication, it has slightly reduced conductivity compared to C101.
However, it’s got excellent corrosion resistance, good strength and it welds like a dream. You’ll see it used across commercial builds, domestic installs and everything in between.
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Working with copper
One of the best things about copper? It behaves itself. Whether you’re shaping, joining or finishing it, copper’s happy to play ball.
Cutting
You can cut copper with hand tools like hacksaws and tube cutters, or use angle grinders and bench saws for bigger jobs. Flame cutting works too, especially for thicker stock. Just watch out for the sharp edges – wear gloves.
Bending & forming
Hot or cold, copper bends beautifully. It’s malleable enough to shape without cracking, and you can anneal it (heat it and cool it) to soften it back up if it work-hardens.
Machining
Not its strongest suit. Copper’s soft and can gum up tools if you’re not careful. Keep your bits sharp and use coolant if needed. If you need better machinability, brass might be a better shout.
Welding & soldering
- C106 welds well with gas-shielded arc methods.
- Brazing and soldering give great results.
- Oxy-acetylene is solid for pipework and repairs.
- Spot and seam welding? Not great. Avoid if you can.
As always, pick the right filler and keep it clean for best results.
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That green stuff? It’s meant to happen
Copper reacts with oxygen over time and forms a natural protective layer called patina – the fancy term for that greenish-blue sheen. Technically speaking, patina is copper carbonate (verdigris), which forms in moist, carbon dioxide-rich air. It’s what gives old buildings and statues that aged, weathered look.
It’s not rust. In fact, it helps stop corrosion. You can leave it be for that rustic charm, or seal it with a lacquer if you want to keep the original colour. Just don’t scrub it off thinking something’s gone wrong.
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Copper offcuts? Don’t bin them
Here’s the thing – copper doesn’t lose quality when it’s recycled. Ever. That makes it one of the most valuable metals to scrap. So if you’ve got leftovers, don’t chuck them in the skip.
We recommend:
- Selling it to a local metal recycler
- Holding onto offcuts for future jobs
- Using smaller pieces for repairs or creative projects
It’s easy money and good for the planet. Win-win.
Get your copper from The Metal Store
Need grade 106 copper sheet? We’ve got it – cut to size and delivered when you need it. Enjoy free unlimited cuts and no minimum order faff. At The Metal Store, we keep things simple, fast and fair-priced – just how metal buying should be.
