About the service
I hand-forge and hand-form custom copper range hood covers, built to fit directly over an existing kitchen ventilation unit rather than replacing it. If you already have a working extraction motor and ducting but want the visible shell to look like a real piece of craftsmanship instead of a plain factory box, this is the service for that exact job.
The process starts with an on-site or remote measurement stage: I need the exact dimensions of your current unit, the wall or ceiling mounting points, the clearance to nearby cabinets, and the direction the duct exits. From that I build a paper or digital template first, so the final shape is confirmed before a single sheet of copper is cut. This matters more with a range hood than almost any other commission, because the cover has to conceal an existing appliance perfectly, not just look nice on its own.
The shell itself is raised and shaped from copper sheet using traditional hand-forming techniques: annealing, hammering over stakes and sandbags, and planishing to bring the curves and tapered front panel into their final form. I do not rely on pressed or machine-stamped shells, which is why every hood in this style carries slightly different hammer facets depending on the angle of light in the kitchen. The hammered texture is applied deliberately, in a controlled pattern rather than random dents, and I can make it subtle and fine or bold and rustic depending on the overall kitchen style.
Rivet detailing is added along the seams and the front apron as both a structural and decorative element: real forged rivets set by hand, not stick-on trim. Seams that need to be sealed against grease and heat are finished with traditional folded or soldered joints, so the piece is durable in daily kitchen use, not just decorative. A heat-stable finish is applied and, on request, a clear protective lacquer to slow natural patina, or the surface can be left to age and darken naturally over the years if you prefer that look.
I handle the full commission: consultation and measuring guidance, template approval, hand-forming and hammer work, rivet and seam finishing, and final fitting instructions so it mounts cleanly over your existing extractor. I can also produce matching smaller copper accents for the same kitchen — switch plates, rail brackets, or pot rack elements — if you want the hood to be part of a coordinated look rather than a standalone piece. Turnaround and exact pricing depend on hood size, curve complexity, and finish choice, and I will confirm both after reviewing your measurements and reference photos.
The process starts with an on-site or remote measurement stage: I need the exact dimensions of your current unit, the wall or ceiling mounting points, the clearance to nearby cabinets, and the direction the duct exits. From that I build a paper or digital template first, so the final shape is confirmed before a single sheet of copper is cut. This matters more with a range hood than almost any other commission, because the cover has to conceal an existing appliance perfectly, not just look nice on its own.
The shell itself is raised and shaped from copper sheet using traditional hand-forming techniques: annealing, hammering over stakes and sandbags, and planishing to bring the curves and tapered front panel into their final form. I do not rely on pressed or machine-stamped shells, which is why every hood in this style carries slightly different hammer facets depending on the angle of light in the kitchen. The hammered texture is applied deliberately, in a controlled pattern rather than random dents, and I can make it subtle and fine or bold and rustic depending on the overall kitchen style.
Rivet detailing is added along the seams and the front apron as both a structural and decorative element: real forged rivets set by hand, not stick-on trim. Seams that need to be sealed against grease and heat are finished with traditional folded or soldered joints, so the piece is durable in daily kitchen use, not just decorative. A heat-stable finish is applied and, on request, a clear protective lacquer to slow natural patina, or the surface can be left to age and darken naturally over the years if you prefer that look.
I handle the full commission: consultation and measuring guidance, template approval, hand-forming and hammer work, rivet and seam finishing, and final fitting instructions so it mounts cleanly over your existing extractor. I can also produce matching smaller copper accents for the same kitchen — switch plates, rail brackets, or pot rack elements — if you want the hood to be part of a coordinated look rather than a standalone piece. Turnaround and exact pricing depend on hood size, curve complexity, and finish choice, and I will confirm both after reviewing your measurements and reference photos.
