Brass and copper inlays add precision detail to tables, joinery, counters and floors, creating strong visual contrast and a refined, high-end finish. This guide explains how we supply made-to-order brass and copper inlay strips, as well as our subcontract inlay service for table tops, doors and reception counters. You’ll find finishes, sizes, profile options, design ideas and guidance on working with pre-routed furniture components. Whether you’re a furniture maker, interior designer or joinery workshop, this page covers everything needed to specify and integrate metal inlays professionally.

Brass Inlay Strips vs Table Top Inlay Services

At Metal Sheets Ltd, we separate two closely related but distinct offerings: we supply brass and copper inlay strips for makers to fit themselves, and we also provide a subcontract table top inlay service where your tops, doors or counters are inlaid by our team.

Many of our customers are furniture makers, shopfitters and joinery workshops who send in their own pre-routed timber or composite panels for inlaying. Others prefer to order just the metal strips and handle the routing and installation in-house. The best approach depends on your equipment, timescales and the complexity of the design.

Because every project is different, we always recommend discussing the details with our sales team at the enquiry stage – particularly where you plan to send us pre-routed tops or wardrobe doors. That way we can confirm tolerances, inlay depth, strip sizes and practical considerations before work begins.

If you prefer to fit the metal yourself, we supply made-to-order brass and copper inlay strips in natural, satin, mirror-polished and antique finishes. All strips are produced to specification — including bespoke widths, lengths and patina styles — and can be cut from solid bar or sheet depending on the design. Simply contact our sales team with your measurements and finish preference, and we will prepare a quotation.

Supplying Brass & Copper Inlay Strips

Our brass inlay strips and copper inlay strips are supplied as solid metal profiles and sheet-cut bands, ready for routing into timber, composite panels, concrete, terrazzo or resin. They are ideal for:

• Furniture and table top detailing
• Architectural joinery and wall panelling
• Floor banding and zoning lines
• Reception desks and retail counters
• Signage, wayfinding and branding features

Brass Inlay Finishes

• Natural mill finish – Supplied untreated, ideal if you want to polish, patinate or lacquer on site.
• Satin brass – A soft, mid-sheen finish created from mill brass for a subtle, modern look.
• Mirror-polished brass – Highly reflective, perfect for statement lines, logos and feature edges.
• Antique brass – Pre-patinated in-house to create a rich, timeworn appearance; can be waxed or lacquered.

Copper Inlay Options

Alongside brass, we also produce copper inlay strips for makers looking for a warmer tone or a deeper, more dramatic patina. Copper inlays are particularly popular in bars, restaurants and statement residential pieces.

• Natural copper – Bright when new, gradually deepening to browns and eventually verdigris if left unsealed.
• Antique copper – Pre-aged in our patina studio, ready to fit where a timeworn look is required from day one.

Sizes & Solid Bar Profiles

• 3/16″ × 3/16″ (approx. 4.8 mm × 4.8 mm)
• 1/4″ × 1/4″ (approx. 6.35 mm × 6.35 mm)
• 5/16″ × 5/16″ (approx. 8 mm × 8 mm)
• 1/2″ × 1/8″ (approx. 12.7 mm × 3.2 mm)

Wide Sheet-Cut Inlay Strips

• Lengths: 2 m or 3 m as standard, with cutting to length available.
• Widths: Cut to your specification for narrow lines or wide bands.
• Thicknesses: Commonly 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm or 3.0 mm, depending on application.
• Finishes: Natural, satin, mirror-polished and antique brass.

Table Top Brass Inlays – Our Subcontract Service

For customers who prefer a complete solution, we offer a subcontract brass and copper inlay service for table tops, counters and doors. This is handled on a project-by-project basis and is ideal for high-end interiors where consistency and finish are critical.

In many cases, our customers send us their own tops or counters pre-routed and ready for fitting. Others ask us to supply both the routed substrate and the metal inlay. Either approach can work well, but it is essential that the details are agreed with our sales team at the enquiry stage so that tolerances, depths and inlay sizes are compatible with your design.

Our craftspeople route, fit and polish each inlay for a seamless finish. We can work to simple border designs or complex geometric patterns, combining brass and copper inlays to create contrast and depth. Where required, surfaces can be lacquered or left to develop a natural patina over time.

Design Ideas for Furniture, Joinery & Floors

Table Tops & Counters

Brass and copper inlay strips are widely used to elevate dining tables, coffee tables, reception counters and kitchen islands. Simple perimeter lines create a refined border, while wider sheet-cut bands can be used to form central motifs or divide materials such as timber and stone.

Architectural Joinery & Wall Panelling

In architectural joinery, recessed brass strips provide a clean way to introduce metal detailing into wardrobe doors, wall panels and fitted cabinetry.

Floor Inlays & Branding

Curved & Engraved Inlay Details

This approach is ideal for corporate reception areas, branded bars and wayfinding details where the metalwork becomes a central part of the visual identity.

Working With Metal Sheets Ltd

• Enquiry & advice – Send sketches, drawings or reference photos and we’ll advise on strip sizes, finishes and construction.
• Samples – Brass and copper finish samples are available on request.
• Pre-routed tops & doors – Must be discussed at quotation stage so we can confirm compatibility.
• Cut-to-size & laser-cut panels – Guillotine cutting, laser profiling and CNC machining available.
• UK-wide delivery – Standard strip lengths and sheet-cut inlays can be shipped nationwide.

To discuss your project, email sales@metalsheets.co.uk or call 0151 526 4777. We’ll help you choose the most practical and cost-effective way to bring your brass or copper inlay design to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you only supply brass inlay strips, or can you fit them as well?

We do both. We supply brass and copper inlay strips for makers to fit themselves, and we also offer a subcontract table top inlay service.

Can I send you pre-routed table tops or doors for inlay?

Yes, provided this is discussed and approved at the quotation stage. It’s important that groove widths, depths and tolerances are compatible with the strips.

What’s the minimum order quantity for brass inlay strips?

Minimums depend on size, finish and profile. Contact us with your measurements and we’ll confirm options.

How do antique brass inlay strips differ from satin or mirror finishes?

Antique brass inlays are pre-aged in our patina studio. Satin brass is subtle and modern. Mirror brass is highly reflective.

Can you produce curved or engraved brass inlays for logos and graphics?

Yes. We regularly supply curved, laser-cut and engraved brass inlay panels for floors, branding and feature joinery.

If you have a project in mind, we’re happy to review your drawings or ideas.