When selecting door hardware, the choice of material plays a crucial role in determining durability, appearance, and functionality. Various metals are used to manufacture door handles, each offering unique properties and finishes. Here’s a detailed overview of the most common metals used in door hardware and the finishes available for each.

Brass

Properties:

• Durability: Brass is highly durable and resistant to corrosion.
• Appearance: It offers an attractive, luxurious look and a quality feel.

Common Finishes:

• Polished Brass: This finish provides a shiny, reflective surface that is easy to maintain and adds a touch of elegance to any door.
• Antique Brass: Offers a vintage, weathered look that adds character and charm, perfect for traditional settings.
• Satin Brass: Features a smooth, matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges, offering a modern yet classic appeal.

Stainless Steel

Properties:

• Durability: Known for its strength and resistance to rust and corrosion.
• Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas.

Common Finishes:

• Brushed Stainless Steel: Provides a subtle, non-reflective finish with fine lines running in one direction, offering a sleek, modern look.
• Polished Stainless Steel: Features a highly reflective, mirror-like finish that is eye-catching and contemporary.
• Satin Stainless Steel: Similar to brushed but with a softer, more muted appearance, offering a sophisticated look.

Zinc Alloy

Properties:

• Cost-Effective: Zinc alloy is an affordable option that can mimic the appearance of more expensive materials.
• Versatility: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant.

Common Finishes:

• Chrome: Offers a shiny, reflective surface that is both durable and stylish, ideal for modern interiors.
• Nickel: Available in both polished and brushed finishes, nickel can provide either a glossy or a matte look, adding versatility to zinc alloy handles.

 Aluminum

Properties:

• Lightweight: Easy to handle and install.
• Corrosion-Resistant: Naturally resistant to rust, making it suitable for various environments.

Common Finishes:

• Anodized Aluminum: Enhances the natural corrosion resistance and can be colored in various shades, including black, bronze, and clear anodized finishes.
• Brushed Aluminum: Provides a matte finish with fine lines, similar to brushed stainless steel but lighter in weight.

Bronze

Properties:

• Elegance: Known for its classic and timeless appearance.
• Durability: Extremely durable and resistant to corrosion, developing a patina over time.

Common Finishes:

• Oil-Rubbed Bronze: Features a dark, aged appearance with a slightly oily residue, giving it a rustic and historic feel.
• Satin Bronze: Offers a smoother, matte finish that retains the warmth and richness of bronze without the shine.
• Aged Bronze: Provides a naturally weathered look that enhances the vintage appeal of bronze hardware.

Plastic or PVC

Properties:

• Cost-Effective: Often used for budget-friendly or temporary applications.
• Durability: Less durable compared to metal options, but still useful for specific purposes.

Common Finishes:

• Plain/Colored: Available in various colors and finishes, plastic handles can match the decor of different environments.
• Metallic Coatings: Some plastic handles are coated to mimic the appearance of metals, though these finishes may wear off over time.

Considerations for Finishes

The durability of the finish is an important factor to consider. Finishes applied to metals may not always be as resilient as the base material itself, which can affect the handle's overall resistance to corrosion and wear. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Living Finishes: Some finishes, like those on bronze, are designed to change over time, developing a unique patina that adds character.
• PVD Finishes: Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coatings offer superior durability and resistance to tarnishing, making them ideal for areas with high usage.
• Lacquered Finishes: Lacquered coatings provide an extra layer of protection and enhance the appearance but may require more maintenance to keep them looking pristine.

Conclusion

Choosing the right metal and finish for door hardware involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, and durability. Brass, stainless steel, zinc alloy, aluminum, bronze, and plastic each offer distinct advantages and finishes. Understanding these options allows you to select door hardware that not only complements your decor but also stands up to the demands of everyday use. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of bronze, the modern appeal of stainless steel, or the cost-effective versatility of zinc alloy, there is a perfect choice for every need and style.