What Cabinet Hardware Is Likely to Last the Longest?

As a homeowner, you want both the inside and outside of your house to look great. You get to choose the style, from wall color to artwork to room furnishings and more. You think of your house as more than just a place that provides shelter—it also shows your personality and style. While creating a functional home, don’t forget to pay attention to the little things, like kitchen cabinet hardware—which includes handles, knobs, hinges, decorative pieces and other relevant mechanisms. The good news is that you have a lot of options if you’re shopping for new cabinet hardware.

You might be wondering what types of hardware materials will last the longest. To answer this question, let’s take a look at some facts about cabinet hardware in Colorado.

The best-looking materials

Professional construction makes a cabinet sturdy, but cabinet hardware experts and homeowners alike will agree that it’s the hardware that makes a cabinet stand out. (Okay, the paint color does too.) When it comes to cabinet hardware, you want to be sure you’re installing something high quality. The type of material is important as well, but the focus should be on the thickness of the material and the quality of the finish applied to that material. From knobs made of solid bronze to pulls made of solid steel, the key word here is solid—these types of metals and others are going to hold up better than hollow hardware.

Additionally, the best-looking materials also need to feel like they were made with high standards of quality. When handling the hardware, it should feel comfortable in your hand. It should also sound sturdy. Tap the metal lightly with another piece of metal (like a ring) and listen for a “tink tink” sound. This is not the sound of solid metal.

Metal materials for cabinet hardware

Knobs, pulls and hinges must be functional while also looking good. The cabinet hardware you choose will help define your kitchen’s theme and your personal style or taste, so don’t think of cabinet hardware simply as a final decorative touch. Here’s some info about popular hardware materials:

• Chrome: Chrome kitchen cabinet hardware has a metal core with a thin plating of chromium veneer. Unlike standard chrome (which has a polished surface that shines and reflects light) and brushed chrome (which has a more matte appearance), chromium plating does not rust. However, it can appear dull when damaged.
• Brass: Solid brass is a type of metal alloy, a blend of copper with zinc and other trace metals. Brass is strong and attractive, perfect for creating a traditional look in a space whether it’s being used as functional cabinet hardware or as accent pieces.
• Bronze: Want an antique look and feel? Choose bronze hardware. Bronze is the combination of copper and tin. To increase the hardness of some hardware, some manufacturers add iron or pewter to the mix. You’re likely to see bronze knobs, pulls and hinges in kitchens with traditional, Mediterranean or farmhouse themes.

For a wide selection of kitchen cabinet hardware in Colorado, look no further than Custom Door Hardware. Feel free to contact us if you have questions!

Categorised in: Cabinets