When it comes to building cabinets the type of handle you choose can alter the overall style and look of the cabinet. Metallic handles have long been used as the standard on kitchen and bathroom cabinets due to their durability and premium finish.
However, when you go to buy metal handles for cabinets you realize that there are cabinet handles made out of different types of metals. While you can install and use any type of metal handle, and it will last for many years, the type of metal you choose affects certain characteristics and styling of the handle.
If you are in the process of choosing metal handles for your kitchen or bathroom cabinets and aren’t sure which metal will suit your needs then you are at the right spot. Each metal handle type offers its own distinct benefits and has an ideal usage scenario. We will explain all the major types of metal handles along with the properties of each one. By the end of this article you will be able to pick a metal handle that fits your usage scenario.
Metal handles are the most popular type of handles for cabinets for a number of reasons. Here are some major reasons why metal handles are so widely installed on cabinets:
Plenty of design options: Metal handles come with different design, shape, and finish options. The large number of style options make it easier for homeowners to match cabinet handles with other design elements of their homes.
With a diverse range of metallic door handles available at Hench Hardware it easier to synchronize your kitchen cabinets with the rest of the home.
Durable and long lasting: Metallic cabinet handles are known to last as long your home itself. So if you install high quality metallic handles for your cabinets, you will never have to replace them unless you want to )renovate or upgrade your cabinets.
Ease of usage: Metal cabinet handles rarely get chipped or broken which means they pose no risk of injury. They are comfortable to use and have carefully designed edges that ensure easy opening and closing of cabinets.
Now that you know why metal handles are so popular among home owners you are ready to learn more about the different types of metal handles. Here are some common cabinet metal handle types you should know about:
Stainless steel handles are the most common type of metal handles you can buy today. You can also find stainless steel handles on most heavy-duty appliances due to their durability and strength. And if you already have stainless steel handles on some of your appliances, then choosing stainless steel as your cabinet handle material is going to synchronize your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal.
Keep in mind that when you are buying stainless steel cabinet handles you may come across handles that are stainless steel plated but aren’t solid steel. Steel plated handles are not as durable and rust easily therefore you should only pick a solid stainless steel handle if you want the full benefits of this material.
At Hench Hardware you get only the highest quality solid stainless steel cabinet handles that are 100% rust proof and can be polished to restore their shine.
Aluminum is a premium metal that is known for its silver tone and aluminum cabinet handles are commonly used for modern kitchen designs. An aluminum handle can range from dark silver to light silver coloration giving you more color options to choose from.
Aluminum handles are lightweight compared to other metal handles which reduces the overall weight of the cabinet and makes opening and closing easier. On top of the lightweight design aluminum handles wear differently compared to other metal handles. Even a worn out aluminum handle is going to have distinct coloration that adds character to your kitchen. However you won’t have to worry about wear and color changes if you buy aluminum kitchen cabinet handles from a reputed brand such as Hench.
If you are going for a classic and rustic appeal for your kitchen then choosing iron handle is the best way to achieve a vintage style for your kitchen cabinets. Iron handles have long been used in kitchens and other furniture items for a long time. These handles are heavy and therefore add a sturdy feel to heavy duty kitchen cabinets. Since heavier hardware is considered a sign of quality and strength iron metal handle fulfil this criteria completely.
Iron handles are ideal for indoor applications such as furniture, tables drawers, and of course kitchen cabinets. Since iron doesn’t have good corrosion resistant properties iron handles are not ideal for installation in the outdoor environment.
However the strength of an iron handle is still higher than most other cabinet handles such as aluminum, plastic, and wooden ones. So if you are looking for a high strength yet vintage door handle then consider iron handles for your cabinets.
One lesser known metal handle type is Zinc alloy handles and they are easily identifiable thanks to their versatile color options. Zinc alloy handle adds a premium finish to any drawer or cabinet it is installed on. Ranging from silver to matt black and even golden coloration Zinc alloy handle offers premium finish and color options.
Despite being high quality and durable, zinc alloy handles are usually cheaper compared to some other metal handles. If installed indoors zinc alloy handle can resist corrosion for prolonged periods without fading. However, you do have to make sure that zinc handles are not exposed to salt as it can cause the decorative coating to wear off.
Conclusion
Choosing metal handles is a wise decision if you plan on using your furniture of cabinets for a prolonged period. As explained above the four major types of metal handles offer distinct characteristics for your cabinets and drawers.
No matter what type of metal handles you choose make sure you buy them from Hench Hardware metal handle manufacturer, so you only get the highest quality handles for your home.