What is this Cabinet Handle Made of? - Base Materials vs Finishes
What is this Cabinet Handle Made of? - Base Materials vs Finishes
You’ve decided on the perfect cabinet handle. It has a gorgeous shimmer, feels good in your hand, and is priced to sell. Yet if someone were to ask how durable it is, or what it’s made of, would you be able to answer? If you’re like most consumers, you’re probably not sure of how it was made. This information, however, will make it possible to create a cohesive space with handles that match. While the appearance and cost are certainly essential, the materials used to make your handle are of equal importance. Those who choose wisely will enjoy a lifetime of use rather than replacing them every few years.
Types of Base Materials
Zinc Alloy - If you look at our inventory of handles, we have more models made with zinc alloy than any other material. The main reason is its durability even in highly used areas like kitchens. With its unique zinc alloy composition, it won’t fall victim to damage from moisture and water. Being resistant to corrosion also makes it a great choice for bathrooms. These types of handles are typically priced lower than steel and brass making them an affordable option for projects big and small.
Aluminium - Lightweight yet durable, this material allows for a wide variety of designs with its ability to be painted. While not necessarily known for its strength, aluminium holds up well to the rigours of daily use. They can last for decades without maintenance, making them an ideal choice in residential and commercial spaces. Since it is lightweight and flexible in its raw form, it’s possible to craft aluminium into a wide variety of intricate designs. Thanks to a natural oxide layer, these handles are largely protected from moisture and weather. As such, you can use them in outdoor areas, even in places near the sea.
Brass - Designers have been using brass for centuries largely in part to its strong physical makeup. It is created from about 60% copper, 37% zinc, and 3% other metals. And while it is more expensive than the other option listed here, it will hold its form and function much longer. As a base material, the malleable nature of brass makes it ideal for crafting small details like knurled edges. And while brass handles offer a high-end appearance, they also have a heavy, refined quality the user’s hands.
We also offer a small selection of handles made from Stainless Steel. This material has many qualities in terms of appearance and durability. In fairness though, it’s more costly to manufacture and therefore, not as desirable as the alternatives above.
Popular Finishes
Now that you know about the base material of your handle, the next step is to choose your desired finish. It may seem inconsequential, but this will make a visible impact on your overall design. Here are the top 5 finishes we sell and why:
Brushed Nickel
Matt Black
Inox Look
Brushed Anthracite
Satin Chrome
Brushed Nickel: It doesn’t show fingerprints, and is easy to match with accessories like ovens, refrigerators, and dish washers.
Matt Black: A trendy and modern option that can be used throughout a space, not just the kitchen. It has a sophisticated look and really pops against light coloured cabinets and drawers.
Inox Look: This was created to best match the appearance of stainless steel. Samsung recently described it as “When silver is too light and black is too dark, there’s Inox. It gives you the effect of silver but in a much deeper hue.”
Brushed Anthracite: To understand the tone of this finish, think about the complex and beautiful appearance of coal. It may not be black, nor is it silver, but it does indeed have a luxurious look about it.
Satin Chrome: A common choice these days for its understated but alluring beauty, this is a lovely choice for those crafting a contemporary design. It looks clean and smart but does so in a soft way.
How Do I Match Cabinet Handles and Finishes?
Many customers want to use a specific handle on their cabinets with a different product selection on the drawers. This makes perfect sense in the grand scheme of their design. The challenge, however, is getting all of these to match seamlessly. The solution is to ensure the base material and finish are the same. If for example, the handle is made from zinc alloy and the drawer knob is brass, they will look different, even if the finish is the same. It should also be noted that different suppliers have various finishes. While both may be called “brushed nickel”, they can vary just enough to be noticeable. Also, since the handle is a regularly used item in the kitchen, we don’t offer or recommend 'Living' or 'Organic' finishes that change over time.
In the photos below, you have the Marcella handle and the Seta knob. These would be a perfect match as the base material for both is zinc alloy, and the finish is brass. Another ideal match would be the Siena handle.
Please note, due to a variety of technical factors, the images may not be a true representation of the actual colour.
In the next set of photos, we show two items that are similar but not an ideal match. For example, the Estate handle and the Henley knob. Because the Henley’s base material is brass, and the finish is brushed satin brass, it doesn’t match with Estate handle with a base of zinc alloy and brushed brass finish.
Next Steps
As you familiarize yourself with the nuances of the base materials and finishes, you can better determine what handle is right for your project. As you review the list of pros and cons, the positive attributes of each far outweigh any negatives. Still, with cost and durability playing a major role in any design decision, it’s helpful to understand all these characteristics. And best of all, with this detailed information on how to accurately match various handles and knobs, it will finally be possible to create a harmonized look throughout your space.
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