Durable and Long-lasting: Brass is a strong and resilient metal, ensuring your hardware will withstand years (centuries?) of use. All of the original door handles at our 111-year-old Farmhouse were made of solid brass and still worked great - it's durable stuff!
When brass returned to the forefront of the design world, it was clear that it was not a finish that would go out of style. So, whether you want to update your current hardware or work brass accents into your home, beautiful brass is here to stay.
While brass door handles may offer traditional appeal, their drawbacks—tarnishing, cost and high maintenance—make them less suitable for today's needs.
1. Brass: Brass is a popular choice for door handles due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and attractive appearance. It can be polished to a high shine or given different finishes like antique or satin.
Brass is durable and resistant to corrosion, making it an attractive option from early on in the door-knob-making process, when knobs were first created by brazing two pieces of metal together and then through casting beginning around 1846.
Brass is a highly durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It is also resistant to corrosion and rust, which makes it a great option for door handles that are frequently used. This means that brass door handles can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
Cheap door knobs are often made from materials like plastic or low-grade metals, which can feel flimsy and wear out quickly.
Stainless Steel
This material is well-known for its corrosion resistance, making it ideal for both interior and exterior use. Whether you're fitting handles on a kitchen cabinet or an exterior door, stainless steel offers a reliable solution that stands the test of time.
Aluminum is the common material used for foiling the door knobs. But why wrap door knobs in foil? It proves to be good for enhanced security and blockage of the static electricity from the doorknobs to the human body.
Do I have to use the same finish throughout the house? Matching hardware isn't necessary. In fact, I wouldn't argue against it — a home with all the same hardware finishes will look basic and maybe even boring. However, it is essential to have a plan that ensures commonality throughout the house.
Nowadays, we still use brass for its characteristic strength, smoothness and long-lasting beauty, but also for a more scientific purpose as well.
Brass can deform or fracture under high loads or repeated cycles of stress, limiting its applications in high-stress or dynamic situations. Brass is also heavier and more expensive than some other metals, which can increase the cost and weight of the final product.
Studies have shown that surfaces made of uncoated copper, brass or bronze, begin neutralizing bacteria immediately, killing more than 99.9% within two hours*. An unlacquered solid brass doorknob actually has a chemical reaction that helps reduce germ build-up.
The allure of brushed brass
And, in 2024, we're seeing a resurgence as interior designers show just how versatile this metal can be. Offering both vintage appeal with a contemporary edge, an edgy look with a welcoming aesthetic, it's the perfect complement to a warm-toned bathroom.
Polished brass door knobs epitomise timeless elegance. Their warm, golden hue brings a touch of luxury to any door. Brass has been a favoured choice for door knobs for centuries due to its durability and ability to withstand the test of time.
While some advocate for aluminum foil balls, asserting they can deionize tank water to prevent clogs and maintain cleanliness, there's limited scientific backing for this claim. Fortunately, there are numerous proven and safe alternatives for toilet maintenance.
Solid Brass Handles
Several scientific studies have recently been published which suggest that Brass handles, door plates, door knobs and handrails should be brought back into regular use in public buildings, to help combat bacteria and germs, amazingly including hospital superbugs such as E-coli and MRSA.
1) Application/Durability:
For these applications stainless steel and satin chrome is the best finish choice.
If you are looking for affordable hardware for interior doors, Schlage is the better choice. However, various types of commercial door locks include Dutch, French (double doors), hinged, and sliding [2]. So, to customize your hardware to fit those types, Emtek is the better choice.
Schlage's doorknobs are made of all metal zinc die cast components and feature an adjustable backset latch that will accomodate all of the most common ways a door could be prepped.