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Materials for door handles: advantages and disadvantages

5 min read June 22, 2021 John Edwards
Materials For Door Handles Gold

When choosing accessories for exterior and interior doors, it is worth distinguishing between different types of door handles

They may differ not only in shape and design but also in the material of manufacture. Giving preference to one or another material, it is worth considering its properties, service life, and aesthetic component. The following materials are used in the manufacture of door handles:

1. STAINLESS STEEL

This material has a huge number of advantages. It is wear-resistant, durable, corrosion-resistant, and has a long service life. The stainless steel handles do not require any special maintenance. They retain their original appearance for years. The disadvantage of handles made of stainless steel is their high cost. Such a mechanism is mainly used for external doors, but it is also found in interior designs.

2. BRASS

Brass is one of the most popular materials used in the manufacture of plumbing fixtures. The handles made of brass are considered to be the most comfortable in contact with the skin, as they quickly adapt to room temperature. They are characterized by strength, corrosion resistance, and high ductility. Due to this property, brass door handles have a variety of designs. Brass is used to making more decorative items. Since this material is susceptible to oxidation, it is coated with a nickel-plated or chrome-plated layer. Compared to stainless steel, brass is a softer material. It is less resistant to chemicals and therefore more common in interior door systems.

3. ZINC, ALUMINUM, AND COPPER ALLOY
(ZAM)

This material has excellent casting properties. It is widely used in the manufacture of door fittings: handles, linings, hinges, parts of locks, latches, etc. Items of any complexity can be cast from this material. It is practical, aesthetically pleasing, and affordable. This alloy is highly undesirable to use outdoors, especially in Rust Belt.

4. WOOD

Handles made of wood are mainly used as fittings for interior doors. Since in the case of outdoor use, their service life is significantly reduced. Door handles made of eco-material have an external appeal, since valuable species are used as raw materials in the production. It is advisable to match wooden handles with the door material. To extend their service life, the product is varnished. In comparison with other materials, wood is the least durable. It is undesirable to install wooden handles on the doors of rooms with high humidity.

5. PLASTIC

This type of handle is most often found in office door mechanisms. The advantage of this material lies in the variety of shapes and designs. The door handles made of plastic fit perfectly into any style. And also they have a low cost, which is their main advantage. Unlike other materials, plastic is less reliable. It deforms quickly and has a short service life.

6. LESS COMMON MATERIALS

Among the materials for making door handles, there are also models made of Murano or Bohemian glass. To decorate them, the method of chemical etching is often used. Such models can be illuminated or colored. They are very fragile and have a high cost, mainly used for interior doors. The most expensive is jade or onyx handles. They are often framed with rare metal.

Therefore, when choosing a handle for exterior doors, give preference to stainless steel, brass, or ZAM alloy. For interior doors, it is worth using handles made of wood, plastic, glass, and stone.