Ironmongery Finishes For Internal Doors

Finishing your internal doors with the right door furniture or ironmongery is the last thing to do once the door has been fitted. There is a vast amount of ironmongery finishes and styles available in the marketplace - at your local ironmongery store and on the internet too. Styles available range from Art Deco, quirky, porcelain, crystal, nickel plate, polished brass, satin chrome and brass including cast iron, handmade designer italian ranges, and antique style. Some points and questions to ask yourself - including people who will be using the doors, before buying ironmongery could be...

• The type of internal doors the furniture will be fitted to
• Are you looking for a modern or traditional finish?
• What material will you choose, i.e nickel, brass, cast iron etc?
• Will you choose hand-made or mass produced
• Budget - how much do you want to spend?
• Hinges & latches normally look best if they are the same finish or color as the door handles
• Who will be using the internal doors - sharp contemporary door handles might not be best if you have small children running about the house - for safety reasons
• Will disabled people find handling the door handle or knob difficult?
• Will the metal need regular polishing or just a quick wipe?
• Who will fit the door knobs, hinges?
• Do you want to lock the internal doors?

Once you have considered the above points - you should be ready to make a decision - to help you visualize - you will find a small selection of designs and metal finishes available in the market place by doing a web search. Some internet stores sell door package sets - which include hinges, latch and door handles. A big part of choosing a door knob or handle depends on personal taste and the type of property you have.

Nickel, stainless steel or chrome plated contemporary door knobs and handles are quite popular for the internal doors in newly built homes. A great way to update old internal doors, kitchen cabinets or wardrobes - is to change the door handles. Giving them a fresh new look. Older properties like cottages and barn conversions normally have old hand forged, hand made type latches and hinges - giving them an aged rustic antique appearance.

Handle With Care

Quirky, designer and unique style door handles are available - if you are prepared to search - one possible option is to commission an artist or metal worker to make a design or idea that you may have in mind.

Having something handmade will ensure you have a tailor made, long lasting product. Latches, hinges and door knobs are fairly easy to fit providing you have the right tools. Paying a carpenter will ensure you have a professional finish. One important consideration when buying ironmongery is if the product will be easily maintained - some metals may scratch or tarnish easier than others. Before buying - make sure you ask the seller enough questions to make sure you are making the right choice. The ironmongery market is very diverse and competitive and consumers are in a good position to find innovative new designs.