The answer to which material is better for cabinet pulls, zinc or stainless steel, really depends on the type of look you are trying to achieve and how much wear and tear your pulls will receive.
Stainless steel is a durable material, and is not susceptible to rust or corrosion as zinc is, making it ideal for high moist and wet locations such as kitchens or bathrooms. Stainless steel is also easy to clean, making it ideal for locations where hygiene is important.
Stainless steel usually has a more modern, sleek look than zinc.
Zinc is a lighter material than stainless steel and can easily be cast into intricate and unique shapes, giving it more of a designer feel. It also tends to have warmer undertones than stainless steel, making it more desirable for traditional and rustic style cabinets.
While alloyed zinc is resistant to corrosion, pure zinc is not and it is conceptible to rust, especially in moist environments.
In conclusion, it depends on the overall look you are going for and how much wear and tear your pulls will get. If you are looking for something that is easy to clean and stands up to moist environments than stainless steel is the best option.
If you’re wanting a traditional or designer feel then zinc is a better choice. Ultimately the decision is up to you.
What material is for cabinet pulls?
Cabinet pulls are small metal, ceramic, plastic, or wood pieces that are attached to the outside of cabinets in order to facilitate the opening and closing of the cabinet doors. Cabinet pulls can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, and it’s important to choose a cabinet pull that’s suitable for the style of the cabinetry.
Metal cabinet pulls for example, can range from stainless steel to bronze, brass, and more. Ceramic pulls often add a more subtle and elegant look, while and plastic cabinet pulls are great if you’re looking for a modern and timeless look.
For a more natural touch, opt for wooden cabinet pulls, which come in different grains and shades. Ultimately, the material you decide on for the cabinet pulls is up to you and should depend on the style of your kitchen or furniture.
Is zinc a good metal for hardware?
Yes, zinc is a great metal for hardware. It has excellent corrosion resistance, meaning it won’t rust or corrode easily, even in outdoor applications. Zinc also has a low melting point, making it easy to form into various shapes.
Additionally, zinc has a good strength-to-weight ratio, making it great for applications where weight is a factor, such as aerospace. It also provides good electrical conductivity, making it a good choice for electrical hardware.
Zinc also has very low toxicity, so it’s a safe material to use for many applications. It’s also easily available and generally cheaper than other metals, so it’s a cost-effective option for many hardware applications.
What is the most popular cabinet hardware finish?
The most popular cabinet hardware finish is brushed nickel. Brushed nickel is a modern and timeless finish that works in both contemporary and traditional designs. This finish is low maintenance and easy-to-clean, which makes it a very practical choice for busy kitchens and bathrooms.
Brushed nickel also complements stainless steel appliances, making it a great choice for any kitchen remodel. It’s easy to find a variety of sizes and shapes in brushed nickel cabinet knobs and pulls, so you can find the perfect hardware to complete your project.
Do zinc handles rust?
No, zinc handles generally do not rust. Zinc is a metal that has a natural protective layer which prevents it from corrosion. This layer is formed due to a reaction which occurs between the zinc and oxygen in air or water.
However, even though zinc handles are rust-resistant, they will still show signs of weathering over time. This is due to the protection layer wearing away, resulting in the metal becoming dull, discolored, and weak.
To maintain their longevity and durability, it is important to keep zinc handles clean and dry, and to occasionally reapply a protective coating, such as paint.
Which cabinet pulls are best?
The best cabinet pulls depend on your application, budget, and personal taste. If you are looking for an elegant, traditional look, you may want to consider crystal knobs or classic metal cabinet pulls such as oil-rubbed bronze or stainless steel pulls.
For a more contemporary, modern look, sleek bar pulls or minimalistic finger pulls are a good option. If you’re looking for a decorative, vintage-style look, classic porcelain knobs or antique-style glass cabinet pulls may be the best option.
If you’re on a budget, you can usually find good quality cabinet pulls at local hardware stores or home improvement centers. Make sure to measure the center to center distance (the distance between the center of one screw hole to the center of the other) of the holes in the cabinet to make sure you purchase the correct size pull.
What hardware finish is most durable?
The most durable hardware finish is powder coated steel, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. Powder coated steel is the most common and affordable of the three, and it is sealed with a thermoplastic substance that is both durable and long-lasting.
Powder coating helps protect from corrosion, fading, scratching, and other types of wear. Stainless steel is also incredibly durable and well suited to harsh environments because of its high resistance to corrosion and abrasion.
Galvanized steel is another durable finish, but it can be more expensive compared to powder coating or stainless steel. It is coated in zinc to create a protective barrier against corrosion and rust.
Whether you choose powder coated steel, stainless steel, or galvanized steel, all of these options will give you a durable and long-lasting finish that will protect your hardware.
What kitchen pulls are in style?
One of the most popular is a very simple pull with a minimalist design. These simple pulls come in stainless steel and other metals with a matte finish that adds to the modern look. Sleek, narrow bar pulls in black, chrome, and other colors are also very popular.
Similarly, slim line pulls with integrated finger grips are also an stylish option. For a unique, modern look, try pulls with curved or twisted designs. Textured pulls in ceramic and wood finishes offer a more rustic look.
Alternatively, pulls with intricate patterns, design details, and embellishments are a beautiful, eye-catching option. Consider incorporating a mix of different pulls for an even more fashionable, eclectic style.
What drawer pulls look on Shaker cabinets?
Shaker cabinets have a timeless and classic look that goes well with a variety of different drawer pulls. For a modern look, consider choosing brushed nickel, aluminum, or stainless steel pulls. If you’re going for a more traditional feel, consider classic options such as wooden and ceramic pulls with simple designs.
Crystal glass pulls can offer a touch of sophistication while pewter and wrought iron can add some rustic charm. Brightly colored pulls can also be a fun way to add some added visual interest and make your cabinets stand out.
Ultimately, the choice of drawer pulls will come down to your personal taste, so make sure to keep this in mind and look for a style that best suits your taste and décor.
Should my kitchen cabinet pulls match my faucet?
When answering whether or not your kitchen cabinet pulls should match your faucet, it really depends on the look you want to achieve. If you want to create a cohesive, uniform, and classic look, then having the cabinet pulls and the faucet match can be a great option.
If a matching look is important to you, consider matching finishes to create a uniform and polished look, such as matching a brushed bronze faucet with brushed bronze cabinet pulls.
On the other hand, if you want to create an eclectic, layered, and stylish look, then mixing cabinet pulls and faucets may be the way to go. Mixing materials and finishes can bring out more character in your kitchen and draw attention to certain features.
For instance, you can pair a stainless steel faucet with a brass cabinet pull to capture a vintage yet modern feel.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not your kitchen cabinet pulls should match your faucet is a personal choice. Consider the overall look you want to achieve, take your budget and style into consideration, and pick the options that you think best suit your vision.
What is the most common type of drawer pull?
The most common type of drawer pull are the knobs. These knobs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are typically made out of metal or plastic. They typically come with two or three screw holes for easy installation.
Knobs can range from simple and traditional to more ornate designs to match the décor of the space. Along with knobs, another popular drawer pull option is the bar or cup pull. These pulls feature two or three horizontal bars or x-shaped or C-shaped cup-shaped designs, offering a modern or industrial look.
The installer typically drills two or three holes, depending on the size of the pull. Some people opt for pulls with a finger relief to make pulling open and closing drawers more comfortable.
What are the types of finish hardware?
Generally, these hardware items can be divided into two main categories: functional hardware and decorative hardware.
Functional hardware is designed primarily to serve a practical or utilitarian purpose. Examples of functional hardware include hinges, handles, latches, pulls, and locks. These items are designed to be robust and reliable, with features such as spring-loaded mechanisms and concealed screws.
Decorative hardware is primarily used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a door, cabinet, or other decorative pieces. Examples of decorative hardware include decorative pulls, handles, and knobs. Decorative hardware is generally available in a wide variety of finishes such as brass, nickel, chrome, bronze, and many others.
In addition, there are specialty hardware items that are designed for specific applications. Examples of such specialty hardware include house numbers, push buttons, doorbells, knockers, signage, address plates, and security hardware.
Overall, the different types of finish hardware are designed for a variety of applications. Choosing the right type of hardware for a particular purpose requires careful consideration of many factors such as the weight of the material, the type of finish, the installation method, and the level of security required.
Is Matte black hardware going out of style?
Matte black hardware has been a popular trend in recent years, and its popularity continues to persist. While trends come and go in the hardware world, matte black hardware doesn’t seem to be going out of style any time soon.
For many, matte black hardware has become an interior design staple. The color brings a minimalist and modern aesthetic to any space, whilst providing a timeless look. Additionally, matte black hardware provides a level of versatility that other hardware finishes lack.
It pairs well with both warm and cool color accents, allowing it to transition between styles with ease. It is also a very low-maintenance finish, requiring only minimal care and cleaning to maintain its appearance.
Ultimately, matte black hardware is a timeless design choice, and its popularity does not appear to be waning any time soon.