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Help Choosing Door and Window Hardware.
By: Ali Arnold
Who would be the best person to help you find suitable fixtures and fittings for doors and windows?
Architects are trained to create designs that are structurally sound, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. They also often have a basic knowledge of construction materials, though not the detailed knowledge required when choosing appropriate hardware.
Interior designers specialize in the decorating and furnishing of rooms and can offer fresh, innovative ideas and advice, but will be concentrating on the appearance rather than how the fittings work.
Maybe a blacksmith or metal worker would be the person to ask.. No, a joiner is the best person to give advice.
Joiners understand what is needed, they have made doors and windows and know ho big a hinge would be needed to hold the weight of a solid oak door, or which lock would fit properly and safely in rebated french windows.
Advise is needed when ordering and choosing door knobs; perhaps one of the most complex pieces of door hardware to order. When choosing knobs you have to consider so many things, the knob needs to be far enough away from the door so that you don’t scrape your knuckles, seems obvious, but many people don’t think about it until too late. A knob may not be a possibility if there is already a hole in your door that is too close to the edge. Knobs are sprung in different ways too; heavier knobs have stronger springing, lighter ones lighter springing. The weight of springing must match the weight of springing on the latch or lock you intend to use on the door, if the knob and lever are ill matched the knob will either be too hard to turn or won’t spring back.
Door thickness can cause problems these days, as doors are being made much thinner; this has to be taken into consideration when choosing all kinds of door hardware. If door hardware has been chosen to suit an older thicker door, it may mean having to shorten solid pieces of metal by cutting, not something you would necessarily be able to do yourself at home.
Advice is often needed, as good quality hardware can be expensive. You need to get the right thing, before cutting holes in your precious doors and windows.
Architectural Ironmongery Ltd is run by trained joiners with over getting on for 90 years of joinery knowledge and experience between the three of them. The company specialises in giving educated knowledge about products as well as selling our products. They don’t want returns because customers have ordered the wrong thing for the job, when all that was need was a few minutes talking to an expert. They are happy to discuss restoration projects with their customers, giving advice when necessary. The retail and mail order business is based in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, England, but ships worldwide and has a huge amount and variety of hardware in stock. If you email they are more than happy to ring you, saving your phone charges, especially if you are out of UK.
About the Author
Ali Arnold is a tutor and company secretary for Architectural Ironmongery Ltd, who are specialists in door and window hardware for period properties, this very knowledgable company is always happy to give advise when required. http://www.arciron.com
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