Antique Door Hardware
Antique door hardware purchase can lead to door knobs which doesn’t work or trapped fingers right there. To prevent mistakes in buying antique door hardware, there are certain considerations. First of all, are you buying an antique door knob or door handle? The very first thing to make sure of is the measurement from the edge of the door towards the center of the hole that is drilled for the lock. Determine whether it is long enough not to trap anybody’s fingers while turning the door knob. Once the distance looks extremely short, it is time to get a lever door handle instead.
When looking for antique door hardware, know whether you need a matching set. There are a few long runs of matching reclaimed doorknobs nowadays. When you have the time to search, you can be fortunate but it is also easy to buy a new one. There are gorgeous designs to pick from when you buy an antique door knob but make sure to do research first such as with antique pieces. Opting for antique door hardware is a personal choice. So ask yourself, do you want your doorknobs to conform to the rest of your home? Should they just match your door? With your answer, select the ones which suit best for your preference.
Different antique door hardware can be made from different materials such as wood, glass, iron and brass. The most common is brass which does not rot and rust easily. It can be decorative when polished and obtains an attractive shine over time and easy to plate for a copper or silver finish. Wood knobs made from fruitwood and ebony woods are also common. They can acquire cracks although not serious. Iron knobs require protection except for pure black which rust slowly. Protect them through paint or wax and oil for more natural look and shine. Ceramic and glass knobs usually carry brass working components.
The problem with old door hardware is the fact that they have the tendency to deteriorate but solutions are always there. Antique door hardware with worn spindle can be replaced easily, thus carry on with you antique door pieces as they should serve for many years to come.