Solid Brass Hardware: Why Quality Matters in High-Touch Details

Because the things you touch every day should feel like they were made to last.

When you're renovating or building, it's easy to focus on the big-ticket items - bathrooms, kitchens, flooring, and paint. But the things you touch every day? Those small details? They’re the ones that shape how your home feels. That’s where solid brass hardware comes in.

1. What Is Solid Brass Hardware?

Solid brass hardware is made from a combination of copper and zinc. Unlike cheaper alternatives like stainless steel or zinc alloy, it isn’t just plated in a brass finish - it’s brass all the way through.

That means:

• A beautiful weight in the hand
• Natural antimicrobial properties
• A finish that ages gracefully (or stays polished if lacquered)
• The ability to be refinished, not just replaced

2. Why Touch Matters

You open your doors every day. Your hand glides over your drawer pulls countless times. When a material feels substantial and smooth, it gives a quiet sense of confidence and comfort. Cheaper, lightweight alternatives may look similar at first - but they feel different, age differently, and often need replacing sooner.

3. Built to Last

Solid brass hardware is designed for longevity. It doesn’t snap, pit or corrode like lower-grade metals. With proper care, it can last a lifetime. Many of our customers in my Hobart business come in looking to replace hardware that’s lasted 100+ years. Almost always, it's solid brass.

4. The Beauty of Patina

Unlacquered brass develops a natural patina over time, softening into rich golds and browns that add warmth and character. For heritage or farmhouse homes, this is part of the charm. And if you prefer a cleaner look? Opt for polished or lacquered finishes.

Pro tip: Unlacquered finishes can always be polished back to bright - so you’re never locked in.

5. It’s Not Just About Looks

When you choose solid brass, you’re also choosing:

• Sustainability: brass is recyclable and long-lasting
• Repairability: most pieces can be re-lacquered or re-finished
• Craftsmanship: the feel and finish are superior to mass-produced pieces

6. What to Look for When Buying

• Check the product description for “solid brass” - not just “brass finish”
• Feel the weight in your hand
• Look for reputable makers and classic finishes
• Beware ultra-light or plated handles that may look similar but don’t perform the same

Final Thoughts

When it comes to the high-touch details of your home - door handles, cabinet handles, light switches - quality matters. Choose materials that feel good, wear well, and speak to the character of your home.

And if you need help finding the right solid brass hardware? We’re always here to help.