Blog

Craft Notes: Our Materials Explained

Author: Hendel & Hendel
Date: 08.07.2026
Read Time: 2 min

Material selection is the foundation of every piece of cabinet hardware we design.

Never an afterthought, material choice determines the weight, durability, and tactility of every cabinet handle, cabinet knob, drawer pull, and accessory we create.

Our Curated Selection of Materials

Every collection starts with a clear intention. From the earliest design stages, we carefully consider which material will best bring a concept to life.

Across our cabinet hardware ranges, we work with three core metals:

While each material has distinct properties, the natural tone of the raw metal is not reflected in the final product, as every piece is finished with precision to achieve its intended look.

Brass Hardware: Weight, Detail, and Enduring Quality

Brass plays a central role across many of our collections. Renowned for its durability and corrosion resistance, brass allows for exceptional detail and feel, with its quality immediately noticeable when held.

Key characteristics:

  • Heaviest of our core materials
  • Highly durable and naturally corrosion-resistant
  • Ideal for intricate or refined designs

Brass is often chosen where precision, longevity, and a more substantial feel are central to the design. It is a popular choice for kitchen cabinet handles, wardrobe hardware, and bespoke interiors.

Zamac Hardware: Versatility and Consistency

Zamac is a zinc-based alloy that includes aluminium, magnesium, and copper.

This material is particularly well-suited to high-use environments, maintaining a consistent finish while offering a lighter alternative to brass.

Key characteristics:

  • Durable and corrosion-resistant
  • More lightweight than brass

Zamac gives us design flexibility without compromising on quality or longevity.

Aluminium Hardware: Lightweight and Contemporary

Aluminium brings a different perspective: it is lightweight, versatile, and fundamentally practical. The material’s lower density makes it noticeably lighter in the hand, while still offering excellent corrosion resistance.

Aluminium is particularly suited to designs where weight reduction enhances usability.

Key characteristics:

  • Significantly lighter than brass and zamac
  • Corrosion-resistant

Despite its lighter weight, aluminium does not compromise on finish or overall design quality.

Material and Finish: Working in Harmony

Material and finish are intrinsically connected. While finishes define the visual tone of our hardware, the underlying material influences how that finish is presented.

Whether it’s the weight of solid brass, the consistency of zamac, or the lightness of aluminium, each material contributes to a distinct tactile experience.

Designed with Intent

Our approach is simple: we choose the right material for the right reason. Through understanding the qualities of each metal, we ensure every piece not only looks considered but performs effortlessly.