What is Architectural Ironmongery

Architectural ironmongery refers to the door and window hardware used in the construction and furnishing of buildings. It includes a wide range of items such as door handles, locks, hinges, and door closers that are used to secure and operate doors and windows.

One of the main purposes of architectural ironmongery is to provide a functional and aesthetically pleasing finish to a project. However, it also plays a crucial role in ensuring the security, fire safety and means of escape within a building.

The importance of architectural ironmongery

Internal doors form a crucial part of a buildings passive fire protection, they help compartmentalise a building to help prevent the spread of fire. It’s vital that the correct ironmongery is specified to meet fire and building regulations. Products which must meet specified fire and building regulations include:

Fire rated hinges

Door closers

Locks & latches

Door handles

Signs

Typical Ironmongery finishes

Architectural ironmongery is available in a wide variety of finishes including:

• Polished brass - ideal for use in historic or traditional buildings, this is a shiny gold like finish.
• Satin brass - this brushed brass offers a more contemporary look and is ideal for styling with black and bronze finishes.
• Antique brass - this aged finish is mid to dark brown colour and is designed to replicate a brass that has tarnished over time, commonly specified for front door ironmongery and window fittings
• Dark / Matt Bronze - usually made from solid brass, this finish is applied to give a deep and dark brown colour. A popular finish for cabinet handles and cupboard knobs, the dark bronze can be used in both classic and contemporary schemes .
• Matt black - one of our most popular finishes, “black goes with everything” from black lever handles fitted to a white door, to black cupboard knobs mounted to oak drawers. This finish is sleek, simple and timeless.
• Satin stainless steel - this hard wearing material is ideal for use in commercial projects including offices and schools. Products include fire rated hinges, pull handles and door closers.

Main functions of Architectural Ironmongery

The primary function of architectural ironmongery is to operate a door or window, this includes the ability to open / close and lock or latch the door if required.

If you study a typical door you will start to notice essential components, a door needs hinges or track to open and close. It's important that the correct ironmongery is specified based on the height, width, weight and fire resistance of the door. Inferior specification can lead to doors falling to close or prevent the spread of fire.

Essential ironmongery (which fall under harmonised standards) must be CE / UKCA marked, these items including hinges, closers, locks and latches must meet minimum performance requirements. 

Locks fitted to external doors often have to meet Secure By Design, Approved Document Q standards or stringent insurance requirements.

Types of ironmongery for doors

Architectural ironmongery covers a wide range of products for both residential and commercial properties. With space saving requirements becoming more critical our range of sliding pocket door kits can help save up to 8% space in a typical room. Popular for use in bathrooms these can be used in conjunction with our sliding door locks.

Our range of front door fittings are designed for use with timber doors and include letter plates, door knockers and centre front door knobs

For commercial / public buildings we supply a range of panic and escape hardware for final exit fire doors.

Types of ironmongery for windows

There are numerous different types of ironmongery products available depending on both structural requirements and also the aesthetic someone is looking to achieve in their project. Most windows require a variety of ironmongery products to ensure their consistent, smooth operation. 

For example, Sliding sash windows are made of fittings which also encompass sash lifts, fitch fasteners and sash stops. These are then manufactured and produced in range of popular finishes from polished brass to matt bronze.

For hinged casements windows we supply a range of casement stays and fasteners which allow you to open and secure a window. These are also produced in a range of quality finishes.For high level windows, we supply fanlight window fittings for both top and bottom hung windows, allowing you to achieve