Shopping for Stone Cabinet Hardware
Stone cabinet hardware is quickly becoming a popular solution for cabinet and drawer handles and pulls. Traditionally, cabinet hardware has been made of metal, plastic, or glass, but stone creates a very unique and long-lasting look. Stone lasts as long as and is as durable as metal, plus it offers the unique characteristics and colors that glass and plastic do. Stone cabinet hardware matches perfectly with granite countertops or just about any modern d?�cor you are looking to complete. With all of the choices involved in selecting stone cabinet hardware, sometimes it can be difficult deciding which pieces will look the best in your kitchen. Here are some stylistic reminders to think about as you make your selections.
Style
One of the main reasons people choose stone cabinet hardware is because of the style it invokes. While stone itself is very natural, it is also possible to be more or less natural with the style of the stone cabinet hardware. For example, knobs that are a simple polished stone are more natural than highly stylized marble or granite handles. On the other hand, people who really want a polished and formal look will appreciate chiseled marble or granite rather than a natural stone knob. It all boils down to personal preference and the style you are trying to show off.
The style of your stone cabinet hardware should match your personality as well as the rest of the room it is in. Rustic cabinets will pair better with a natural stone knob, while highly contemporary cabinets with smooth finishes and sleek lines will pair better with granite or stone handles, especially if the countertops are also granite.
Size
The size of the stone cabinet hardware is also very important. While most stone pieces are rather small, when you start looking at stone knobs, you will see that some of the stones may be rather large. Also they are all different shapes, so the natural look continues. Just be careful that you do not get too carried away with that natural look. This can cause you to choose stone knobs that are just too large for the cabinets that they will go on. Remember to think about the size of the cabinets and the drawers and try to keep the size of the knob within the size of the trim around the outside of the door’s face.
Quality and Price
Stone cabinet hardware is typically more expensive than other types of hardware because the stone is rarer. The price goes up as the rarity of the type of stone increases. Granite stone cabinet hardware will cost more than polished river stones, and cut pieces of marble will cost quite a bit more than many other types of stone. Just remember to look at the stone very carefully before purchasing. True stone cabinet hardware will be rather heavy, so beware of elegant-looking fakes that are not real stone. They are typically made of plastic or acrylic, which is a lot lighter than true stone.
Another thing to check out in terms of quality is how the stone attaches to the rest of the hardware. For example, a stone piece that is all one piece and made completely out of stone may be of a higher quality than a piece of stone that is attached to a piece of metal. However, if you are looking at stone attached to metal, then make sure to feel the metal part of the hardware. If it is heavy also, then it is definitely a very high quality piece. Also look at how the metal attaches to the stone. If it looks or feels like it will come loose soon, then just avoid it.