A unique perspective on preferences and trends across the sector.
Creating kerb appeal
According to HOPPE (UK)’s business development manager Darren Shufflebotham, polished brass is becoming less popular. Once a finish of choice among homeowners, it’s now being replaced with black, graphite and satin chrome instead – all of which products in the ARRONE suited kerb appeal range are available in.
Andy Matthews, HOPPE (UK) head of sales, commented on the type of handle that’s taken the residential market by storm. He said: “When you look at any housing estate these days, lots of homes have composite doors with full-length pull handles – often with an anthracite grey finish.
“You can have full-length pull handles on timber doors, too, which works well because they usually have plain, flat faces.
“Generally, a pull handle is 316-grade stainless steel, meaning it can easily withstand the often-unpredictable weather in the UK. For example, it would easily beat the 480-hour salt spray test detailed in BS EN 1670:1998 on building hardware corrosion resistance.”
Co-ordinated hardware
“Customers are becoming savvier when it comes to choosing a product such as a composite door for their house,” says Darren. “They want it to look good, and this means coordinated hardware is now very popular.”
Andy added: “For internal hardware, bronze and satin gold are becoming very popular, and both complement each of the external finishes mentioned above perfectly.”
He has also spotted a trend for suited hardware, whereby ironmongery complements the door design. For example, customers might choose to have matching window handles externally and cabinet hardware internally.
Ensuring its available product ranges reflect customer demand, the suited range from ARRONE also makes it easier for door manufacturers to source high-quality ironmongery in a range of finishes that complement both contemporary and traditional external door designs. Selected ARRONE door handles, knockers, letter plates and numerals are part of the suited range and are available in seven different finishes.
Sustainability and durability
According to Andy, the desire for sustainable products is only growing: “While price is important to customers, they are increasingly seeking hardware that has been produced using eco-friendly materials in a sustainable way,” he said.
“Sustainability is being driven by homeowners and there is demand for more durable materials – particularly those that are less prone to corrosion.”
Remaining safe and secure
Security is also high on the list of priorities for customers looking for quality hardware that is both on trend and meets their safety requirements.
The TS 007 Kitemark standard, created by the Door & Hardware Federation and the Glass & Glazing Federation, was launched in 2011 in response to growing concerns about opportunist burglars. This provides a level of security for replacement hardware.
“Nowadays, customers are more knowledgeable about security,” said Darren. “The TS 007 specification, created by the Door & Hardware Federation and the Glass & Glazing Federation in response to growing concerns about opportunist burglars, provides a level of security for replacement hardware.”
To comply with TS 007, the cylinder and the hardware around it must have a cumulative total of 3 stars. This can be achieved by using either a 3* cylinder on its own or a 1* cylinder combined with 2* security door hardware.
Designed to enclose the locking cylinder to protect against extraction, the HOPPE Atlanta Security Handle has been tested to standards recommended by Secured by Design and has received the 2* TS 007 CertiSecure accreditation for door hardware.
A changing marketplace
Architectural business development manager Donna Davison reflected on how much the residential market has changed over the past eight to 10 years. She said: “Before, clients were looking for levers at a low cost but now their budgets appear to be greater as they are willing to pay more to get style, quality and longevity.
“Previously, hardware specification was done with the architect, interior designer and the client sitting around a table looking at options. Now, because of the internet, products are being cherry picked based on appearance, without considering whether other products for the door are available in the matching finish or whether it’s tested. That’s why it’s vital to consider the reputation of the manufacturer, to make sure the product quality matches up to its look and feel.”
