Furniture fittings come in all shapes and sizes. From knobs, hinges and channels, a number of such parts are needed in the furniture around our home. For home owners and builders, selecting the right fittings is important because it effects the stability and performance of the furniture. Drawers won’t move smoothly without smooth channels, windows won’t open without right hinges.
One of the most popular materials in to emerge recently are SS furniture fittings. Stainless steel, once seen only in context of kitchenware, is fast becoming one of the most preferred materials for fittings. Any nominal search will reveal hundreds of options to choose from. These are now preferred by home owners, builders as well as carpenters.
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Ease of availability
One of the reasons for this growing trade is also the ease of availability. It is perhaps one of the easiest option to buy when it comes to furniture fittings. From your nearby hardware store to online stores, everyone has a wide range in stainless steel fittings today. The range in design and prices will also give you wide options to choose from.
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Resistance to corrosion
This is one of the strongest benefits of stainless steel — its high resistance to corrosion. The chromium content gives it a high resistance to oxidation. It reacts with oxygen to form chromium oxide which is very stable. Chromium oxide forms a film over the steel, which quickly reforms if it is scratched. Chromium oxide is a passive layer, impervious to air or water exposure. This way it protects the underlying metal.
It is also a thin layer, which does not effect the metal’s luster. This makes stainless steel ideal for a lot of locations, such as outdoor areas and even high corrosive environments like the bathroom.
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Durability
Resistance to corrosion gives SS furniture fittings its durability even in hostile conditions. While other materials can be used, they soon pall or rust in corrosive environments. Stainless steel, on the other hand, will last for a very long time. In fact, you may see cookware made of stainless steel that go back decades.
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Lightweight
Stainless steel is a very lightweight material. Despite its strength and sturdiness, it is much lighter than other materials. Scientists are developing even lighter steel that keep all its properties despite the drop in weight.
This has many advantages when it comes to furniture fittings. It means that we can attach it to lightweight furniture items without worrying about tipping the balance or the ability of the furniture to carry the weight. It also lowers installation costs, since transportation and installation can be carried out without any difficulty.
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Easy to maintain
One of the reasons for its popularity is also the very little effort stainless steel requires. In fact, it is one of the most utilitarian components in furniture fittings. Because of its high resistance to oxidation, there is no need for polishing. Stainless steel is resistant to dirt and smudges. So, there is also no need for any heavy scrubbing. You may need to wipe it down with a cloth now and then. At the most, it only requires wipes with a mild detergent solution.
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Anti-microbial
Stainless steel is biologically inert and anti-microbial in nature. Unlike components like wood or plastic, it will not develop molds or rot away. This makes it ideal for a number of installations, like kitchens or bathrooms where dampness makes microbial infestations a very real concern.
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Luster
Stainless steel has a lustrous appearance that does not dull or tarnish easily. This adds to the aesthetic appeal of the SS furniture fittings. Combined with its clean and simple lines preferred by many manufacturers, stainless steel is often deemed the best component in modern or contemporary designs. The luster also does not fade readily, making it long-lasting.
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Customized
Stainless steel can be moulded and given different shapes. This means we can make completely customized parts according to our requirements and specifications. In fact, stainless steel is used for many other larger pieces, like gates and railings.
Conclusion
With easy availability, new designs, high resistance to corrosion and durability, the popularity of SS furniture fittings is easy to understand. It is also relatively more inexpensive.
