Commercial Hardware Finishes

Door Hardware is available in a variety of finishes to complement each other and other hardware that you may already have in your building, on wood doors or steel doors. Finish availability and color appearance may vary by manufacturer, hardware type, series, and/or model.

While the “look” is important, when choosing the best finish for your commercial design project, it should not be the deciding factor on door hardware, particularly for commercial use. In commercial facilities, the application of the building is often the primary driver in finish selection.

Satin chrome is the best-selling finish for commercial facilities. Satin Chrome offers a contemporary look and feel that doesn’t stand out too much and fits in with most styles. Plus it is very durable and withstands more wear-and-tear than its counterparts. With this finish, chrome is plated over another metal to provide extra hardness and resistance to corrosion. Those unfamiliar with commercial standards may easily confuse satin chrome for satin nickel. However, satin nickel is typically used for residential applications and rarely used in commercial buildings.

Oil-rubbed bronze, which boasts a more artistic look, is the next best-selling finish. As a living finish, it is chemically darkened or blackened for an “aged” look. It has some downsides, though. The dark bronze coating wears off with time, to expose the dull brass/bronze material beneath. The process used to create the look can also cause variation in the finish–from dark chocolate to a dark gray with copper undertones. In some facilities, this is the intended look, but in other buildings, it comes as a surprise to see the wear pattern where the hardware has been touched.

We only stock architectural finish hinges in the plated steel variety, to satisfy fire-rating requirements. Stainless steel is typically used for exterior outswing applications, due to its excellent rust and corrosion resistance. Prime coat hinges can be used for exterior openings if budget is a concern. It is recommended that a top coat of paint be applied to USP hinges.

Other finishes may be available depending on the hardware manufacturer and hinge model. Continuous hinges are available in anodized aluminum finishes such as 628 Clear Anodized Aluminum, 313AN Dark Bronze Anodized, and Black Anodized.

Commercial locks are available in a variety of finishes to complement each other and other hardware that you may already have in your building. Finish availability and color appearance may vary by manufacturer, lock series and/or function.

Sprayed or painted exit devices can be used in lieu of architectural finishes for budget-conscience projects. Painted finishes are typically only available with medium or light duty devices. If budget is a concern but heavy-duty hardware is required, anodized aluminum is a good option. Exit device trim finish options, availability and color appearance may vary by manufacturer and/or series.

Other special finishes such as US26D-AM Satin Chrome Antimicrobial, US32D-AM Stainless Steel Antimicrobial, US11/643e Aged Bronze, US15 Satin Nickel, US32 Bright Stainless Steel, BSP Black Suede Powder Coat, and WSP White Seude Powder Coat may be available depending on the hardware manufacturer and device series.

Door closers are almost always specified with a sprayed or painted finish to match other hardware. While plated closer covers are available, they are rarely used due to a significant upcharge and extended lead times.

Aluminum is the most specified threshold, weatherstrip, and door sweep finish by a large margin. Even when paired with darker-toned hardware, aluminum is a solid choice. Aluminum is known for its resistance to wear and oxidation. Black and dark bronze anodized aluminum finishes will show wear over time and are typically not included in standard warranties.

Other special finishes such as BSP Black Suede Powder Coat and WSP White Seude Powder Coat may be available depending on the hardware manufacturer and series.

US finish codes were initially created by ANSI. BHMA (Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) set their own standards and codes. Today, ANSI and BHMA work together in maintaining and updating BHMA’s finish codes, known as ANSI/BHMA A156.18 Materials and Finishes. This Standard establishes finish test methods and code numbers for finishes on various base materials.

BHMA Finish Chart

Base Material Designation For BHMA (Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) Finishes
A = Steel Base Material
B = Brass & Bronze Base Material
C = Stainless Steel Base Material