What is Ironmongery?

Posted: 16th June 2023 | Author: Jamie Brown | Category: Ironmongery

What is ironmongery?

If you’re carrying out renovations or putting the finishing touches on a building project, you’re going to need to know about ironmongery. It’s used in homes and other buildings far more than you may think. In fact, you’ll find it in everything from doors and windows to balustrades and garden gates.

Want to know more about ironmongery? Read on to find out about the types of ironmongery you’ll typically find around homes and commercial buildings, along with some handy tips for installing it.

What does ironmongery mean?

The term ironmongery used to refer to items made of only iron. These were items intended for domestic rather than industrial use. But in modern times, the definition has expanded to include consumer goods made of other metals. For example, steel, brass and aluminium.

In most cases, when we talk about ironmongery, we’re referring to architectural ironmongery. This means hardware for key structural items like:

• doors
• windows
• handrails
• locks
• balustrades
• gates and railings.

In the past, the term also used to include domestic items like saucepans and roasting tins. However, these are now typically mass produced, rather than being crafted by a skilled ironmonger.

Do screws and nails count as ironmongery? Yes, they can be categorised as hardware, as you can buy them from ironmongers. But when you’re shopping for screws for a DIY project, you might also want to look for them under fasteners or fixings.

And you may be surprised to know that ironmongery can also cover items made of non-metal materials - for example, larger, multi-component items such as balustrades, which can be made of a combination of metal, glass, plastic or other materials.

What is ironmongery for doors?

One of the key areas of a building where you’ll find ironmongery is in doors. If you take a look at a typical front door, you’ll spot lots of metal on display.

Here’s a quick overview of the types of ironmongery used for doors:

• Hinges These essential pieces of door hardware are what attach the door to its frame. They also allow the door to pivot, so that it can be smoothly open and closed. Every door needs hinges (except perhaps sliding doors) and there are a few different varieties out there.
• Handles and knobs These door furniture essentials are used to comfortably and conveniently open and shut doors. You can choose a knob or handle style based on aesthetics, practicality or a little of both.
• Locks and latches These are critical for door security, and they can contain complicated mechanisms. Common types of locks and latches include 5-lever mortice deadlocks, multi-point locking systems and rim automatic deadlatches with key-locking handles. The type of locks and latches you’ll need will depend on the type of door you have, as well as your preferences. Letter plates This carefully crafted piece of ironmongery finishes the look of your door, and of course allows you to receive post through it.
• Letter plates are available in lots of different metals, from bronze, brass and chrome to nickel and pewter.
• Door knockers Another piece of aesthetically pleasing but also functional door furniture, the door knocker can be as simple or ornate as you like.
• Door hooks On the other side of the door, you may also want to install metal door hooks. These are simple in design and straightforward to install, and allow you to hang coats or clothing on the inside of a door.

This category of ironmongery is also commonly known as door furniture or door hardware. So if you’re planning to install a new front door, it isn’t only the door itself you need to source. You’ll also need to make sure you have the right ironmongery to complete the installation, and find a skilled person to install it (unless you’re tackling the job yourself).

How to install ironmongery

Thinking of fitting a door yourself, or taking on another DIY job involving metal hardware? This section is for you.

The method for installing ironmongery all depends on the item. It varies greatly depending on what you’re doing, whether it’s fitting door hinges or installing a set of wrought iron gates.

However, there are a few tips you should always bear in mind when installing ironmongery. These include the following:

• Always double-check the positioning of holes before drilling.
• Use pilot holes when installing ironmongery on timber, as this can prevent the wood from splitting.
• Read up on maintenance advice for different kinds of metalwork, to find out how to look after the finish.

And if in doubt, it could be best to call in a professional. Some ironmongery installation jobs can be tricky, such as fitting locks, latches and hinges. An expert could help you to get the best fit, and avoid any costly mistakes.

The Author: Jamie Brown

From my early working life as a labourer, then becoming a builder and a property developer, I have been buying and using building materials for over 25 years. I set about to start a builders merchant which can offer high-quality products and significant savings along with speedy delivery to keep your sites moving. Still having a foot in the construction industry on my own property, I always make sure the products we sell are up to our high standards which is important for us to keep a great image for the company and superior reputation to supply quality!

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