Barn door hardware is made of solid steel flat-bar. This is what gives the hardware its strength and longevity. It is available in both regular and stainless steel. Let’s discuss the significance of steel in the construction of barn door hardware.
Steel is everywhere, and we use it everyday in some way, shape, or form. Have you ever ridden in or driven a car? The frame of the vehicle was no doubt made of solid steel. Have you ever used some form of kitchen utensil such as a spoon, fork, knife, wire whisk, spatula, etc.? Then it is a sure bet you’ve used stainless steel. In this article we’ll talk about the differences in regular and stainless steel.
Regular Steel
Steels are alloys (two or more elements that combine to make metals) in which iron is mixed with carbon and other elements, and there are several types. One of the ways strength is given to steel is by adding carbon. Depending on how much carbon is added, and how it is heat treated, the resulting metal can be soft, hard, flexible, or brittle. One of the draw backs to standard steel is that since its essential element is iron, it will rust and pit on its surface. However due to its relatively high carbon content, it is very strong. Just remember, more carbon equals more strength.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel, on the other hand, resists rusting and pitting. This is why it is used in kitchens, bathrooms, and other places where sanitation is a must. Because it resists pitting and rusting, the metal’s surface doesn’t have pores or cracks in it to harbor dirt, dust, and germs.
Stainless steel is created by adding a significant amount of chromium to the alloy. The chromium reacts with the iron in steel and causes it to resist rusting. This is what gives the steel its bright and shiny appearance, although the metal itself is actually dark. The surface of stainless reflects a lot of light.
Because of the fact that it has extra elements added to it, and because of its beneficial properties, stainless is typically more expensive than regular steel.