Cabinet Hardware Industry Overview

Materials
Some of the important materials that are used to make cabinet hardware are - Wrought iron, stainless steel, steel, brass, bronze, copper and nickel.

Finishes Cabinet hardware comes in a variety if finishes, including - Polished brass, nickel finish, pewter, bronze finish, unlacquered brass finish, lacquered brass, brushed nickel finish, burnished finish, antique brass finish, etc. These finishes enhance the appearance of the cabinet door and also give protective coating to the hardware from corrosion thereby increasing the overall life of these products.


Trends & Developments in Industry
Cabinet hardware industry is presently witnessing the freshening influence of style and fashion trends. According to experts, the trends are expected to gather momentum towards coordinated hardware as hardware products transform into decorative accessories that deliver both the tough performance functionalities as well as the ornamental value.
Conventional brass finished products are being overshadowed by the increasing popularity of modern-day oil-rubbed bronze, powder coated rusts, blacks, coppers, satin nickels, and distressed brass finishes, among others. While basic parameters, such as colors, texture, style and design remain important, factors such as safety and durability nevertheless continues to reign supreme.
The changing trends are resulting in numerous technology innovations in the form of multi point locking systems, electromechanical locks, and digital door locks, etc. With steadily increasing competition, manufacturers are trying to ward off the heat by providing value- added installation services bundled with the product.


Major Markets
Some of the important markets for cabinet hardware are -

• United States :
  Profiting from rising personal income and an upsurge in the construction industry, the value of US cabinet hardware market is estimated to be around US$ 7 billion. The market is expected to reach US$ 9.4 billion by the year 2010.
  
  These positive trends have fueled the growth in demand for lock products, other door and builders' hardware, and cabinet and furniture hardware. The biggest gains are for user friendly, easily operable lever, locks, keys, cabinet hardware, door hinges, exit devices and drawer slides. Growing incomes, rising investment in new construction, home improvement and repairing, and higher consumer appetite for aesthetically superior, and appealing architectural hardware for doors and windows, are all expected to provide vast opportunities for future growth, and sustenance
  
  
• China :
  Manufacturers in China are enhancing the production and R&D works to deal with the cost pressures and tax rebate cuts. Prices, however, are expected to rise.
  
  The suppliers are aligning their manufacturing and export strategies to prop up margins. This is due to the high material costs and tight price competition eroding the already limited profit potential. Intensifying the condition is the export tax rebate cut in mainland China, that also affects the large number of Taiwan and Hong Kong manufacturers, which operate factories there.
  
  However, with these challenges that are continue to hinder export growth, suppliers are also implementing production and R&D works to entail long-term viability.