As a broad term, ‘ironmongery’ concerns the manufacture of goods made from iron, with an ‘ironmonger’ being the one that produces such products. These products are typically used in the construction of buildings and structures.
Historically, ironmongers were similar to blacksmiths – they were generally ‘cottage industries’, with each ironmonger operating on a local or regional level.
Over time the broad definition of ‘ironmongery’ has evolved beyond just using iron in the manufacturing process; as technologies improved and mass production became more common, ironmongers moved into also producing goods that utilise iron, aluminium, steel, brass and plastic.
‘Architectural ironmongery‘ (or ‘architectural hardware’) is the umbrella term for the wholesale manufacture and sale of ironmongery items for projects where there is a need for quality and consistency of products throughout a structure.
Architectural ironmongery serves two main purposes – making a building more secure and accessible, and also providing a consistent aesthetic throughout.
The hardware that architectural ironmongers supply for this purpose include door handles, door closers, door hinges and door locks (collectively known as ‘door furniture’), as well as window locks & fittings, and mailbox units.
An architectural ironmonger plays a key role in the completion of a building project, working closely with designers and architects to ensure that the installation meets requirements for adequate safety and functionality.
While at first it might seem that architectural ironmongery provides the ‘finishing touches’ to a building, the hardware should be a consideration early on in the process.
The quality and function of the architectural ironmongery products used can be a vital part of getting any building project officially signed off and approved by inspectors; using sub-standard hardware can directly affect the safety performance of a building and can be the source of costly delays if not completed correctly.
Deciding on the products needed, procuring them and then installing and testing them can take a long time; this process normally uses an architectural ironmongery schedule to make sure everything is documented correctly and completed in a prompt fashion.
With this in mind, modern architectural ironmongery products need to be innovative, effective, long-lasting, and designed to look good while performing their function.
JB Architectural Ironmongery has dedicated over 50 years to supplying top-quality architectural ironmongery products, backed-up with fantastic customer service and all at the best possible prices.
If you require a full wholesale architectural ironmongery fulfilment for your building project, get in touch today.