Have you ever wondered why some products come to a no-use situation very early, while some last for years? It is the quality of the product. Products that are durable last for years, while products of cheap quality trouble you early to get a new one.
Home fixtures work the same. Low-quality fixtures look great on day one. But very soon, you find your facet to be dipping, and cabinets feel wobbly whenever you open them. All of this is a result of not choosing durable home fixtures.
But don’t worry, we have got you covered. Read this article to explore the importance of durability, what materials to choose for durability, and tips for choosing durable items that last for years.
Key Takeaways
- Importance of durability for the long life of products.
- Best materials for durability, such as stainless steel and hardwoods.
- Considering trusted brands and checking for warranties can simply allow you to get a durable product.
- It is better to buy a slightly more expensive product once in a decade, rather than keep buying cheap products that last for months.
Why Durability Matters for Permanent Home Fixtures
When you pick out permanent fixtures, you’re not just buying them for today. These are parts of your home that will be used every day for years. So, they need to be durable.
Low-quality windows, cabinets, doorknobs, and faucets wear down fast. Scratches start to show. Finishes chip off. In just a few years, your home will look like it’s a decade old.
Durability also protects your budget. Cheaper fixtures might sound okay at first. But when they start to break, they’ll rack up more costs in repairs. It makes more sense financially to invest in high-quality fixtures today that won’t bother you for years.
Finally, there’s peace of mind. When your fixtures are reliable, you don’t have to worry about things breaking at the worst moment. No anxiety about your wooden floors getting water damage. No cabinet handles are coming apart when guests are around. Your home will work with you, not against you.
What Materials are Best for Durability?
Not all materials hold up the same durability. Some look good at first, and wear down in the blink of an eye. That said, others are built to last for decades. Want your home fixtures to be as sturdy as can be? Here are the materials and finishes worth investing in.
Strong Metals
Metals like stainless steel are naturally tough. Others, like brass, are also resistant to everyday wear. Invest in these for your faucets, sinks, and doorknobs. That way, you’ll never have to worry about rust forming over the years. Plus, they look stylish too. And that’s never a bad thing!
Hardwoods and Engineered Woods
Hardwoods are made from slow-growing trees, like oak or maple. Engineered woods are layered materials that look like hardwood. Both of these are very sturdy. Consider them for your flooring if you want a classic look for your home. They’re also excellent for kitchen cabinets, where durability matters most.
Countertops and Surfaces
Counters in your kitchen and bathroom take constant wear and tear all the time. Kitchen surfaces take cooking spills. Bathroom countertops face moisture every day. But with durable materials, there’s no need to worry about the damage.
Quartz countertops are a crowd-favorite among scratch-resistant surfaces. People also love granite for its high-end look. Butcher block is another solid choice; go for that one if you want more warmth in your space.
Protective Finishes
Finishes shield your fixtures from damage. They’re essential for anything wooden. Most of the time, that means flooring. In kitchens, it could also mean cabinets.
There are many types of wood finishes. Some add a clear protective coat. Others soak into the wood to strengthen it. For example, a polyurethane finish creates a tough barrier on the wood. It also makes it scratch-resistant. An oil-based finish, on the other hand, protects the wood against moisture.
High-Quality Glass
For fixtures like windows, glass is very important. The most durable types of glass are those layered for extra strength.
Tempered glass is one of them. It resists shattering under impact. Meanwhile, laminated glass stays intact when cracked. That’s because the inner layer holds the shards together after impact. They’re both great options for maximum durability.
Quick Takeaway
Building designers and experts suggest using stainless steel, tempered glass, and hardwood over low-cost plastic and alloys, as they remain the same for decades.
Tips for Choosing Long-Lasting Fixtures for Your Home
Knowing which materials are durable is just the beginning. The real test comes when you shop for home fixtures. Here are practical tips for choosing features that will stand the test of time.
Choose Trusted Brands
Always choose reputable brands for your home fixtures. That way, you get tried-and-tested products every time. These are also the ones that have a solid track record of being long-lasting.
For example, if you’re getting windows, work with an Andersen window supplier in your area. Look through the options they provide. Choose high-quality windows. Of course, also consider which ones blend in with your home’s aesthetic.
Don’t Skimp on Hardware
It can be tempting to save money on little details like handles and hinges. But flimsy hardware can cause fixtures to fail later on. Just think about how often kitchen cabinet hardware is used daily. If it’s low-quality, it will break quickly. Always go for top-quality hardware right off the bat.
Ask About Warranties
If a manufacturer has a warranty on their product, it means they stand behind it. You can trust that it’s durable. If a fixture doesn’t have a warranty, it’s a red flag. It might mean the maker knows it won’t hold up for long. In that case, walk away. There’s a chance it isn’t sturdy enough to last more than a few years.
Conclusion
Putting effort into choosing durable fixture options always pays off. When your home’s permanent features are sturdy, they’ll function and look good for years. Choose the best ones now. That way, you’ll have fewer headaches later.
Remember to keep durability a top priority before buying any home fixture. This way, you’ll save yourself from expensive repairs down the line. Lean toward durability with every choice you make for your home. If you do it every time, you’ll enjoy your beautiful home with peace of mind that your choices will last.
How to check durability?
Looking for a trusted brand and researching the product before buying it can ensure durability to a high extent.
What material will be best for sinks, especially to avoid rust?
Stainless steel and other metals like brass can be considered as they look stylish and don’t rust for years.
What to check – warranty or guarantee?
At first, look for a guarantee; if not available, check the warranty. Most commonly, you will find a warranty.
Why ensure a long life of the product?
As you don’t have to use that product for a day or weeks, you will use it for years. To keep it working the same for years, we have checked its durability and functionality.
