If you own an ocean front property, you know that one of the toughest challenges is finding exterior door hardware that won't rust in the salty sea air. Early last year I had a conversation with one of INOX’s retail showroom distributors from Miami Florida at the Forte Conference, who explained his difficulty in finding stainless steel door levers that wouldn't rust or tarnish within six months. Looking for a solution, I promised him several samples of marine grade 316 stainless steel door levers as well as 304 stainless steel levers in Inox's bright polished finish (US32). Last week at this year's conference again, he walked up and said to me: “Your solution worked! You were right - it wasn’t about the grade, but rather the finish that made all the difference. There has been no rust, tarnish or pitting!”
Let me explain how we found our success story. Marine grade 316 stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant thanks to its high nickel content and added molybdenum alloy – two elements that help protect against harsh saltwater environments and other contaminants. It's worth noting that while 316 is generally considered the better stainless-steel grade for many applications, it may not always be the best choice for certain types of door lever sets. For example, brushed stainless steel finish or traditional designs with a lot of grooves or details can make it difficult to prevent salt, debris, and dust from settling between the lines that may only be visible under a microscope. It becomes very hard to get rid of these particles if there is no frequent cleaning.
That's why a bright polished stainless steel (ANSI/BHMA US32/629) made by InoxTM can be a great solution. With at least seven rounds of fine polishing done with linen and by hand, this finish creates a mirror-looking, highly smooth surface that prevents salt and dust from settling on the surface. This in turn protects the door levers from corroding. Therefore, modern smooth designs with bright stainless steel in either 304 or 316 grades can be the best solution for oceanfront properties.
When choosing your exterior door lever set for your oceanfront property consider these key components: material type - stainless steel instead of brass; design style - modern instead of classic; finish - bright polished instead of satin or brushed finish. If your interior decor has a satin/brushed nickel finish in other fixtures that you would like to match, you can always order your InoxTM door lever with the split finish - interior Satin/Brushed stainless (US32D), exterior Bright Polished stainless (US32).
It's important to note that even with the right material and finish, door lever sets on oceanfront properties will require some maintenance. Regular cleaning with a mild soap and water solution can help keep the metal clean and prevent the buildup of salt and moisture. It's also a good idea to apply a protective coating or wax to the metal to provide an extra layer of protection.
With these tips in mind, you can rest assured knowing you've chosen a durable product that won't rust away quickly under the salty sea air. Your door lever sets will look great for years to come, and you can focus on enjoying those beautiful ocean views.