Looking for affordable ways to go green at home?
Every homeowner is concerned about their environmental impact, but most people think that major renovations are needed to address it.
Sure, going green should help you achieve:
- Cleaner air
- Lower energy bills
The problem:
People obsess over large changes like solar panels, and overlook the small stuff. If you want a truly eco-friendly home, you have to look at every single component. This includes the door hardware and accessories you use.
By neglecting your hardware, you’re leaving major value on the table.
In this eco-friendly door hardware guide, you will find the exact options that will transform your home while keeping your budget in check.
Let’s dive in!
What you’ll discover:
- Why Eco-Friendly Door Hardware Matters
- What Makes Door Hardware Sustainable?
- Top 3 Eco-Friendly Door Hardware Options
- How To Choose The Right Hardware
Why Eco-Friendly Door Hardware Matters
Eco-friendly door hardware may seem like a small change, but it has tons of benefits for your home.
If you haven’t yet considered sustainable hardware, here are three reasons you should:
Reduce Your Environmental Impact
Sustainable door hardware is one of the easiest ways to lower your carbon footprint.
Why? Because eco-friendly materials like recycled metals and sustainably sourced wood lower demand for new raw materials. When you purchase hardware made from recycled materials, you’re promoting circular economy principles.
And here’s the best part…
70% of sustainable door hardware contains recycled stainless steel. This gives you high-quality products while helping the environment.
The green building materials market is exploding. It’s projected to grow from $471.65 billion in 2024 to $2.16 trillion by 2037. That’s an annual growth rate of 12.4%!
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Think about it like this…
Traditional door hardware often contains VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and other harmful chemicals. These can off-gas into the air in your home for years.
Sustainable hardware uses non-toxic materials and finishes. That means cleaner air for your family and a reduced risk of respiratory issues.
Save Money Long-Term
One of the most underrated reasons to choose eco-friendly hardware is cost savings.
Sustainable materials are designed to last longer than their traditional counterparts. Higher quality means fewer replacements over time.
Think about the durability factor. Eco-friendly hardware often comes with corrosion-resistant finishes, superior build quality, and longer warranties.
That’s a triple win.
Some eco-friendly products even qualify for green building incentives and tax rebates.
What Makes Door Hardware Sustainable?
Eco-friendly door hardware is different from traditional hardware. The key factors that determine a product’s sustainability include its materials, how it’s made, how long it lasts, and where it ends up at the end of its life.
If you want to understand what makes hardware sustainable for your interior and exterior doors, it’s important to look at every aspect of its life cycle.
Recycled and Recyclable Materials
Materials make the difference when it comes to sustainable hardware.
Here’s why: The best eco-friendly hardware uses recycled metals like steel, aluminum, and brass. These metals can be recycled endlessly without degrading quality or strength.
98% of quality sustainable hardware is recyclable at the end of its life. This means almost nothing is wasted.
Non-Toxic Finishes
Traditional hardware finishes are full of harmful chemicals that pollute the air in your home.
Eco-friendly alternatives are safer for your family and the environment. They use finishes like powder coating, PVD coating, and natural oils for wood hardware.
Top 3 Eco-Friendly Door Hardware Options
Now we get to the good stuff.
My research team has scoured the market to identify the exact eco-friendly options that provide both sustainability and style.
To get real results, pick a couple that resonate with you and apply them. Sustainable hardware success is as simple as that!
Recycled Stainless Steel Handles
In the eco-friendly door hardware world, recycled stainless steel is king.
Here’s why: Stainless steel handles made from recycled materials offer the perfect blend of sustainability and durability. They resist corrosion, look good for decades, and can be recycled again at the end of their life.
Premium brands manufacture their handles from 70% recycled stainless steel content, with the remaining 30% as high-quality virgin material for strength.
Producing steel from recycled material takes significantly less energy than new steel production.
FSC-Certified Wood Hardware
Want to bring nature indoors with eco-friendly credentials? FSC-certified wood hardware is the perfect choice.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification ensures wood comes from responsibly managed forests. It means no old-growth forest destruction, wildlife habitat protection, and fair labor practices.
FSC-certified wood handles and accessories add warmth to your doors while supporting responsible forestry.
Low-VOC Metal Finishes
Did you know the finish on your hardware matters?
Metal finishes like traditional paint release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air in your home. Low-VOC alternatives use safer chemistry while still delivering beautiful finishes.
My two favorite eco-friendly finish options are:
- Powder coating: which uses a dry powder instead of liquid paint
- PVD coating: which creates ultra-thin, durable films through vapor deposition
Both of these methods also eliminate harmful solvents.
How To Choose The Right Sustainable Hardware
Choosing sustainable hardware doesn’t have to be complicated. If you follow this simple process, you can find the best sustainable options for your home:
Check Certifications
Look for relevant certifications on any hardware you consider purchasing.
Important certifications to look for include FSC certification for wood products, GREENGUARD for low chemical emissions, and Cradle to Cradle for overall sustainability.
Consider Your Climate and Style
Climate affects which materials will perform best in your area. In humid climates, stainless steel is the way to go. In dry climates, powder-coated metals and bamboo accessories work well.
Sustainable hardware doesn’t have to sacrifice style. Modern eco-friendly hardware comes in everything from sleek contemporary designs to traditional farmhouse looks.
Making The Switch To Sustainable Hardware
Ready to upgrade your door hardware? Follow these tips to make the transition smoother and more affordable:
You don’t need to replace all of your hardware at once. Start with high-traffic doors first, the most visible hardware pieces, and anything that needs replacement anyway. This will spread out the costs while still taking steps toward sustainability.
Look for retailers that prominently display recycled content, provide environmental certifications, and offer guidance on sustainable options.
Addressing Common Concerns
“Is Sustainable Hardware More Expensive?”
In the short term, yes. Eco-friendly hardware can cost 10-20% more than traditional alternatives.
Here’s the thing…
In the long run, the higher upfront cost often pays for itself through less frequent replacement, lower maintenance requirements, and potential tax incentives.
“Will It Perform As Well?”
Yes, often even better than traditional hardware.
Recycled stainless steel has the same strength and corrosion resistance as new steel, for example. Many eco-friendly finishes also last longer than their conventional counterparts.
Taking Action Today
54% of homeowners completed renovations in 2024. This is a huge opportunity to include sustainable hardware as part of your existing upgrade plan.
The door hardware market is also growing rapidly, hitting $25.9 billion in 2024 and expected to reach $40 billion by 2032. Much of this growth comes from the increasing demand for sustainable and smart door hardware options.
Don’t wait for the “right” moment. Start with a single door and work from there.
Time To Get Started
Now you have everything you need to find eco-friendly door hardware that works for your home and budget.
Quick recap:
- Recycled stainless steel handles
- FSC-certified wood options
- Low-VOC finishes
- Plan for the long term
Sustainable door hardware isn’t just good for the environment–it’s good for your home’s value, your family’s health, and your long-term budget.
Ready to make the switch? Your doors (and the planet) will thank you.
