What’s the difference: part 2 of 3 1 comment

In continuing our series on finish comparison, Cliffside proceeds from the gray to the gold, delving into the land of brasses. While much of Cliffside’s hardware is “solid brass”, only a few of those pieces are designated with “brass”-named finishes, like antique brass or polished brass, so it’s easy to get the two confused. Here are some other questions that our customer representatives field often:

What’s the difference between…

…polished brass and antique brass?

Cliffside’s polished brass finish has been around since the beginning. It, like the polished chrome and nickel focused on in our last edition, has a high-polish lacquer applied to it, which protects the finish and gives it that lustrous shine that is Cliffside’s signature color.

Antique brass, on the other hand, has a richer, more accented look while still maintaining a glossy sheen that is similar to the silver satin. Pieces with high levels of detailing, like Cliffside’s Rope and Criss-Cross Suites, make especially good use of the antique brass lacquer, as its dark elements linger in the ornamentation and elevate accented designs to a new plane.

The two finishes can be seen below, side-by-side on the same solid brass knobs:

At left: 110-PB (top) and K580-PB; at right: the same knobs in antique brass

…antique brass and antique english?

Cliffside’s suppliers are located worldwide in a variety of locations, and so their interpretations of finishes occasionally vary. In particular, Cliffside’s solid brass hinges are manufactured in Europe, so the antique brass finish that is applied to them is quite different from the rest of our hardware.

Compare, in this picture, an antique brass (AB) hinge alongside an antique brass (AB) pull:

K344-3-AB at left, as compared to BH3A-AB on the right

You can clearly see that the European-made antique brass hinge is much darker; its color, in fact, is comparable to the dark lacquer present on the foot of the pull shown at left. Cliffside’s customers were seeking an alternative antique brass hinge to match more closely with our AB hardware, so Cliffside developed the antique english finish.

View now the same image, but with an antique english hinge replacing the antique brass:

K344-3-AB at left, as compared to BH3A-AE on the right

These two colors are a better match when the hardware with a lot of open golden space, but the AB hinges are still available for those customers who prefer a darker finish, or for those who are using darker, more detail-oriented hardware, such as Cliffside’s Criss-Cross Suite.

Below, see the same hinge in both the AB and AE finishes:

BH2A-NM hinges in AB (left) and AE (right)

2011 Cliffside Power Rankings 3 comments

Our last top ten list examined products quite some time ago. Since late 2008, there have been significant changes to the Cliffside product line, with the addition of over 500 hardware pieces in the last two years alone! That said, Cliffside’s products are timeless, and so this week’s power rankings will compare our 10 best-selling products to where they ranked when we first started our blog.

#1: 100 series knobs

The 100 series, shown in antique brass

Previous rank: 1
No surprises here. Cliffside Industries was founded with only 1 knob — the 100-PB. Since that time, we have expanded this series into 14 classic finishes which range from the glossy sheen of polished nickel to the deep vibrance of Venetian bronze. This elegant piece is a testament to the fact that the right piece of hardware can stand the test of time. It also comes in a miniature size, the 100-20, which is available in 10 finishes.

#2: BH2A series hinges

The BH2A hinge in black

Previous rank: 2
Cliffside’s BH2A hinge continues to be the best seller in our proprietary European hinge line. Styled by Old World craftsmen who pay the finest attention to detail, our hinges are precision-honed to exacting specifications to bring you the highest-quality product imaginable. Solid, one-piece construction characterizes our hinges as among the strongest brass pieces in the industry, and they are extruded rather than stamped for added durability. Available in up to 15 finishes, these hinges are, without question, the best on the market. An honorable mention is given to our ball-finial BH2A hinges as well, and they are available without a finial too.

#3: 161 series knobs

One of the 161 knob's 12 finishes is iron.

Previous rank: 4
The popularity of the 161 has recently skyrocketed — so much so, in fact, that it has surpassed some of our top-selling hinges in pieces sold! The attractive ridged face of the 161 combines with its wide base to complete our second-best selling piece. Available in 12 finishes, this knob can be used in a wide variety of applications (and it’s also your blogwriter’s favorite piece!).

#4: BH2A-NM series hinges

OA is the most popular hinge finish.

Previous rank: 3
The convenience of non-mortise hinges helps them to maintain their spot in our rankings, just below their mortised counterparts. The slightly thicker barrel and finial are an attractive option for manufacturers, and these hinges are extruded — as all Cliffside hinges are — to reduce metal wear and squeaking. With 15 finishes, the selection of the BH2A-NM, shown at right in old antique, is unparalleled.

#5: 158 series knobs

The 158 looks primed for big gains (shown in old copper).

Previous rank: 9
The biggest gain in positions among our prior top-10 members belongs to none other than the 158 series. Its attractive beveled backplate has made it a favorite among designers and manufacturers alike. It has a rounded face, which has become very popular among designers seeking polished chrome and polished nickel finishes. Since we added these items in early 2009, their popularity has only grown greater, and we at Cliffside predict further success in the future.

#6: B1 series pulls

B1-3 in polished brass

Previous rank: out of top 10
A newcomer to the party, the B1 series of pulls is a recent addition to Cliffside’s top 10 pieces of hardware. With a classic bevel around the feet of the full and bold, striking lines throughout the piece, the three sizes of the B1 (available in 3″cc, 8″cc, and 12″cc) are here to make a statement. These pieces were left out on the very cusp of our top 10 the last time around, but no longer! The B1 series pulls are now the most popular handle in the Cliffside line and are sure to remain a hit with clients and contractors for many years.

#7: K4235 series cup pulls

The K4235 cup in polished chrome

Previous rank: 7
The only cup pull to crack the top 10 is the K4235, long the leader among all of Cliffside’s bin-style handles. The simple half-circle design and the attention paid to the tiniest details in crafting this pull are what sets it apart from the competition. With a 3″ center-to-center measurement, like the rest of Cliffside’s solid brass standard pulls, the K4235 is great for drawers of many sizes and shapes. It is one of five standard cup pulls that Cliffside currently offers, but it has always been — and continues to be — the most popular.

#8: BH3A series hinges

In polished nickel, BH3A is popular.

Previous rank: 6
The longer length and beefy barrel of the BH3A series hinge keeps our customers coming back for more! Though the BH3A has dropped two positions in our rankings, it is no less popular in total pieces sold. With 12 attractive finishes, this hinge is designed to hold up to the toughest and heaviest cabinet doors. At 3¹/₂” long overall (2¹/₂” leaf), the BH3A is the largest mortised hinge in the Cliffside line.

#9: 105 series knobs

105 in silver satin, our most popular finish

Previous rank: 8
The oblong 105 is the only non-round knob that features in Cliffside’s top 10. It’s a popular piece that is easily secured against spinning by a convenient brad that holds the knob in place against the face of the cabinet door or drawer front. Its elongated design makes it easy to grip — whether installed vertically or horizontally — and its solid brass construction ensures that this piece, and its popularity, will endure for years to come.

#10: 110 series knobs

Our newest finish, Venetian bronze, on the classic 110 series

Previous rank: 5
The 110 series knobs lend a touch of class to any cabinet face. The distinctive ringed face, a simple but classic design, matches well with any cabinet style or molding. This piece is a great complement, no matter what style of kitchen you are creating. One of the heaviest knobs in our line, it is also one of the most durable.

This concludes our Power Rankings to open 2011. With questions on anything you see here, contact our Customer Service department or e-mail the blogmaster.

Honorable mention

Honorable mention: BH2A-AB-BALL

• SP series pulls (previously #10; new #11)
• K341 series cup pulls (new #12)
• BH2A-BALL and BH2A-NM-BALL hinges (new #13 & #14)

You’ve met your match! No comments yet

Trying to coordinate all of the fixtures in your kitchen? Having a tough time finding hardware to match? Tired of looking at sample after sample of hardware? Well, look no further! By popular demand, Cliffside is now offering a “finish guide” to coordinate our most popular colors with some of the biggest names in the kitchen and bath fixture industry.

Antique Brass

Antique Brass

To match Cliffside’s Antique Brass finish, we suggest Kohler’s “vibrant French gold,” which complements the warm golden tone of AB, or “vibrant brushed bronze,” which matches the detailing shown in an antique brass piece.

Black

Coordinating with FB is no difficult task; however, Cliffside offers some suggestions. Both Moen and Kohler offer a “matte black” finish, which is the closest to Cliffside’s black; Delta’s “black” and Grohe’s “black” finishes will also match well. Kohler also offers a “black black” finish, which is more of a gloss black. You can coordinate with FB or with Cliffside’s Nickel Chrome finish. For a contrast, try black hardware with stainless steel.

Iron

Unfortunately, our research team was unable to locate any faucets that matched Cliffside’s Iron finish; however, it adds a decorative accent to any room while maintaining the popular gray tones that you might find in a standard stainless or black faucet.

Old Antique

Old Antique

Matching the Old Antique was certainly not our easiest job. The best match that we have located is American Standard’s “blackened bronze” finish, which highlights the rich, dark color of Old Antique. If you are looking for a contrast with your OA instead, consider the “ivory” finish from Moen, or the  “biscuit” and “almond” finishes from Kohler.

Old Copper

None of the major manufacturers provide a copper finish to match Cliffside’s Old Copper at this time; however, there are plenty of antique copper faucets on the market from smaller manufacturers that would look smashing with this finish.

Polished Brass

The old hardware standby, Polished Brass, is not wildly popular in the world of faucets and plumbing. However, American Standard still manufactures a “polished brass” faucet, and Kohler has the “vibrant polished brass” finish available, if the lustrous gold of PB strikes your fancy.

Polished Chrome

Does it get any easier than this? All five of the top manufacturers in the plumbing industry (Grohe, Delta, Moen, Kohler, and American Standard) make a wide variety of polished chrome faucets and fixtures; you can find nearly any style you want in this finish, and Cliffside’s recently expanded Polished Chrome line complements it perfectly. Kohler also offers a “brushed chrome” for a more subdued look.

Polished Nickel

Polished Nickel

In contrast to the popular Polished Chrome above, only Kohler, with their “vibrant polished nickel,” has a finish in faucets to match the warmer color of Cliffside’s Polished Nickel. However, for designers looking to utilize polished nickel hardware, a stainless or brushed nickel faucet should match the warm color tone very well.

Stainless Steel

 The juggernaut of the plumbing industry, Cliffside’s Stainless Steel hardware (BNA finish) matches perfectly with any stainless steel fixture, which is offered by all of the top five manufacturers in a variety of styles. With this finish, you can match nearly any fixture style you prefer.

Silver Satin 

The Silver Satin will match any of the above stainless products and more! American Standard also offers a “satin nickel” finish, and Kohler offers a variety of gray-toned brushed finishes, including “vibrant stainless” and “vibrant brushed nickel.”

Venetian Bronze

Venetian Bronze

Cliffside’s VB finish takes its name from Delta’s “Venetian bronze;” however, it also shares a color tone with the “oil-rubbed bronzes” of Kohler and Grohe. The copper showing through on the details and edges matches well with all of these finishes, but if you want the hardware to be slightly more subdued, you can easily match all of these faucets with the Old Antique as well.

Press Release: New 8″cc Pulls Now In Stock No comments yet

Cliffside Industries Offers New 8″cc Pull Line in 10 Finishes; Selected Finishes and Additional New Items Now Available

Drawing on decades of experience distributing traditional solid brass hardware

Cliffside Industries proudly announces the arrival of our line of 8″cc pulls. In response to customer demand, we have developed an 8″cc pull to coordinate with our most popular styles of 3″cc and 12″cc pulls. Four styles are available to match with Cliffside’s forthcoming hardware suites:

• The K344-8 series pulls combine an elegant rope design across the face with a decorative design on the foot to create a pleasing aesthetic appeal.

  • This pull is now in stock in black, iron, old copper, and polished chrome finishes. 

   

• The P-399-8 series pulls display a distinctive cross-cross design with striations from the center all of the way to the feet.

  • This pull is now in stock in iron, old antique, old copper, polished brass, polished chrome, and silver satin finishes.   

   

• The B1-8’s classic styling incorporates a clean line and simplicity that stands the test of time in any finish.

  • This pull is now in stock in black, iron, old antique, old copper, polished brass, polished chrome, polished nickel, and silver satin finishes.  

   

• The SP-8 sports a traditional scroll feature that shows detail well while not distracting from the overall look of your cabinet design.

  • All finishes of this pull expected in by the end of March.  

   

Further, several new additions to our line are now in stock and ready to ship:

• Knobs: 100-20 (VB); 105 (PN); 110 (AB, VB); 158 (VB); B721 (AB, VB); K-579 (new item! – available in AB, FB, IR, OA, OC, PB, PC, PN, SS)
• 3″cc Pulls: K344 (VB); P-399 (OA, PB, PN, VB)
• 3″cc Cup Pulls: K4235 (VB); K544 (new item! – available in AB, FB, IR, OC, PB, PC, PN, SS); P-398 (PB, VB)
• 12″cc Appliance Pulls: B1-12 (FB); K344-12 (FB, OA, PC); P-399-12 (new item! – available in FB, IR, OC, PB, PN, SS); SP-12 (PC)
• Cupboard Latches: IBCL (AB, IR); SBCL (IR, OC, PN)

Cliffside now has ten standard finishes to choose from for all standard solid brass hardware: Antique Brass, Black, Iron, Old Antique, Old Copper, Polished Brass, Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel and Silver Satin. The first Venetian Bronze items are now in stock, and more new items are available with each passing week.

Mix and match from our 34 solid brass knobs, pulls, cup pulls, latches and hinges and 10 standard finishes to create your own personal hardware. The choice is up to you!

Product Photo Gallery

Company Information

Cliffside Industries has been designing and distributing high-quality solid brass hardware since 1987 and supplies many of the industry’s most respected cabinet manufacturers, dealers, builders, remodelers and designers. We believe our hardware to exemplify the highest quality in the industry. Orders for stock hardware will ship within 24 hours, and matching break off screws are included with all orders.

Further information

Contact Cliffside customer service for more details and ordering information:

• Phone: (800) 873-9258
• Fax: (800) 926-3435
• E-mail: info@cliffsideind.com or blog@cliffsideind.com
• Website: http://www.cliffsideind.com/
• Address: 60 Wright Avenue; Lititz, PA 17543

“Cliffside Industries is an award winning distributor of traditional solid brass hinges, knobs and pulls respected industry-wide for our customer service. Family owned and operated since 1987.”

Featured product line: Latches No comments yet

Ice box cupboard latch available soon in antique brass!

The Ice Box Cupboard Latch, or IBCL, is a recent addition to our product line, and is offered in seven vibrant finishes. These pieces are relatively unique throughout the kitchen and bath industry, and are often hard to find or require a long lead time. Cliffside, however, has these items in stock and ready to ship as part of our signature hardware line. The available finishes currently include silver satin, polished nickel, old antique, polished chrome, polished brass, flat black, and old copper, with three new finishes to come with our new product lines arriving in early 2009.

With six holes aligned along the sides of the cast-brass surface, the Ice Box Latch is easy to install, is practical to use, and Cliffside offers the lowest prices in the hardware industry on products of this type! The design of the latch is inspired by the traditional ice box door handle and is secured to the door frame by a simple solid brass catch with a matching finish. Each latch also comes with matching screws. The thumb pull has an exceptionally smooth mechanism aided by a high-quality spring hidden inside the cast frame. This is a distinctively unique piece of hardware that adds a professional look to any door.

Solid brass cupboard latch in polished nickel coming soon!

The Solid Brass Cupboard Latch, or SBCL, has been part of the Cliffside line for several years, but is nearly as popular as the new IBCL. This turn-style latch is sleek and stylish with a rounded knob and solid construction. It is currently available in five finishes, including polished chrome, flat black, polished brass, old antique, and silver satin. Five more finishes are coming soon, including Venetian bronze, old copper, iron, antique brass, and polished nickel.

Though this particular style of latch is much more common in the hardware industry than the ice box latch, Cliffside’s solid brass latch is priced competitively within the industry, offered at more than 30% off the comparable items sold by our competitors. This traditional-style latch is also an excellent way to keep your doors secured. Whereas a standard knob or pull is only used to open a door, latches keep your doors closed tightly, your belongings away from prying eyes.

Ice Box Latches - current and new!

The IBCL is 1⅞” by 1½”, while the SBCL is 2″ by 1⅞”. Both are made from cast solid brass and are warrantied by the same policy that covers all Cliffside hardware (see our FAQ for more details). If you have any questions or are interested in ordering either of these pieces, please contact customer service!