Hardware Renaissance - American Handcrafted Custom Hardware

Hardware Renaissance,  one of Belmont Hardware's premier sponsors of the Hardware House program,  offers  unique custom hardware solutions.   They will create custom hardware in both hand-forged iron, and also in solid bronze.  Their designs are produced in-house from their design team located in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  The design team is made up of blacksmiths and sculptors who are attracted to the project by virtue of receiving a royalty for every piece created.  The distinctive hand applied  patinas that are singular to Hardware Renaissance come from local area artists, who also receive a royalty for the use of their work.  


We at Belmont, have great admiration for their philosophy of working so actively with great local artistic talent! 

1.       When your company is asked to create custom hardware or modify current hardware for a specific client’s project what is your approach to this?  Do you have a defined process in place?

Hardware Renaissance has a lot of experience in custom work, so we have a defined process for it.  Fully 35% of our hardware is customized to some extent or the other.  We are very unique in that we do custom hardware in two totally different processes and metals:  hand forged iron, and cast bronze.   We start with detailed consultations with the customer to define requirements and then have finalized, signed-off drawings to use in manufacturing.  Doing custom work in hand forged iron is very different from cast bronze, as the iron is totally hand made, and custom work does not require moulds or patterns. So we are able to it with minimal upcharges.

2.       Do you have a person or department dedicated to custom projects?

We are a small company so we do not have a fully dedicated department for custom projects, but 2 of our staff have the expertise, along with our engineers in manufacturing.

3.       How important is having a custom capability to your company?

It is VERY important, because we are able to fulfill the customer’s dreams and requirements for the job exactly as they envision it.  It also continually challenges us and many time leads us down new, exciting avenues of growing our already unique product range.

4.       In your opinion what makes for a successful custom project?

COMMUNICATION!  Clear definition of requirements and expectations on both sides, personal prompt communication with updates and any changes, and a dedication to total customer satisfaction.

5.       What aspects of creating custom hardware are the most challenging?

New engineering is always more challenging than simply new designs or styles of existing products.  We have done custom jobs where no one else was interested because the engineering required was not worth their time.  But we never shy away from the difficult, indeed we thrive on it!  Hence I believe that we have developed a solid reputation for a wide variety of custom work, from unique hand forged iron hinged door grilles, to retrofit hardware for Scandinavian log homes (a real challenge!) to hardware for the most unique antique doors that customers find all over the world. 

6.       What aspects of creating custom hardware are most rewarding?

Doing something where the end result is even better than the customer expected.  Creating something beautiful and unique that absolutely fits the bill for the job.  Taking a sometimes blurry vision from concept to reality.  Hardware is something people see, touch, and use all the time, and creating one of a kind pieces is absolutely rewarding!

We want to thank Hardware Renaissance for being such a great partner with Belmont Hardware, and for being so generous with your time and expertise for the Hardware House Program!