Acrylic and Nylon
Though this budget-friendly option is synthetic like plastic, acrylic and nylon are much more durable, resisting much of the wear that plastic succumbs to. The man-made material can be tinted an endless array of colors.
 

Brass
A yellow-colored alloy of zinc and copper, brass works well for both casting and machine fabrications. Increased amounts of zinc produce a more yellow metal. Unprotected brass will tarnish, even with constant polishing; many manufacturers offer protection options. Solid brass offers a heavier feel, an authentic choice for Old World kitchens, and shows sharper details. Other varieties include brass finished and brass coated.
 

Ceramic and Porcelain
This natural clay product, fired for a sturdy finish, is generally glazed in a shade of white and often later painted. Porcelain has a slightly more transparent look, like that of fine china. Ceramic is more common among decorative hardware options. Both generally use an imbedded brass insert to enable installation.
 

Chrome Plated
Chrome tends to plate brass hardware, imparting a look that easily swings from 1930s retro to thoroughly modern and sophisticated. Chrome requires frequent polishing to stay fingerprint-free.
 

Glass
The fragile and faceted material provides beautiful results, so long as great care is taken with installation; they can be broken by dropping or over-tightening the installation screw.
 

Pewter
This jewelry-quality material, available in brushed and polished finishes, exudes a beautiful patina that makes it well suited for traditional designs. Antique pewter, an alloy of lead and tin, darkens to its characteristic shade because of the lead. Modern lead-free pewter hardware is more durable than pure varieties and will not darken.

Resin
This solid polymer material casts well and is primarily used for artisan items.
 
 

Wood
Able to fit with a wide array of styles, wood hardware is available both finished and unfinished in soft and hardwood varieties. It’s also used as a base for hand-painted knobs and as a decorative accent on metals.
 

Zinc
A good base for a variety of decorative finishes, this softer material generally has threaded brass inserts for installation of screws.