Architectural hardware and custom metalwork from China
Source door fittings, glass railings and fabricated metalwork with clear specifications, approvals and inspection records.
Separate decorative fittings from engineered systems
Architectural hardware, glass railings and steel structures need different sourcing checks. Door handles can be selected through a hardware schedule. A balustrade, staircase or steel frame also needs project-specific engineering and approval. Do not treat an attractive catalog photo as a fabrication specification.
Our sourcing role is to help identify suppliers, compare documented offers and coordinate production and inspection. Structural calculations, building approval and installation design need the appropriate project professionals. Agree those responsibilities before requesting fabrication.
Specification checklist by category
| Category | Purchasing information | Approval requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Door hardware | Door reference, dimensions, handing, function and finish | Compatibility with the door and project requirements |
| Cabinet fittings | Hinge or runner model, fixing and load | Approved sample and cabinet drawing |
| Glass railings | Glass build-up, posts, channels, anchors and geometry | Engineered system and local acceptance |
| Custom metalwork | Material grade, welds, dimensions and coating | Shop drawings and acceptance criteria |
| Steel structures | Member schedule, connections and fabrication scope | Approved engineering and inspection plan |
Hardware compatibility comes first
Record door thickness, lock preparation, backset, centres and handing. Specify whether locks are keyed alike, individually keyed or part of a controlled master system. List every included component so a handle price is not confused with a complete lock set.
For fire or emergency exit applications, have the project team confirm the appropriate tested assembly and permitted hardware. Combining individually marketed components does not automatically produce a compliant door system. Require written approval for any substitution.
Glass railings need system-level review
Ask for the complete arrangement of glass, supports, anchors, edges and handrails. The substrate and connection details matter as much as the visible panel. Thickness alone cannot establish the suitability of a balustrade.
Where SGCC certification is specified, use the official directory to check the safety glazing product and plant. This does not replace engineering of the assembled railing. Have the local designer confirm the applicable loading, safety and installation requirements.
Custom metalwork and steel fabrication
Define material grades, tolerances, weld requirements, surface preparation and coating in the purchase documents. Ask the supplier which processes it performs directly and which are subcontracted. Traceability should connect the delivered components to the specified material and inspection records.
For larger fabricated assemblies, agree how fit will be checked before shipment. Trial assembly, dimensional reports or specialised inspection may be appropriate depending on the project. Identify who reviews and releases each stage. Do not substitute a general visual check for the agreed technical inspection.
Build a comparable quotation
| Cost element | Confirm before ordering |
|---|---|
| Materials | Grade, section, quantity and supporting documents |
| Fabrication | Cutting, machining, welding and assembly included |
| Finish | Preparation, colour, process and agreed evidence |
| Technical work | Drawings, calculations, samples and inspection responsibilities |
| Packing | Crates, edge protection, labels and lifting points |
| Delivery | Named location, freight basis and unloading responsibility |
MOQ may be driven by coating batches, tooling or custom profiles. Lead time should include drawing approval and sample fabrication. Agree payment milestones against tangible approvals rather than relying on a standard percentage as proof of protection.
Inspection and shipment preparation
Check quantities, dimensions, operation, finish and identifying marks against approved records. Keep small fittings in labelled kits by door or assembly. Protect glass edges and finished metal surfaces, and identify components for installation in the correct sequence.
Long members, heavy steel and fragile glass need a loading plan. Confirm crate dimensions, lifting access and destination unloading before booking the shipment. Coordinate interfaces with windows and doors and cabinetry.
Buyer questions
Can I source a complete railing kit?
Yes, subject to supplier capability and project approval. Confirm every fixing and connection, not only posts and glass.
Is stainless steel always suitable outdoors?
Suitability depends on material, finish, exposure and maintenance. Ask the project specialist to specify the required system.
Can hardware ship with other materials?
Usually, with clear carton labels and protection. Heavy metal components should not create point loads on fragile cargo.
Coordinate inspection and shipping
Use our pre-shipment inspection checklist to agree checks before payment and our container consolidation guide to coordinate packing and supplier ready dates. Confirm destination requirements with the product documentation guide.
Plan the next step
Send your specifications, quantities, destination and required delivery date. We will clarify the sourcing scope, supplier checks, inspection requirements and shipment coordination before you commit.