When you shop “brass” furniture legs or knobs, you’re often shown three different metals at three different prices. They are not interchangeable. Here’s how to choose.
Solid brass (what we make)
Machined from a brass billet — non-magnetic, dense, warms to the touch. It tarnishes slowly to a living patina and can be re-polished indefinitely. Dimensions stay precise because there’s no thin plating to wear through. Every leg cap, tapered cap, square cap, and knob we sell is solid brass.
Brass-plated (zinc / steel core)
A base metal dipped in a thin brass layer. Cheap, but the plate chips at edges, scratches reveal grey underneath, and it can’t be re-polished. Magnets stick; on solid brass they don’t.
Aluminum
Light, modern, never patinas — but it reads “industrial/cold” and won’t suit vintage or warm-toned rooms. Also non-magnetic, so the magnet test alone won’t separate it from brass; weight and price will.
Stainless steel
Durable and modern, but visually sharp — rarely the right call for period furniture.
How to tell solid from plated
- Magnet: sticks = plated/steel/aluminum; no pull = likely solid brass.
- Weight: solid brass is noticeably heavier.
- Price & finish wear: a “brass” knob at a few dollars is almost certainly plated.
Why we use solid brass
For furniture that should outlast trends, solid brass is the only honest choice — it ages into the piece rather than off it. See our round leg buying guide for sizing.