Architectural ironmongery is the manufacture and wholesale distribution of items made from iron, steel, aluminium, brass, or other metals, as well as plastics, for use in all types of buildings. Such items, sometimes also described as architectural hardware, include door handles, locks, closers and hinges ("door furniture"), window fittings, and handrails and balustrades. The term is sometimes used to distinguish between these items and the retail of consumer goods sold in ironmongers' shops or hardware stores.