Ahead of walking into a store or clicking on an online cart, take a deep breath. You need to consider:
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Function: Do you need to be able to lock the door?
Front and back doors should have an entry door handle set with a key. For internal doors requiring locks, use a privacy set with a button or turn-piece locking function. If no lock is needed, try a passage set or “dummy set” in areas like hallways and linen cupboards.
Knob vs. lever
Both have advantages. If dexterity and strength are an issue, levers require less grip than knobs. Otherwise it can come down to personal style and which look you prefer.
Handing
Door handing is the way the door swings, usually outwards or inwards. This is critical to take into account. If you don’t check first, you could end up with the lock on the wrong side of the door or upside-down levers.
For most residential applications (from Australian suppliers), the below images will help you determine your handing requirements
Measuring the main door elements before buying a handle is important. The most fundamental elements include:
Backset
This is the distance from the centre of the door handle to the edge of the door. Standard options in Australia are 45mm or 60mm, but some door hardware comes with adjustable versions.
Bore hole and cross bore
The cross bore is the hole going through the door, from one side to the other. This is where the door knob is mounted. Standard measurements are 2 1/8" bore hole and 1" cross bore.
Door thickness
Door thickness varies, with exterior designs typically being thicker than interiors. The standard range is 1 3/8" – 1 3/4" (35mm - 45mm).
Additionally, some knobs work better with different measurements. Taking the time to scope the specs upfront will save you energy and money in the long run.
Chrome, acrylic or steel? Within our range, we have a number of options for door architecture, design for all tastes and budgets.
For a contemporary flair, consider up-to-the-minute Zanda and Nidus ranges in a wide variety of materials and designs. Sleek lines and stunning finishes, from satin to matte black, will style your doors and set the tone for every room or front entrance.
Tradco specialise in classic design, like the wrought iron Twist Pull or Edwardian Polished Brass. With so many options on hand, you can mix and match throughout your house or go for a uniform look to create cohesion.
There’s more to doors than you might think. To unlock the possibilities, call the specialists in door solutions. We’re always more than happy to provide you with reliable advice and guidance.
Introduction
Lever handles
Door Knobs
Other pull handles
Mortice lock
Rim-cylinder lock
Euro lock
Pad lock
When it comes to exterior door handles there are three main things to consider: functionality, security and aesthetics. So, ensuring that you choose the right handle is crucial to properly meet operational needs, lock integrity and the building’s style and characteristics.
For different types of door, front doors, backdoors, sheds, outdoor storage areas and other outbuildings, there are various types of door handles and locks available. They are designed to cater to different situations and some specific security and safety needs, so for optimum performance it's important that your exterior door handles and locks comply with British Safety Standards — more on that later.
This article will delve into the different types of exterior door handles and their applications. We'll also explore the most common types of locks. We’ll highlight their features, benefits, and any potential drawbacks. The aim is to help you make a more informed decision about which door handles and locking mechanisms to choose for your home or business.
Let's begin with an overview of the more common types of door handles available.
The lever handle is one of the most common types of exterior door handle. They come in a variety of designs, making them versatile and suitable for most property exteriors and architectural styles.
Door levers are most commonly used for front doors, backdoors and patio doors, often with UPVC doors and typically feature a horizontal lever latch that can be operated with one hand, making them widely accessible.
They're easy to use. Lever handles provide a comfortable grip, making them user-friendly for everyone, including the elderly and those with mobility issues.
They offer good security. Lever handles often have a single point deadbolt locking mechanism. They can also support a multipoint locking system for additional security, typically with UPVC doors.
Lever handles offer endless design possibilities, from contemporary to traditional, from rustic to period styles, harmonising with the overall architectural theme of your home or business. For example, the black iron scroll handle below offers a certain homely, old world charm.
Some lever handles incorporating a mortice deadlock might not be suitable for heavier-duty exterior security applications, as they can lack the strength and toughness of some other handle and lock types, such as rim-cylinder or Euro locks paired with separate, sturdier pull handles or knobs.
Door knobs are another popular choice for exterior doors, particularly in more traditional or classic architectural styles. Knob-style door handles consist of a round knob that requires a twisting action to operate. They are commonly used with timber doors (rather than UPVC) and can incorporate latches and locks, or act simply as door pull handles, sometimes known as dummy door knobs.
Door knobs offer a wide variety of styles and looks, for example adding a touch of traditional appeal, making them ideal for period or vintage-inspired property designs, for single as well as double doors.
They can also be ultra-modern, with more geometric shapes and contemporary finishes, such as satin nickel and stainless steel.
Knobs can have a more compact design, suitable for smaller doors or areas with limited space. And as pull handles can add a more ornate, decorative touch for front doors and back doors, especially in classic or rustic finishes, such as polished brass or black iron, and matched with other front door hardware details, such as locks, knockers and letterboxes.
Larger door knobs are often seen on traditional front doors as pull handles, placed in the centre of the door, for a classic Georgian or Victorian look.
There's the potential for limited grip. Some users may find mortice twist lock door knobs less ergonomic, as they require a twisting motion to open the door, which might be challenging for those with limited dexterity or hand strength.
Contemporary pull door handles, such as D-handles, are a good choice for modern properties, especially for large entrance doors or commercial buildings. These handles are typically long and sleek with a separate lock mechanism.
More traditional pull handles, such as bow handles and escutcheon pulls, are popular too for home front doors.
Contemporary or traditional look. Modern pull handles can offer a functional, minimalist appeal, perfect for modern architecture and commercial buildings. More ornate or traditional door pulls might better suit your home's exterior style.
Modern pulls are often made of robust materials like stainless steel, making them highly durable and ideal for heavier exterior doors, especially those in higher traffic areas, such as residential apartment block entrances and business premises’ front doors.
More traditional exterior pulls are likely to be made from popular materials such as brass, brass plated core metals, and in classic finishes including antique brass or pewter
The obvious limitation is that door pulls will require a separate lock or locks. Apart from that, as long as you choose pull handles that best fit the door design and building look, you should be fine.
Mortice locks, also known as sash locks or deadbolts, are an integral part of securing homes and commercial properties, providing good protection for front doors against intruders.
These locks have been widely used for centuries due to their reliability and durability and can be fitted with a door handle or knob as part of the mechanism, or as a stand-alone door lock.
This type of lock fits into a specially cut pocket or recess (mortice) within the edge of the door. The lock consists of two main components: the lock body, which houses the locking mechanism, and the lock strike plate, which is installed in the door frame to receive the bolt.
Mortice locks provide excellent security for front doors and other exterior entry points, making them a popular choice for residential and commercial properties alike. They are primarily used with timber doors, so are ideal for both traditional and contemporary property security applications.
Mortice locks are known for their simple, robust construction and resistance to forced entry, making them a reliable choice for enhancing the security of your property. But be sure to use a five lever design. Interior doors only require a 3 lever lock as internal doors don't really need that higher level of strength.
The durable, tried and tested mortice mechanism design ensures a long lock lifespan while requiring minimal maintenance.
They require professional installation. Proper lock installation in a new door requires skill and precision. It’s important to have a professional locksmith carry out installation for security doors to ensure the lock's maximum effectiveness.
Retrofitting can be a headache. Installing a mortice lock in a door that wasn't originally designed for it may require substantial modifications, which could affect your door's integrity. If you’re retrofitting take advice from a qualified locksmith.
Mortice locks typically only provide a single point locking mechanism, meaning they secure the door at one specific point. While very effective, it might not offer the same level of security as multipoint locking systems.
The rim-cylinder, or night latch (often referred to as a 'Yale' lock), is fixed to the interior facing surface of a door. The lock's core is a cylindrical mechanism that houses the keyway (slot).
The lock cylinder contains a series of pins. When the key is inserted from the outside of the door and turned, the pins align at the shear line, allowing the cylinder to rotate freely.
As the cylinder turns, it activates the latch, a metal piece that extends from the lock into the strike plate on the door frame. This action unlocks the door.
The rim-cylinder locking mechanism is commonly used on residential front doors, providing a reliable and convenient means of securing the door. They’re also used for businesses' front doors and interior doors where security is needed.
The rim-cylinder is surface-mounted, which makes it relatively simple to install and replace, requiring minimal modification to the door — providing the door has already been drilled. And it can be easily replaced when necessary as the lock is not inside the door, unlike mortice or Euro locks.
Because rim-cylinders are so commonplace they offer a very cost-effective security solution without compromising reliability and functionality.
Using a rim-cylinder lock with a deadbolt mortice lock provides a more secure two point locking system.
Rim-cylinder locks can be susceptible to ‘bumping’. Lock bumping is a technique used by would-be intruders to manipulate the pins and open the lock without the correct key, although this is rare, for added security when your property is empty, use a deadlock as well.
Because the rim-cylinder is lock on the door's surface it can be more vulnerable to tampering and potential damage compared to mortice and Euro locks.
The Euro lock, also known as a Euro profile cylinder lock, or Euro cylinder, has become one of the most popular choices for door security, offering an impressive combination of strength, ease of use, and versatility.
It consists of a cylindrical lock body with a keyway on one side and a cam on the other side, which is used to operate the lock's mechanism.
Widely used in both residential and commercial properties, the Euro lock offers a strong and reliable security solution.
Euro locks are perhaps most often seen in residential property's UPVC doors — front door, back door, and patio doors. However, they are used for modern wooden front doors too.
Euro locks offer high security, designed to resist picking, drilling and other forms of forced entry, making them a robust choice for enhancing the security of your home, business, outside storages areas and outbuildings.
Highly versatile, the Euro lock can be easily replaced or upgraded, allowing you to adapt your security measures as needed without significant modifications to a door.
For commercial applications, Euro locks can be integrated into master key systems, offering a convenient solution for properties with multiple access levels.
Apart from ensuring that you buy the right size lock for your door, there's little to speak of in terms of drawback with Euro locking mechanisms.
However, be mindful that Euro locks can be vulnerable to a break-in technique called ‘snapping’, where the lock is broken to gain access. You can significantly reduce that risk by purchasing an anti-snap Euro lock.
We couldn't talk about locks and not mention the humble padlock. They are among the most versatile and widely recognised security devices used to safeguard belongings and properties of all kinds.
From securing garden sheds, storage lockers and bicycles to protecting industrial facilities and construction sites, padlocks offer a portable and effective solution for myriad security needs.
You can take a deep dive into the world of padlocks in this fascinating padlock article which will take you through different types and applications.
As we've explored in this article, there are many things to consider when it comes to choosing exterior door handles and locks.
Generally speaking, the key (pun intended) is to choose a handle and lock that best suits your door and its intended application, considering functionality, security and aesthetic appeal — matching the right handle and lock with the right door. For more front door hardware inspiration and ideas check out this fun front door makeover article.
When considering your interior style, we can often overlook door handles or door knobs. However, by carefully selecting your door hardware, you can enhance your interiors whilst adding essential functionality and security to your home.
Doors are a functional, necessary addition within your property, which act as both a divider and an access point between rooms. Most properties will have many internal and external doors, which will require the correct hardware. For example, a typical modern home may have up to 18 interior doors, whilst traditional or older properties may include more.
Doors are not complete without the right door furniture, and your choice of hardware can add a subtle yet essential finish. In addition, door furniture will assist in seamlessly blending your interior design from room to room.
The growth in the popularity of interior design has increased the range of styles and designs of door handles available on the market. With options ranging from modern and contemporary to traditional, vintage-inspired styles, there are many doors handles to suit any interior decor preference.
Choosing the right door handles for your house can be difficult, but it does not have to be. With many options available, it can be challenging to decide which to choose for your decorating style. So, where do you start?
Here, our experts will explore all the current door furniture trends and include essential technical information on choosing the best internal door handles for your home to complete any interior.
It is most likely that you want to incorporate a uniform style across your home, like any other interior design task. You can achieve this by opting for the same door design throughout your home. Thus, perhaps the first step to choosing your ideal door furniture would be to assess the property, your overall theme, deciding where to install your new hardware and whether you should choose a more modern or traditional design.
There are many determinants to consider when choosing your new door hardware, ranging from whether you want door handles or door knobs, what hardware style will fit your door, what hardware finish you should go for and which rooms you will be installing it on.
We know deciding on new internal door handles can be difficult, so first, begin by assessing the overall style of your home.
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Should your home have a traditional style, or perhaps it is a period property, choosing innovative angular handles will sound unusual and look out of place. In the same way, opting for an antique, classic handle for your doors will interrupt the seamless modern interior of your home.
Here we will guide you through some of the door handle designs available to provide you with a clearer idea of what style to select.
Modern:
Our modern door handles are characteristically striking, with prominent clean lines, contemporary curves, and geometric shapes. Often minimal in design, our modern handles are the perfect finishing touch to properties inspired by simplicity.
Modern door handles have a relaxed appearance, and their availability in neutral tones such as chrome only emphasizes their unassuming look.
The ideal addition to modern, contemporary interiors, selecting a modern door handle will add an eye-catching feature to your doorways. Browse our collection of modern door handles.
Traditional:
A fantastic method of incorporating period details into your home, our traditional door handles are the ideal final touch for properties that take influence from classic, period homes or vintage interiors.
Available in various finishes, pairing traditional door handles with warmer, aged metal finishes adds extra charm and flair to your home.
Discover our collection of traditional door handles.
Victorian:
The Victorian era was the era of luxury, and our Victorian door handles reflect this well. By taking inspiration from this era, our door handles are unique, with their crisp, ornate designs making them an effortless but eye-catching feature to your doorways.
With availability in finishes such as brass and chrome, our Victorian door handles are an easy way of adding luxury, style, and glamour to your home.
A highly versatile style, Victorian door handles complement many interiors, regardless of your style preferences. Be it modern or traditional; our Victorian door handles will stand out and effortlessly bring your desired design together.
Pick your favourite style from our collection of Victorian door handles.
Perhaps the most significant decision to make will be deciding whether to opt for door handles or door knobs. There are many styles available for both, ranging from classic, traditional styles to more striking, contemporary designs.
Door Knobs:
The most timeless choice, door knobs were one of the first inventions of door hardware and continue to be a popular choice for period properties. Ideal for a more discreet look, door knobs do not have to be limited to only period properties or classic designs; they can look fantastic in contemporary designed rooms.
Door Handles:
A more modern choice, door handles have been in use since the early s. With the addition of the lever, door handles are often easier to operate: the lever provides a better grip, ideal for any individual to use, particularly those with mobility restrictions.
Similarly, to door knobs, door handles are available in many styles, different colours and finishes, offering the perfect choice regardless of your decorating preferences.
Ultimately, the final decision about which one to choose will come down to your personal preference and style choices.
Lever Handle on Backplate
A classic design, the Lever Handle on Backplate complements traditional design schemes fantastically. Lever Handles on Backplate are available with and without keyholes, bathroom thumbturns and euro-locks with an array of designs to suit all interiors and rooms, including closet doors. In addition, their contemporary backplate conceals any screws and mechanisms to offer a neat, sleek finish.
The backplates of these handles will vary in sizes, making them an ideal, versatile option for any style preference.
Lever Handle on Rose
A simple and stylish design, the Lever on Rose door handle will suit all properties. The 'rose' is the term used to describe the plate of the handle and can be the traditional round shape or square. The rose allows for the concealment of screws and fixtures for a luxurious, sleek finish that sits flush to the door.
Lever on Rose door handles is the ideal door handle for use on internal doors. If needed, you can combine the Lever on Rose door handle with a combination of locks, thumbturns and latches, dependent on the room and its requirements.
Mortice Door Knobs
Offering a stylish alternative to a door handle, mortice door knobs are often considered more suitable for traditional properties. However, it is becoming increasingly popular to add mortice door knobs to more contemporary interiors, often using glass or a bright, polished finish. Using mortice door knobs gives your interiors a striking look and can provide a distinct glamourous flair to your interiors.
For extra security in rooms where you may need it, you can use mortice door knobs in combination with locks, bathroom thumbturns and euro locks. These will sit below the door knob and allow you to secure your room and belongings.
Rim Door Knobs
A rim door knob sits on the door's surface with a rim lock which also sits on the door's surface. The rim door knob will operate the lever from the door's facade, allowing you to open and close the door.
You should use rim door knobs on doors where it may not be possible to fit a mortice door knob; this is often due to the width of the door as some are too thin to contain an internal mechanism. However, rim door knobs will also add a degree of decorative flair to your home. A stand-out piece of hardware, they are bound to catch the eyes of admirers.
Regularly found in period properties, rim door knobs work aesthetically well with a more traditional design. Regardless, adding one to a modern abode will not look out of place; it will simply add a classic touch.
Once you have completed your selection process of what type of interior door handles to choose, the next decision will be to decide your desired finish.
With so many door handles and door knobs available on the market, there is undoubtedly the perfect door hardware available for you, regardless of your decorating preference.
Satin Finish
The latest trends in door hardware finishing’s favour satin style finishes.
With a subtle gloss, satin finishes do not show fingerprints and smudges as obviously as others. As a result, they are very low maintenance, with only the need for a wipe down with a chamois cloth when deemed necessary. As a result, satin finishes are an exceedingly popular and on-trend style in busy households, where style meets serviceability.
Browse our range of satin-finished handles.
Matt Black
Matt black door hardware is proving to be an exceedingly popular finish. As a result, many homeowners and interior designers opt for contemporary matt black detailing on their appliances, furniture pieces and home decor.
Adding a luxury element to modern interiors, the boldness of adding black door hardware will add a powerful statement, particularly when contrasted with natural wood or neutral painted doors.
Pick your favourite matt black door handle from our collection.
Chrome
A timeless design, the cool, neutral tone of a chrome finish blends seamlessly with other household furnishings.
They are often considered a more modern finish down to their minimalist style and striking impact. However, our wide range of chrome handles will suit both traditional and modern interiors. Including matching chrome door handles throughout your home will give a distinct, uniform flair.
Discover our chrome door handle styles.
Other popular styles include:
Dual-Tone hardware
Antique Brass
Nickel finishes
Glass encrusted
Polished Brass
Copper.
With so many finishes available, you are sure to find the perfect door handle for your home, regardless of your style.
Sometimes required as a separate purchase, deciding whether you will need a lock for your door should be a relatively easy decision.
Most likely, you will want to ensure higher security for your belongings and provide privacy for specific rooms. For instance, your bathroom and any doors leading into the house from garages or utility rooms will need to be locked.
However, most rooms you fit door handles to will not need a lock. For example, the doors leading into your living room, children's bedrooms or kitchens should not require locking for the general safety of your household.
Different types of doors will require different types of locks.
Bathrooms
We supply all our bathroom handles with the correct corresponding thumbturn. However, you will need to purchase a bathroom lock and install this into the door.
The benefit of using a thumbturn and release lock for bathrooms is that they allow for privacy whilst you are in the bathroom.
Using a thumbturn lock allows access to the bathroom should the lock become stuck, or someone becomes trapped. In this case, you can undo the lock easily from outside of the room.
Interior doors
For internal doors, regardless of whether you purchase a lever on backplate, a lever on rose or a doorknob, you can fit a lock to be accessed with a key.
For a higher level of security, opt for a three or five lever sash lock, where a five-lever lock offers more excellent protection than a three lever. Ideal for locking internal doors, these locks will provide security and privacy in rooms where needed.
Exterior doors
For exterior doors, you will need a greater level of security for security purposes. Whether it is your front, back or side door you are looking to install a lock to, opting for a more robust, trustworthy lock is critical.
A popular option for front doors, installing a euro-lock will provide the protection you require. Fire-rated, euro locks have hardened steel anti-pick pins installed to prevent any tampering.
Perhaps it is your exterior handles which you want to change.
Exterior door handles provide the glamour and personality to your property before entering, having a lasting impression on your home. You need to purchase a hard-wearing handle for your entry door to ensure your property remains secure and you do not have to purchase new handles continuously.
With the added importance of keeping your home secure, you must choose the correct model. There are three factors to consider:
Your door type
The handle style
The lock type you need.
Door type:
Each door has a different door design. Therefore, the first step to deciding on your new exterior handle is to determine the thickness of your door. The thickness of doors ranges, and this measurement is essential to purchasing the correct fitting handle.
Next, you need to measure the backset. For example, the backset of a door is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre point of the keyhole or the hole for the spindle.
Now you have the measurements you need; you can move on the choosing your handle.
Handle style:
First, decide on the handle design you want to choose, whether a lever on backplate, lever on rose or one of the many other styles available. Do not forget to consider your exterior architecture when deciding on your design.
It might also be worth coordinating your exterior handles to any fixtures you have on the exterior of your home; this may include light fixtures, letterboxes, or door knockers.
Lock type:
For external doors, the stronger the lock, the better. Whether a mortice sashlock, a deadlock or a euro lock, it is also possible to add an escutcheon for decorative purposes. Adding an escutcheon will help protect your lock from the elements and finish the look of your exteriors.
For the inside of your external doors, consider adding a night latch for even more security. A night latch will allow the door to remain locked from the inside without using a key.
Building a home is an exciting and rewarding experience. We know that when you settle on the perfect property, one of the next steps will be to choose door furniture that complements your interior design style.
Whether you are looking for something understated or bold, our experts can help guide every step of this process. By reading this post, we hope that you are now better equipped to make an informed decision about what style of door handles will work best in your house.
So, explore all our current trends in door handles-from simple brass fixtures with minimal detail to contemporary designs with sleek finishes; from traditional styles to industrial accents, you can find them all on our website.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of 70mm uPVC profile for windows. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.