Hardware Buying Guides

Door Hardware Buying Guide

When it comes to fitting new doorways or updating an existing one, choosing the right components for a fuss-free installation is important. Our door hardware guide explains how to choose all the essential parts to provide a secure and lasting fit, increase security in residential and commercial properties, as well as enhancing the style of any room for a co-ordinated look.

Hardware for the home

Handles

One of the essential features for doors in the home are handles, with grip and ease of use being a primary consideration. They are also available in different materials and colours, helping to achieve a custom look that suits your home and decor.

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Knobs

With a classic appeal, knob fixtures have an attractive rounded design that fits in with traditional looks or rustic homes inspired by bygone eras. Polished metallic finishes offer a versatile finish with many matching accessories, while on-trend matt black adds a modern update to a home.

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Handle packs

By choosing a complete pack, it makes sure your trade professional will have everything that is needed for a successful installation. Often containing handle, hinge, and latch components, they ensure all parts match for a co-ordinated look and are compatible for a secure and lasting fit.

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EB Stainless Steel Ball Bearing Butt Hinge Grade 7

Hinges

Required for entrances that swing open, these fixtures are an essential element for a door to operate correctly. The number required is also determined by the weight of a doorway, with more required for fire-safe options or heavier doorway panels.

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Latches

Vital for keeping areas firmly shut, these fixtures are mounted in the door and frame for a flush fit and to keep it securely closed. They prevent the doorway from opening on its own but can still be easily opened with a handle or knob accessory.

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Door stops

Screwed directly into skirting or onto walls, this component prevents damage, knocks, and scrapes on surfaces when a doorway is opened. They typically feature a rubber end which also reduces noise if it is slammed opened too hard or too quickly.

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Planning considerations for the home

Co-ordinate colours

We recommend co-ordinating your finishes for a cohesive look and to bring a scheme together. Cool metallics suit modern homes, while brass features are best used in period properties or those inspired by heritage design. Black accents can add a style statement to rustic, monochrome, or engineered looks.

Complement design

Colour schemes are just one part of tying together an interior while the style itself can also create a complementary look. Ornate parts with an antique appearance can help bring together a rustic theme, while fixtures with a precise geometric design complements a decor inspired by modern aesthetics.

Consider accessibility

Making sure entranceways are simple and easy to use is a vital way of making a home family-friendly. This is particularly true for multi-generational homes where easy use is vital for older members. Curved easy-to-grip designs and lightweight builds make internal doors accessible for all.

Plan in privacy

Consider internal access that might require extra privacy, such as bedrooms or washrooms. Simple fixings like thumbturns are a great way to add privacy while being easy to use. They are also safer for families, preventing young children from getting locked in.

Flex your space

Creating a space that can change to suit your needs will ensure your home will work for you at all stages of life. Our sliding door gears allow panels to fold on one side and open on the other to create different sized openings. This means a room can be extended or cordoned off for various activities.

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Improve fire safety

The safety of a home can be updated simply by choosing fire-safe parts. Each have an FD rating that protect from smoke and flames spreading through the home for up to 30 or 60 minutes. These include hinges, frames, and locks which are as easy to fit than other components.

Double up on doors

If your home features larger doorways or there is a need for wider access to different rooms, then double doors are great for sectioning areas off like separating dining and cooking areas. Specialist parts include floor locking mechanisms, allowing one doorway to open while the other remains closed.

Ledro Black Nickel Rose Handle and Round Escutcheon

Be rental ready

One element to consider with rentals is multiple occupancies. Unlike a standard home, you will find that tenants will prefer key-based locking for each of the bedrooms. Fire safety is also a requirement here – escape routes and split level areas will need FD-rated equipment to comply with legislation.

Fittings for front doors

ERA Double Locking Nightlatch Brass Case & Cylinder

Lockable components

Security is paramount when it comes to front and back entrances, particularly if your home is situated in a busy area. Simple bolts or cylinder fittings can provide ample safety, while parts like night latches are great for introducing increased security measures.

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Exitex Mobility Weather Bar Kit Aluminium

Doorway seals

A vital addition for front doorways, these seals are fitted at the bottom of an entrance to keep out cold weather. This is useful if your entrance opens straight into a living space rather than a porch or hallway, helping to retain heat and preserving energy consumption in a home.

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Exterior accessories

The front of your home can make a great first impression for visitors with accessories adding curb appeal for a more inviting entrance. Items, such as letterboxes, knockers, and handgrips, are available in different designs and finishes to make a style statement or to complement an interior.

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Planning considerations for exterior doorways

Think beyond the front

Think beyond your front door when planning external fixtures, for examples, gates, sheds, garages, and fences. A good option is to add rim locks to a garden gate for added security. Additionally, a distinctive design can help enhance the overall appeal of the outside of a property.

Complement your property

Adding fixtures that marry with the design of your property is important to achieve a cohesive look. For example, modern new builds will benefit from simple geometric fixtures often in cool metallic tones. Period properties are suited to fittings with an antique appearance and ornate design.

Invest in tech

Security is a crucial part of exterior home hardware, and high-tech options are a great way to keep your home safe. Smart CCTV devices can record footage and provide a live stream for you to monitor, while external alarms work as an effective deterrent against potential intruders.

Hardware for commercial properties

Union Retro 3 Door Closer Fixed Size 3 Silver

Automatic closers

Positioned at the top of a doorway, these components automatically close a door for added safety and are often installed in high-traffic areas. This is an essential element for fire-rated doors, ensuring doors are kept shut in the event of a fire and helping to prevent the spread of smoke and flames throughout a building.

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Digital locking

This type of locking part is one of the best ways to keep areas closed off and the level of access to a room tightly controlled. This could be for added security, such as locking away cleaning equipment, or keeping staff-only spaces restricted from the public.

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Panic fixtures

Panic-related fixings offer a very clear way of directing staff and members of the public to evacuation areas, in the event of an emergency. This includes providing clear instructions on how to use certain equipment when safely escaping a building.

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Composite Doors existing timber door Frame

Fire-safe hinges

A key element of a fire door, these fire-rated parts are required to support doorways in any commercial areas that need protection from fire spreading between rooms. They also feature an FD rating that should match other components to ensure full compliance.

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Finger plates

As an alternative to handles, these plates make it clear that the doorway should be pushed forward and are frequently added to commercial doorways with closer components. They also help to protect the main doorway against marks, fingerprints, or surface damage.

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Door signs

Signage is a highly effective way of marking up key areas, such as emergency exits, automatic openings, and lockable rooms. Fixings are also available to clearly label WCs and washrooms to help distinguish between male, female, and disabled facilities.

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Commercial planning considerations

Fire regulation

Certain areas of commercial properties require fire-rated doorways to meet regulations and ensure building safety. For example, doorways that lead to exit routes must be fitted with FD-rated assemblies and signage packs may also be required to clearly mark up fire exits.

Escape routes

Signage and panic fixtures are a great way to provide vital directions to exit routes and clear instructions on how to escape. This is particularly important in offices and other commercial buildings where a large number of individuals are situated.

High traffic areas

Utilising heavy-duty doorways with large pull fixtures enhances the ability to deal with regularly used areas, such as busy offices. They must also be fitted with specialist hinge fittings designed to cope with the additional weight and frequent use, ensuring that they will stand the test of time.

Accessibility

The abilities of all individuals should be considered and ensuring that parts are both safe and easy to use should be the first thought during planning. Whether internal areas or emergency exits, the usable parts needs to be accessible for everyone.