Renovating your home is an exciting (and potentially stressful) time, but we've come up with a list of the 6 most important things to consider when replacing your interior door handles to take a little bit of stress out of your next project.
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One of the first and most import things to decide on is are you replacing your internal doors, or are you keeping existing doors and just 'jazzing' them up a bit with new door hardware? If you've decided your doors are too good to just throw away, then we suggest removing one of your existing handles to see what holes are exposed in your existing door. The last thing you want to do is purchase a lovely new set of your favourite door handles just to realise they won't retrofit in place of your existing door handles. When it comes to door handles in Australia, there are generally two common rose (base plate of the door handle) sizes:
Small Rose: Rose size between 50mm - 55mm in diameter. These types of installations will usually have three small holes through the door (one for the spindle and two for the fixing screws).
Large Rose: Rose size between 63mm - 65mm in diameter (sometimes larger). These will retrofit in place of an existing bore hole of 50m-54mm.
As a rule of thumb you generally want your rose diameter to be at least 10mm larger than your the diameter of the hole in your door. This will prevent the door handle "sinking" in to the bore hole.
Now for the more exciting part of choosing new door handles - choosing the finish. With door handles becoming somewhat of a statement item in houses these days, people are basing their choice of fixtures off their chosen door handle so it's important to get a finish you'll love looking at every day. Satin Brass door handles and Matt Black door handles have rapidly become the most popular finishes on the door hardware scene and this popularity doesn't show any signs of slowing down.
When talking door handles, the two most common methods for applying the finish are electroplating and powder coating. While there are benefits to both of these applications, electroplating provides a stronger, harder and more durable finish that can prevent scratches from rings on your fingers or keys in your hand. Electroplated door handles also offer great long term wear and corrosion resistance when compared to powder coated door handles.
To understand the technical difference between the two, the below link provides some great information:
https://powdervisioninc.com//05/the-differences-between-electroplating-and-powder-coating-in-washington
Another thing to consider is where in your house these door handles are going to be installed. Do you want the ability to privacy lock your bedroom and bathroom doors? If so, you definitely want to consider a door handle that provides both a passage and privacy option. Passage sets are perfect for doors that do not require the ability to lock, whereas Privacy sets are great options for bathroom, toilet or bedroom doors where some privacy is required.
The last thing you want is to spend a large amount of money on new door handles only to find that you need to replace within a couple of years. High quality door handles should come with a minimum 10 year mechanical warranty. If your supplier of door handles can offer you this then you know you're buying a good quality product from a reputable seller who backs their goods.
We understand that sticking to a budget during a renovation can be tough, but skimping on door handles can cause you more headaches than it's worth. There are plenty of cheap sub $20 options on the market, but once you do a bit of research you'll quickly realise why these are so much cheaper than most door handles on the market. All you need to do is hold one of these cheap door handles in your hand to realise it's not made from any type of solid material. The finish will also most likely corrode after very limited use.
There are also some door handles on the opposite end of the scale which can set you back upwards of $300 per set of door handles which can add up very quickly when replacing every handle in your house.
While the most important thing is to find door handles that fit within your budget and that you love the look and feel of, we believe that the $50 - $150 price range will get you a great quality product that should last you until your next renovation.
Picture this: You walk up to a charming old house with a beautifully crafted wooden entrance door… only to be greeted by a flimsy, plastic door knob that feels out of place. Yikes! It's a bit like wearing sneakers with a tuxedo—the mismatch can be jarring and destroy the whole appeal.
When it comes to buying door hardware, one of the big decisions you’ll face is whether to opt for cheaper or more expensive options. Choosing the right types of door knobs and handles for your home is more than just a matter of aesthetics too. These seemingly small components play a vital role in the functionality, security, and overall look of your doors.
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Let’s navigate the factors to consider when it comes to types of door hardware, so you can make an informed decision to suit your budget and needs.
Consider what materials will best suit the environment of your home. For example, if you live in a humid area, stainless steel or brass may be preferable due to their resistance to corrosion. In contrast, a dry climate might be more forgiving on a wider variety of materials, including some lower-cost options.
Think about the overall style of your home and what types of door knobs and handles may complement it. If you have a modern home, sleek and minimalistic designs might be ideal. For a traditional or vintage home, more ornate and detailed designs could be a better fit. The finish of the door hardware, whether it's matte, polished, or antique, should also match other fixtures and fittings in your home.
Consider how much use each door will get. High-traffic areas, like the front door or doors leading to common areas, require more durable and long-lasting hardware. Assess the longevity of the materials and construction methods of the door hardware. Solid metals and high-quality manufacturing techniques generally ensure that the hardware can withstand frequent use over many years.
Security is a key concern, especially for exterior doors. Evaluate the security features of the types of door handles you’re considering. Look for reinforced plates, robust locking mechanisms, and sturdy construction that can resist tampering and forced entry. Your home’s location can also influence your needs; for example, in a high-crime area, investing in high-security features would be crucial.
Finally, think about the installation process and ongoing maintenance. Some types of door levers and knobs are easier to install than others, which can save you time and money if you plan to do it yourself. Higher-quality options might require professional installation. Maintenance is another consideration; look for door hardware that is easy to clean and maintain, ensuring it remains functional and attractive over time.
When comparing cheap and expensive door handle types, several key differences stand out:
Cheap door knobs are often made from materials like plastic or low-grade metals, which can feel flimsy and wear out quickly. On the other hand, better quality options from trusted brands like Gainsborough or Lockwood use high-quality materials like solid brass, stainless steel, or chrome, which are more durable and provide a premium feel.
Cheap door knobs generally come in basic designs and fewer finish options, which may not align with refined interior decor styles. Pricier options, however, offer a broader range of designs including intricate detailing and a variety of finishes, allowing for better customisation. From modern minimalist to classic ornate, and flush pull handles to statement door knockers—if you’re happy to pay a little more, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your home’s decor.
Durability and longevity are critical for door knobs and handles that are subject to frequent use. Cheaper door knobs might wear out or break sooner, leading to additional replacement costs. In contrast, more expensive door hardware is designed to last longer. The superior materials and construction methods used in high-end options ensure that they can withstand the rigours of daily use without losing their functionality or appearance.
Security features in expensive door hardware are often more advanced. High-end options often come with enhanced security features, like reinforced plates, higher-quality locks, and more robust construction, providing better protection against intruders. Cheap options might lack these features, making them easier to tamper with or break.
While cheap door knobs may be easier to install, they often require more maintenance and are more likely to need replacement down the track. Expensive door knobs, although potentially requiring professional installation, tend to be more reliable and require less maintenance over time.
When deciding between cheap and expensive types of door knobs and handles, consider your specific needs and budget. If you’re furnishing a temporary or low-traffic area, cheaper options might suffice. But for high-traffic areas or for doors where security is a major concern, investing in more expensive door knobs and handles is worthwhile.
Expensive door hardware offers superior materials, better design options, enhanced durability, and advanced security features, making them a better long-term investment. Although the initial cost is higher, the reduced need for maintenance and replacements can save money over time.
For more information, please visit Residential Door Hardware Wholesale.