How to Choose a Main Door Handle for Your Home

The main door handle is the first thing visitors touch and the piece of hardware used most every day. Choosing well means checking a few measurements first. This checklist covers what to look at before you order.

Start with the door

• Door thickness. Most doors fall somewhere between 35 mm and 50 mm thick, but measure yours. It affects the bolt and screw length you need.
• The lock. Does your door have a mortise lock (fitted inside the door), a rim lock (fitted on the surface) or a separate latch? The handle must work with it.
• Existing fixing holes. If you are replacing a handle, measure the distance between the fixing holes, centre to centre, and check whether the handle is fixed from one side or through the door.

Pull handle or lever handle?

Pull handles are fixed bars you grip and pull. They suit main entrance doors that have their own lock. Lever handles turn to operate a latch and are common on interior doors. Knowing which your door uses saves an expensive mistake.

Choosing the size

Long pull handles from around 400 mm up to well over a metre are common on tall or wide entrance doors. A good rule is to pick a length that looks proportionate to the door and is easy to grip with your whole hand. Door handles are usually fitted at around 100 cm from the floor, which is comfortable for most people.

Material and finish

An outside door is exposed to sun, dust and rain, so material matters more than on an indoor cabinet. Solid brass is a long-lasting choice for main doors, and it ages gracefully. Read our comparison of handle materials for more, or see the finish guide to match your door and gate.

A handle is not a lock

A handle makes the door easy to use, but security comes from the lock, hinges and door frame. Choose your lock separately and make sure the handle and lock work together.

Fitting checklist

1. Measure door thickness and hole spacing before ordering.
2. Check the handle's projection so it clears the door frame and wall.
3. Use the fixings supplied, and confirm the screws or bolts are long enough for your door.
4. Drilling into solid wood or metal doors needs the right tools — consider a carpenter.
5. Tighten fixings firmly but not over-tight, and re-check them after a few weeks.

Browse our main door handles, and message us on WhatsApp with your measurements if you would like a second opinion.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change the handle without changing the lock?

Often yes, if the new handle's fixing holes line up with the existing ones or the handle is a simple pull fitted on the surface. Send us your measurements to check.

What height should a main door handle be?

Around 100 cm from the floor is common, but follow the position of your existing handle or lock, and consider the people who use the door every day.

How do I know if I need a pull handle or a lever handle?

If the door opens by pulling a fixed bar and locks with a separate lock, you need a pull handle. If the handle turns to release a latch, you need a lever handle.