How to Choose Door Hardware (and Why It’s More Complex Than You Think)

When you start renovating or building, door hardware might seem like one of those small finishing touches you’ll choose at the end - a quick decision before moving on to something more exciting. But once you start looking into it, you’ll realise just how much there is to know. From door construction to lock and hinge type, every detail affects both the look and function of your doors.

At The Renovation Shop, helping people navigate these decisions is one of the things we do best (I’ve been doing it for close to two decades!). We spend our days talking to renovators, builders, and homeowners about the practical and aesthetic details that make their homes not only beautiful but comfortable and functional. Here are some of the questions we ask when helping customers choose the right door hardware.

1. Is your door new or existing?

This is always the first question. A new door gives you more flexibility - you can choose any handle type, latch position or lock style.
An existing door, however, may already have holes drilled, hinges fitted, or cut-outs for locks. Knowing this helps us recommend hardware that fits seamlessly without extra carpentry or patching.

2. Does your door have a pre-existing 54mm diameter hole?

A lot of modern handle sets are designed to fit a 54mm standard bore hole. If your door already has one, it’s not ideal, but we can work with it. If not, or if the hole is smaller, that changes things and makes life a whole lot easier!

3. What is your door made from?

Is it solid timber, hollow-core, or something custom, like steel or aluminium?
Solid timber allows you to use almost any hardware, while hollow doors may need connector bolts to tie the handles together. Understanding the material helps ensure the handles you buy are suitable for your door and that your handles and locks remain secure and function smoothly for years to come.

4. What is your door jamb made from?

The jamb - the frame the door sits in - affects how latches and strikes are fitted. Steel frames, for instance, need different strike plates than timber jambs.

5. Is your door glazed?

If your door has glass panels, that may influence both your choice of style and security hardware.

6. What is the design of your door?

The design of the door itself is a significant factor.

• Panelled doors look timeless with round or oval knobs.
• Shaker or contemporary styles often suit levers.
• French doors pair beautifully with elegant espagnolette bolts.

Your hardware should complement the era and character of your home - something we’re passionate about helping you get right (as well as the positioning of handles on the door!).

7. How thick is your door?

Most interior doors are 35mm thick, while exterior doors are usually 40mm or more. This commonly determines the size of hinge you need, and also has a bearing on the length of Euro cylinder you would use if you need one.

8. Do you need hinges to match?

Hinges are often overlooked but make a big difference to the finished look. Matching the hinge finish to your handles – for example, whether it’s polished brass, antique bronze or matte black - creates a cohesive, considered result.

9. Is it a single or double door?

For double (French) doors, we’ll need to consider how the two doors meet. Are the doors rebated? Rebated doors have a stepped edge where the two leaves overlap - a lovely traditional detail that needs specific latch or lock rebate kits to work. It’s another significant detail that you need to know. You’ll also likely need bolts to keep the inactive door firmly in place (especially if you have external French doors). These can be matched to your handles for a polished look.

10. How wide is the door stile?

The stile is the vertical rail down the face of the door (and importantly, where the handle sits). Narrow stiles (common on French doors) limit what kind of hardware will fit, so measuring this helps us narrow down your options early on.

11. Does the door need to lock?

Internal and external doors each need different locking or latching solutions. You can choose tube latches (when a door doesn’t require any locking function), privacy sets (often used in bathrooms), or key locks for external doors.

12. What style of key do you prefer?

Would you like all your doors keyed alike? A traditional skeleton key? Or a modern cylinder? The key style is part of both your security and your home’s overall design story.

13. Do you already have a latch or lock you’re intending to use?

If you’re reusing existing hardware or mortice locks, we’ll help you select compatible handles. It’s these small details that prevent costly or time-consuming adjustments later.

Why It’s Worth Getting Advice

Door hardware might seem simple, but once you consider all the variables - door design, thickness, material, style, and function - it quickly becomes clear that choosing the right pieces takes care and expertise. Getting it right means your doors will look beautiful, feel solid, and work perfectly every day.

At The Renovation Shop, we take the time to ask all the right questions, ensuring your hardware not only suits your doors but also complements the rest of your home. Whether you’re restoring a heritage property or building new, we can help you choose hardware that lasts a lifetime - both in quality and style.

Need help choosing hardware for your home?

We’d love to guide you through the options. Visit us in Canberra, or feel free to call or email us with any questions. Oh, and send photos, because that always helps! Let’s make sure every door in your home opens beautifully.