Door Hardware in 2026: How to Choose the Right Hardware for Every Door
, 14 min reading time
Door hardware (sometimes simply called door fittings) is one of those choices you feel every day: a door that opens smoothly, a handle that sits comfortably in your hand, and—on exterior doors—the peace of mind that your hardware genuinely supports security. Yet this is where people often get stuck or buy the wrong set: the wrong centre distance, hardware that doesn’t match the lock, or exterior fittings that look great but aren’t tough enough for everyday use. In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose door hardware that fits your situation: interior door hardware for comfort and style, exterior door hardware for protection, and classic door hardware for a timeless look. You’ll also find a clear top selection, a comparison table, and practical tips so you can stop second-guessing and choose correctly the first time.
What is door hardware?
Door hardware covers the visible and functional components that allow you to operate a door and, when needed, lock it. Think door handles/levers, backplates or roses, lock and latch parts, and—on exterior doors—additional security elements such as a security rose and cylinder pull protection. You may also see it described as a door hardware set, or more specifically as front-door or back-door hardware.
The goal is twofold: your door should feel solid and work reliably (comfort + durability) and—on exterior doors—your hardware should meaningfully contribute to security. The best choice mainly depends on (1) whether it’s for interior or exterior use, (2) sizing such as centre distance and spindle size, and (3) the material/finish that suits your home’s style.
Advantages and disadvantages of door hardware
Advantages
- Better daily comfort: a quality lever/rose combination feels stable and operates smoothly.
- A cleaner finish: the right style (modern, industrial, or classic) completes the look of a door.
- Improved security (exterior): reinforced hardware and cylinder protection can reduce common break-in risks.
- Durability: premium materials (stainless steel, solid brass) stay attractive and functional for longer.
- A consistent interior: using one hardware line across doors creates a calmer, more cohesive look.
Disadvantages
- Measurements are critical: the wrong centre distance or spindle size usually means it won’t fit.
- Exterior use needs higher specs: not every “pretty” set is suitable for weather exposure and heavy use.
- Mixing parts can backfire: combining components without checking compatibility can cause play, rubbing, or stiffness.
- Some finishes show wear sooner: certain looks (brass tones, matte black) may reveal fingerprints or patina faster.
Top 5 door hardware products in 2026
1) Intersteel door hardware set WC lock 63/8 with Ton Basic – best for toilet/bathroom doors
A complete door hardware set for bathroom and toilet doors, including a privacy lock, matching lever and thumbturn. It’s ideal if you want one integrated solution where sizing and installation line up—and the look makes a statement with dark wood and a matte nickel-style finish.
- Type: bathroom/toilet set (privacy lock + lever + thumbturn)
- Lock version: 63 mm with 8 mm spindle
- Backset: 50 mm (common installation and routing dimensions)
- Left/right suitable: reversible latch
- Supplied complete: strike plate, stainless steel faceplate and fixing materials
- Door thickness: suitable for 38–42 mm doors and supplied as a pair
2) Shuffle front door set round with Frankfurt angled black – best design + security for a front door
This set combines a modern, confident look with serious protection through a reinforced security rose and an anti–cylinder pull solution. A strong option if you want exterior door hardware that isn’t just stylish, but built to protect.
- Type: front door set (pull handle outside + lever inside)
- Security: reinforced security rose with anti–cylinder pull protection
- Finish: matte black powder coating (RAL 9005 style)
- Material: stainless steel (AISI304) for durability and weather resistance
- Use: suitable for left- and right-hand doors
- Installation: supplied with mounting materials for straightforward fitting
3) Intersteel oval security door hardware lever/lever 72 mm (tumbled brass finish) – best classic security set
Perfect if you love classic door hardware but still want a robust security-oriented build. The tumbled brass look feels timeless and works well on exterior doors where protection matters.
- Type: oval lever/lever set (inner and outer backplates with levers)
- Material: brass with a tumbled, slightly aged appearance
- Centre distance: 72 mm between lever and cylinder opening
- Security: reinforced construction suitable for exterior applications
- Supplied complete: fixing materials for installation
- Extra: detailed installation instructions included
View Intersteel security hardware
4) Intersteel lockable window espagnolette left 1500 mm (aluminium) – best for window and balcony door security
With this espagnolette, you secure the window at both the top and bottom in one movement. The handle is lockable, making it a practical way to combine everyday convenience with extra security for windows or balcony doors.
- Length: 1500 mm, with lockable handle positioned at 350 mm
- Use: suitable for both inward- and outward-opening windows
- Operation: lock by pressing the mechanism; unlock with the supplied key
- Construction: slim aluminium housing (F1 style), internal components in zinc-plated steel
- Mounting & finish: supplied with strike plates, fixing materials and an installation guide
View Intersteel window espagnolette
5) Intersteel front door hardware oval pull/lever 92 mm with cylinder pull protection (matte nickel) – best all-round secured front door set
A strong, everyday choice if you want a front door set with cylinder pull protection and a calm matte nickel finish. The pull handle outside and lever inside are practical for frequent use, and the set suits both left- and right-hand doors.
- Type: front door hardware (pull handle outside + lever inside)
- Material: zamak, brushed and nickel plated for a matte look
- Security: cylinder pull protection to help prevent pulling/drilling attacks on the cylinder core
- Centre distance: 92 mm between lever and cylinder opening
- Left/right: suitable for both orientations
- Supplied complete: inner backplate, outer backplate with pull handle + fixing materials
View Intersteel front door set
Comparison table
| Model | Type | Use | Security | Finish | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intersteel WC lock set Ton Basic | Bathroom/toilet set | Interior | — | Matte nickel-style + dark wood | Bathroom/toilet upgrade |
| Shuffle Frankfurt angled black | Front door set | Exterior | Security rose + cylinder pull protection | Matte black | Design + high protection |
| Intersteel oval security hardware 72 mm | Lever/lever backplate set | Exterior | Reinforced construction | Tumbled brass | Classic look + robust build |
| Intersteel window espagnolette 1500 mm (left) | Lockable espagnolette | Window/balcony door | Lockable | Aluminium | Window and balcony door security |
| Intersteel front door hardware oval 92 mm | Pull/lever backplate set | Exterior | Cylinder pull protection | Matte nickel | All-round front door upgrade |
Buying guide / tips: how to choose the right door hardware
1) Start with “interior” or “exterior”
- Interior door hardware: choose mainly for comfort, design, and (for bathrooms/toilets) the correct privacy function.
- Exterior door hardware: choose security first (reinforced hardware, security roses, cylinder pull protection), then focus on design.
2) Check sizing (centre distance, spindle, door thickness)
- Centre distance: the distance between the lever and the cylinder opening (common sizes include 72 mm and 92 mm).
- Spindle size: must match your lock (a common size is 8 mm).
- Door thickness: confirm the set supports your door thickness (many sets specify a range, such as 38–42 mm).
3) Choose the right type: rose, backplate, lever/lever or pull/lever
- Rose: minimal and modern; ensure sturdy mounting and alignment.
- Backplate: covers more surface area—often helpful for renovations.
- Lever/lever: practical for doors operated from both sides.
- Pull/lever: common for front doors (pull outside, lever inside).
4) Materials and style: modern vs classic
- Stainless steel: low maintenance and clean-looking—great for frequent use.
- Matte black: bold and contemporary; choose durable coatings for heavy use.
- Brass: warm and timeless; works beautifully in character interiors.
5) Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Guessing the centre distance: measure or check your existing hardware/lock specifications.
- Choosing exterior hardware without protection: consider security roses and cylinder pull protection where relevant.
- Mixing parts without compatibility checks: sets reduce the risk of looseness, rubbing or misalignment.
- Forgetting that existing holes matter: for renovations, backplates often hide old drill holes better than separate roses.
Step-by-step: installing door hardware
- Confirm sizing: centre distance, spindle size and door thickness.
- Remove old hardware: loosen screws, remove plates/roses and clean the door surface.
- Install the lock (if replacing): check backset and make sure the latch direction matches the door handing.
- Mount backplates/roses: align carefully and ensure everything sits flush.
- Fit the levers and spindle: tighten securely and test for smooth operation without play.
- Test closing and locking: the door should latch without rubbing; adjust if needed.
FAQs about door hardware
How do you choose the right door hardware for interior and exterior doors?
Interior door hardware is mainly chosen based on comfort, design and the correct function (for example, a privacy lock for bathrooms or toilets). For exterior doors, you should prioritise security first—ideally with reinforced plates or roses and cylinder pull protection—and only then focus on appearance.
Which measurements are crucial when buying door hardware?
The key measurements are the centre distance (between the lever and the cylinder opening), the spindle size (often 8 mm), the door thickness, and—if you’re also replacing the lock—the backset. Incorrect sizing is the most common reason for installation issues.
Which security features should exterior door hardware have?
Good exterior door hardware ideally includes reinforced backplates or security roses and cylinder pull protection to help prevent common cylinder attacks. This improves resistance without forcing you to compromise on design.
Which materials are the most durable for door hardware?
Stainless steel and solid brass are among the most durable and corrosion-resistant choices. Finishes such as matte black or matte nickel can look excellent, but depending on use they may need slightly more maintenance.
When is a backplate better than a rose?
A backplate is often more practical for renovations or doors with wear around the handle area because it covers old drill holes. Roses look clean and modern, but they require accurate, tidy installation.
Is this type of door hardware right for you?
When it’s not a good fit
- You don’t know the measurements and don’t want to measure: the risk is high that the centre distance or spindle size won’t match.
- You want exterior hardware but don’t want any security features: you may end up with hardware that looks good but contributes little to protection.
- Your door is damaged around the handle area: roses may not cover enough; a backplate is often the better choice.
When it may be overkill
- Heavy security hardware on interior doors: you’re paying for protection you won’t really use.
- Very robust security sets on rarely used doors: a durable, simpler set may be the smarter value.
Common buying mistakes
- Guessing the centre distance instead of measuring
- Choosing exterior hardware without cylinder pull protection where it’s needed
- Combining separate parts that don’t technically match
- Choosing a finish without considering maintenance (black/brass)
User scenarios (who this suits and who it doesn’t)
Good fit: you want doors that feel smooth, last a long time, and—outside—offer clearly improved protection without endless comparison shopping.
Not a fit: you want a “quick gamble” without checking sizes, or you want to choose exterior door hardware purely for looks.
Doika as a selective advisor
Doika helps you not only with what you can buy, but also with what you’re better off avoiding. By focusing on use case (interior/exterior), sizing (centre distance/spindle/door thickness) and security level, you prevent mismatch purchases and reach the right choice faster.
Why choose Doika?
Doika specialises in quality solutions for home and outdoor living and selects door hardware based on sizing, materials, finish, and practical performance. Each product is chosen for how well it works in real life—not just how it looks. You benefit from clear product information, dependable service, straightforward warranty terms and a transparent returns policy, so you can order with confidence and know what to expect before and after purchase.
Conclusion
Good door hardware is a smart investment: you notice it every day in comfort, appearance and—on exterior doors—security. Start with the use case (interior or exterior), always verify centre distance and spindle size, and then choose the finish and style (modern or classic). Ready to find the best match for your door? Explore the door hardware collection at Doika and choose with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you choose the right door hardware for interior and exterior doors?
Interior door hardware is mainly chosen based on comfort, design and the correct function (for example, a privacy lock for bathrooms or toilets). For exterior doors, you should prioritise security first—ideally with reinforced plates or roses and cylinder pull protection—and only then focus on appearance.
Which measurements are crucial when buying door hardware?
The key measurements are the centre distance (between the lever and the cylinder opening), the spindle size (often 8 mm), the door thickness, and—if you’re also replacing the lock—the backset. Incorrect sizing is the most common reason for installation issues.
Which security features should exterior door hardware have?
Good exterior door hardware ideally includes reinforced backplates or security roses and cylinder pull protection to help prevent common cylinder attacks. This improves resistance without forcing you to compromise on design.
Which materials are the most durable for door hardware?
Stainless steel and solid brass are among the most durable and corrosion-resistant choices. Finishes such as matte black or matte nickel can look excellent, but depending on use they may need slightly more maintenance.
When is a backplate better than a rose?
A backplate is often more practical for renovations or doors with wear around the handle area because it covers old drill holes. Roses look clean and modern, but they require accurate, tidy installation.
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