Door Hardware for Interior and Exterior Doors: A Practical Guide for 2026
, 10 min reading time
Door hardware determines how comfortable a door feels in everyday use and how cleanly (and securely) your home is finished. For interior doors, the focus is mainly on comfort and style, while exterior doors benefit from certified security and a finish that can handle weather and intensive use. Correct sizing is just as important: the wrong PC measurement or backplate shape can quickly cause installation issues. Material and color also define the overall look—from deep PUUR black to timeless stainless steel and characterful brass. Below you’ll learn what door hardware is, who it’s for, when to choose which solution, and what to check so you can make the right choice the first time.
What is door hardware?
Door hardware is the collective term for all components used to operate, finish, and optionally secure a door or window. Think of door handles, roses or backplates, pull handles, security roses with cylinder pull protection, and window hardware such as a lockable (security) espagnolette. High-quality door hardware improves ease of use, creates a refined appearance, and adds extra burglary resistance on exterior doors.
Who is door hardware suitable for?
- Anyone who wants to finish interior doors with durable, stylish door handles
- Owners who want to secure exterior doors with SKG-approved hardware
- Renovations where old drill holes or marks need to be neatly covered
- Anyone who wants a uniform look with a complete set for the front door
- Anyone who wants to lock windows or balcony doors more securely with window hardware
When do you choose door hardware?
New door hardware is a logical choice with a new door, during renovation, or when you want to refresh the style of your interior or facade. For exterior doors, it pays to invest in security hardware with cylinder pull protection and SKG certification—especially if you want to protect your cylinder against common break-in methods. For windows, lockable hardware can also be a smart option if you want extra security or child safety without sacrificing convenience.
What should you look for when buying door hardware?
Application: interior, exterior, or window
Start with the location. For interior doors, you mainly choose based on design, feel in hand, and durability. For exterior doors, security is the priority: preferably choose SKG*** and pay attention to cylinder pull protection. For windows and balcony doors, lockability, opening direction, and length are key factors.
Security: SKG** or SKG*** and anti-cylinder pull
For exterior doors, SKG*** is a strong choice if you want maximum burglary resistance. Combine this with a security rose featuring an anti-cylinder pull block to protect the cylinder more effectively.
PC measurement (centre distance) and fit
With security hardware for a profile cylinder, the PC measurement is crucial: it’s the distance between the centre of the door handle and the centre of the cylinder. A common measurement is PC 72 mm (as with the Intersteel security hardware below). Measure this in advance to avoid surprises during installation.
Rose or backplate
A rose creates a minimalist look and covers less surface area. A backplate covers more and is useful if you want to hide old drill holes or prefer extra coverage around the handle and cylinder.
Material and finish
Your material choice affects maintenance and overall appearance:
- Stainless steel: durable, low-maintenance, and suitable for intensive use
- Brass (tumbled): warm, matte/darker character finish with a distinctive look
- Aluminium: light and practical, often used for window hardware
Popular choices from the Doika collection
Shuffle front door set round with Frankfurt angled black
This set combines a modern look with strong security. You get a SKG*** security rose with anti-cylinder pull protection and a premium PUUR black (RAL 9005) powder coating on durable stainless steel.
- SKG*** security rose with anti-cylinder pull block
- PUUR black (RAL 9005) matte powder coating
- Stainless steel AISI304: durable and weather-resistant
- Concealed-fix pull handle
- Universally applicable (left- and right-opening)
Intersteel security hardware oval handle/handle PC 72 mm SKG*** tumbled brass
An excellent option for exterior doors when you want to combine security with a classic look. This oval backplate is SKG*** certified and has PC 72 mm, finished in tumbled brass.
- SKG***: extra high burglary resistance
- PC measurement 72 mm (profile cylinder opening)
- Tumbled brass: matte, darker character finish
- Oval backplate for extra coverage
- Includes fixing materials and installation guide
Intersteel window espagnolette lockable left 1500mm with interchangeable cylinder aluminium
For windows or balcony doors you want to lock at the top and bottom in one smooth action. This model is 1500 mm long, lockable with a key, and designed for practical day-to-day use.
- Lockable (key) for extra security
- Length 1500 mm, left-hand version
- Solid rod ends and supplied strike plates
- Suitable for inward- and outward-opening windows
- Includes fixing materials and installation guide
Shuffle front door set round with Moscow 350 stainless steel
This stainless-steel set is a timeless choice if you want durability and a neat look, combined with a high security level thanks to the SKG*** security rose with anti-cylinder pull protection.
- SKG*** security rose with anti-cylinder pull protection
- Stainless steel version: low-maintenance
- Concealed-fix pull handle
- Universally applicable (left- and right-opening)
- Includes installation materials
Shuffle front door set round with Nairobi 800 stainless steel
If you’re aiming for a modern, statement entrance, a bold stainless-steel set is a popular choice. Here too, you get a SKG*** security rose with anti-cylinder pull protection for a secure front-door finish.
- SKG*** security rose with anti-cylinder pull protection
- Stainless steel version: durable and easy to maintain
- Concealed-fix pull handle
- Universally applicable (left- and right-opening)
- Includes installation materials
Comparison: door hardware at Doika
| Model | Application | Material / colour | Security / measurement | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shuffle Frankfurt angled black | Front door set | Stainless steel / PUUR black (RAL 9005) | SKG*** + anti-cylinder pull | Modern front door with maximum security |
| Intersteel oval backplate tumbled brass | Exterior door security hardware | Tumbled brass | SKG***, PC 72 mm | Classic look + extra coverage around the cylinder |
| Intersteel window espagnolette 1500mm left | Window/balcony door | Aluminium | Lockable (key), 1500 mm | Extra locking and secure window closure |
| Shuffle Moscow 350 stainless steel | Front door set | Stainless steel | SKG*** + anti-cylinder pull | Timeless stainless-steel front door set |
| Shuffle Nairobi 800 stainless steel | Front door set | Stainless steel | SKG*** + anti-cylinder pull | Modern stainless-steel entrance look |
Frequently asked questions about door hardware
How do I choose the right door hardware for my situation?
Choose based on application (interior, exterior, or window), desired security level, and correct measurements. For exterior doors, SKG*** and anti-cylinder pull protection are strongly recommended, while for interior doors you mainly focus on design and comfort. Always measure the PC measurement when a profile cylinder is present.
When is SKG*** door hardware recommended?
SKG*** is recommended for exterior doors when you want maximum burglary resistance. This level is often chosen in combination with a security rose and anti-cylinder pull protection, increasing resistance against common break-in methods.
What is the PC measurement and why is it important?
The PC measurement is the centre distance between the handle hole and the cylinder hole in the hardware. If this doesn’t match your lock, the hardware won’t fit correctly. Measure it in advance, especially when choosing security hardware for a profile cylinder.
Should I choose door hardware with a rose or a backplate?
A rose provides a clean, modern finish and covers less surface area. A backplate covers more of the door and is useful for renovations or when you want extra coverage around the handle and cylinder. For exterior doors, backplate hardware is often selected for practical reasons.
Which material is best suited for exterior doors?
For exterior doors, stainless steel is often preferred due to durability and ease of maintenance. Brass is also an option if appearance is important, but it generally requires more care. Always pair your material choice with the right security level (preferably SKG***).
Why choose Doika?
Doika specialises in high-quality solutions for home finishing, with a focus on durable materials, reliable security, and a consistent style range. The assortment includes SKG-approved security hardware, complete front door sets with anti-cylinder pull protection, and practical solutions for windows. You benefit from clear product information, customer-focused support, and a selection designed for long-term use. In addition, Doika offers standard warranty, a transparent returns policy, and service that helps you quickly choose the right hardware and install it correctly.
Conclusion
The right choice depends on application, measurements, and security requirements. For exterior doors, it’s worth choosing SKG*** with anti-cylinder pull protection and a durable finish such as PUUR black or stainless steel. For windows, lockable hardware can provide extra peace of mind. Explore the full door hardware collection and also view the Shuffle Frankfurt angled black, the Intersteel oval PC 72 mm, and the Shuffle Moscow 350 stainless steel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right door hardware for my situation?
Choose based on application (interior, exterior, or window), required security level, and correct measurements. For exterior doors, SKG*** certification and anti-snap protection are strongly recommended, while interior doors focus more on design and ease of use. Always measure the PC size if a euro profile cylinder is installed.
When is SKG*** door hardware recommended?
SKG*** is recommended for exterior doors where maximum burglary resistance is required. It is often combined with a security escutcheon and anti-snap protection. This significantly increases resistance against common break-in methods.
What is the PC size and why is it important?
The PC size is the center-to-center distance between the handle hole and the cylinder hole in the hardware. If this measurement does not match your lock, the hardware will not fit correctly. Always measure in advance, especially when choosing security hardware with a profile cylinder.
Should I choose door hardware with a rose or a backplate?
A rose provides a sleek, modern finish and covers less surface area. A backplate covers more of the door and is useful for renovations or when extra coverage around the handle and cylinder is needed. For exterior doors, backplate hardware is often chosen for functional reasons.
Which material is most suitable for exterior doors?
Stainless steel is a popular choice for exterior doors due to its durability and low maintenance. Brass is also an option if aesthetics are important, but it requires more upkeep. Always combine your material choice with the appropriate security level (preferably SKG***).
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