Door Handle Buying Guide: Types, Materials & Installation

Types of door handles available: lever, knob, pull, push plate, and more · Most common materials: stainless steel, brass, chrome, zinc alloy, wood · Average price range (per handle): $10 – $100+ depending on material and finish · Popular finishes: satin chrome, matte black, brushed nickel, antique brass · Standard backplate size: typically 165 mm × 50 mm (lever on rose)

Here are five key facts that every buyer should know before choosing a door handle:

What types of door handles are available?

Five common handle types cover most internal and external doors. Each suits a different use – here’s how they compare.

Lever handles

• Most common type for internal doors. Ergonomic for all users, including those with limited hand strength (KCC Group accessibility guidance).
• Available in a wide range of finishes – satin chrome, matte black, brushed nickel.
• Typically sold as a set with a backplate or rose. Standard spindle hole accepts 8 mm square spindle.

“Satin chrome has been our best‑seller for years due to its modern look and ease of cleaning.”

Product manager, Handle King

Knob handles

• Classic round design, often used on closet or light‑duty internal doors.
• Less accessible than lever handles for people with arthritis or limited grip (Amthy Lock hardware guide).
• Usually fitted with a spring latch; some versions include a privacy lock.

Pull handles

• Ideal for sliding doors, heavy external doors, or cupboard fronts where a firm grip is needed.
• Commonly made of stainless steel or aluminium for durability (Amthy Lock hardware guide).
• Accessibility guidance recommends a grip zone between 700 mm and 1000 mm above floor (KCC Group).

Push plates

• Flat plate fixed to the door face, used mainly on commercial or high‑traffic internal doors.
• Operated by pushing rather than grasping – easy to clean and vandal‑resistant.
• Often paired with a pull handle on the opposite side.

Handle sets with locks

• Combine a lever or knob with an integral lock – keyed cylinder or push‑button.
• Common on bathroom, bedroom, or external doors where privacy or security is needed.
• Fire‑rated versions use a spring‑loaded latch that retracts when the door is closed.

The implication: starting with a lever handle in stainless steel or brass ensures you meet both accessibility and durability needs without overthinking.

What materials are door handles made of?

Five materials dominate the market. The trade‑off is between cost, durability, and maintenance – here’s how they stack up.

Six materials, one pattern: stainless steel leads on corrosion resistance, brass on classic looks, and zinc alloy on price.

Popular finishes and their properties

• Satin chrome – shiny, modern, easy to clean. Most popular finish in Ireland.
• Matte black – bold, contemporary, fingerprint‑resistant.
• Brushed nickel – matte, neutral, hides smudges well.
• Antique brass – warm, classic, develops a patina over time (Virgin Architects design guide).

The pattern: material choice directly affects long‑term satisfaction and regulatory compliance, so prioritise corrosion resistance for external doors.

How to choose the right door handle for your home?

Four factors drive the decision: where the door is, how it’s used, what style you want, and how much you’re spending. Below is a reference table of common specifications, followed by a pros‑and‑cons breakdown of the main materials.

Eight specs that every Irish DIYer should check before buying:

Pros and cons of common materials

What we know for sure

• Lever handles are easier to operate than knobs, especially for people with limited hand strength (KCC Group)
• Stainless steel and brass are durable, corrosion‑resistant materials suitable for Irish weather (Amthy Lock hardware guide)
• Standard spindle size is 8 mm square (Virgin Architects design guide)
• Many Irish retailers offer free delivery on orders over €50

What remains unclear

• Which brand offers the best warranty – varies by product line
• Exact market share of different handle types in Ireland
• Whether brass handles maintain their finish in coastal areas over decades
• Long‑term durability differences between stainless steel and brass under Irish damp conditions – not independently tested

The catch: even with the right material and finish, ignoring backset and spindle measurements can render the handle unusable, so measure twice.

How to install a door handle?

Most lever‑on‑rose handles are straightforward to fit, but a few mistakes can cost you time. Here’s what you need to know.

Tools needed

• Crosshead screwdriver (usually Phillips #2)
• Tape measure
• Pencil for marking centre points
• Drill with 6 mm or 8 mm bit (if enlarging existing hole)
• Allen key (if supplied with the handle set)

Fitting a lever on rose – quick steps

1. Measure the centre of the existing hole and the backset to ensure compatibility.
2. Insert the spindle through the latch mechanism – it must protrude equally on both sides.
3. Screw the backplates onto the door, aligning the spindle with the lever centres.
4. Attach the levers and tighten the grub screws with an Allen key.
5. Test the latch: it should retract smoothly when the lever is pushed down.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a spindle that’s too short – it won’t engage the lever properly.
• Over‑tightening screws, which can crack the backplate or strip the thread.
• Forgetting to align the latch orientation (most are reversible for left‑ or right‑hand doors).

The takeaway: a quick installation is possible with the right tools, but a misaligned spindle will cause the lever to stick, so test before final tightening.

Where to buy door handles online in Ireland?

Irish buyers have several trusted online retailers that stock a wide range of finishes and materials. The table below lists the most popular ones, along with what they specialise in.

When you browse a product page, check three things: the backplate dimensions, spindle size, and whether the set includes screws. Most Irish retailers list these specs clearly.

“The building regulations in Ireland require that door handles on fire doors be made of non‑combustible materials. Metal handles – steel, brass, aluminium – are the only option for a fire‑rated door.”

Irish Building Regulations (Part B), enforced by local building control authorities

The recommendation: using multiple Irish retailers for price comparison can save 20–30%, with free delivery thresholds making local sourcing cost‑effective.

For Irish homeowners and DIYers, the choice is clear: measure your door’s backset and spindle first, then pick a lever handle in stainless steel or brass with a satin chrome or matte black finish. That combination gives you durability, compliance with fire regulations, and a look that works in any room – or you risk an expensive mismatch and a call to the builder.