CHOOSING THE RIGHT IRONMONGERY FOR YOUR INTERNAL DOORS
No door is complete until you’ve found the right hardware to complement it. Matthew Todd, managing director at Todd Doors, has put together some top tips to ensure you make the best choice
Anyone can buy a door, but getting one you’ll actually love is harder than some people realise. On top of specifying the unit itself, you also need to address the handles, latches and hinges. It’s entirely possible to pick a perfect style and finish for a door, but then fail to show it off to its best advantage by plumping for ironmongery that doesn’t do it justice. This is why many people spend longer agonising over the finishing touches than they do over the main product.
Don’t blow your budget
An easy trap to avoid is to make sure you’ve kept some money earmarked for door furniture, so it doesn’t end up as an afterthought that breaks the bank. If you have to pick the cheapest option simply because the budget is all used up, something’s gone wrong.
As with so much in life, you get what you pay for. The simple truth is that the more expensive a handle is, the better the quality will be. The most affordable designs are made from aluminium, followed by zinc alloy, then stainless steel. But don’t worry if you would prefer something different, as those aren’t the only choices. Many of these pieces can then be plated with chrome, satin and other finishes for a more personalised look.
Choose the right material
Different metals have different properties. Aluminium is quite soft, which means it will mark and dent more quickly than some of the other options. These handles can feel light, even when fitted, and this is reflected in their lower price point.
Models made from zinc alloy feel heavier and more impressive, as do bigger handles in general. This material has an advantage in that it can be plated with an array of finishes, so it will look great when installed.
Stainless steel is usually a very hardwearing option. After about 10 years, the plating on a zinc alloy unit might have started to deteriorate and you may see the base metal begin to come through. With stainless steel, there’s no plating, so nothing can wear off. It’s also a much better bet for use outside, as it won’t corrode.
Of course, some of these points will only be a problem if you are planning on spending a lifetime in a house. Do you really need to worry about the handle in 2030? If not, then you can happily embrace zinc alloy, as it’s a perfectly good option and gives you lots of flexibility when it comes to the choice of plating.
Invest in quality mechanisms
Cheaper locks and latches do work. But as a rule, the more you spend, the better the mechanism will be and the more smoothly it will operate. A door tends to last a long time, so it’s worth spending a little more on components that will cause you as little hassle as possible throughout its lifespan.
Remember, however, that different doors will need different hinges, as certain models are thicker than others. It’s best to purchase these elements together, so you can be sure that they are compatible.
Finally, while safety might not be the first thing you think about when you’re buying ironmongery, it’s still an absolutely crucial factor. If you need fire doors, for instance, the hinges and latches have to be fire rated too.