Start With the Door, Not the Handle

Before selecting a handle or lock, establish the requirements of the door itself. Consider whether it is an internal or external door, the door material, its thickness, the frequency of use and the environment in which it will be installed. A main entrance, bedroom door and service-area door may each require different hardware.

Check dimensions and compatibility early. Backset, lock type, door thickness and the preparation required for installation can affect which products are suitable. Confirming these details before procurement can help avoid last-minute substitutions and installation delays.

The right material depends on where the hardware will be used and how much use it is expected to handle. Stainless steel, zinc and brass each offer different characteristics in terms of appearance, feel, maintenance and application.

For builders and contractors, the key is to assess the product against the demands of the project rather than selecting on appearance alone. Hardware in high-traffic areas may need to withstand more frequent operation, while exposed or humid locations call for careful consideration of material suitability and maintenance requirements.

A finish influences the overall look of a space, but the colour alone does not tell you how a product will perform over time. Check the finish specification, the recommended application and the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.

When multiple doors are part of the same project, review finish samples together under the intended lighting. This helps maintain consistency across handles, locks, hinges and other visible hardware, particularly when products are sourced at different stages.

Door hardware is operated repeatedly throughout the life of a building, so durability should be considered at the specification stage. Look for relevant product performance information, testing details and applicable standards where these are required for the project.

Also consider the expected traffic level and the demands placed on each door. A product intended for occasional residential use may not be the right choice for a busy shared entrance or a hospitality setting. Confirm that the selected hardware is appropriate for the intended application.

Locking requirements vary by room, building type and user. Some doors may require a straightforward mechanical lock, while others may benefit from digital access options such as fingerprint recognition, passwords, cards or app-based control.

Choose the access method according to the needs of the occupants and the project. For digital locks, check installation requirements, power arrangements, emergency access options and the way users will be added or removed. In hotels and other managed properties, consider whether the system needs to work with a centralised access-management setup.

Where possible, standardising hardware across similar doors can simplify procurement, installation and future maintenance. It can also help create a more consistent visual finish throughout the property.

Standardisation does not mean every door must use the same product. Instead, create clear schedules for different door types and applications, specifying where each handle, lock or accessory is to be used. This gives contractors and installers a shared reference and reduces ambiguity on site.

Door hardware should be documented clearly in the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and the project specification schedule. Include product descriptions, finishes, quantities, door locations, relevant dimensions and any required performance or compliance details.

Where a particular product or finish has been approved, record it clearly and maintain the approval reference. Confirm quantities and lead times before placing orders, and make sure any proposed substitutions are reviewed before installation. Clear documentation helps keep procurement and execution aligned.

Maintenance requirements and warranty coverage are worth checking before a product is selected, not only when the project is handed over. Review the warranty terms, including what is covered, any exclusions and whether finish coverage differs from mechanical components.

Ask the supplier for care instructions and information on replacement parts or servicing where relevant. Passing this information to the owner or facilities team can make routine upkeep easier and help set realistic expectations for the product's long-term care.

A suitable hardware supplier should be able to help clarify product options, compatibility, finishes, technical information and project quantities. For larger developments, consistency of supply and the ability to coordinate product selections across different door types can also matter.

Avanti Hardware offers architectural hardware collections for residential projects, including the CASA and SEER ranges, as well as digital locking options. Builders and contractors can review the available collections against their project's design, functional and specification requirements before finalising selections.

Confirm the door type and dimensions, intended application, hardware compatibility, material and finish, locking requirements, quantities, lead times and warranty terms before ordering.

Including hardware in the BOQ and specification schedule helps clarify product selection, quantities, finishes and locations. It also makes it easier to coordinate procurement and review substitutions before installation.

Not necessarily. Standardise products where the door type and application are similar, but specify different hardware where access, durability, privacy or environmental requirements vary.

Review the coverage period, covered components, finish coverage, exclusions, maintenance conditions and the process for requesting support or replacement parts.

Door hardware may be one of the smaller elements of a construction project, but choosing the right products can make a difference to functionality, consistency and long-term maintenance.

By considering material, finish, durability, locking requirements and warranty coverage early in the planning process, builders and contractors can make more informed decisions and avoid unnecessary complications during installation.

Planning your next residential project? Explore Avanti Hardware’s collections to find hardware options suited to your project's design and functional requirements.