Selecting the right Exterior door handles for your front door is a crucial decision that goes beyond mere aesthetics. The choice you make can influence the overall appearance of your home, its security, and the door's functionality. Before making a purchase, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure that your new door handles not only complement your style but also meets the practical requirements of your front door.

Measurements Matter:
Before diving into the world of door handle styles and finishes, take precise measurements of your existing door handles and door. The key measurements include the door's thickness, the distance between the handle spindle and the deadbolt, euro cylinder, latch and screw fixing positions. Ensuring these measurements match the new door handles is essential for a seamless installation.

Consistency with Existing Door Furniture:
Consider the existing hardware on your front door, such as house numbers, letterboxes and door knockers. Opting for an exterior door handle that complements these elements ensures a cohesive and harmonious look. If you plan to replace all the door furniture, make sure the new pieces coordinate well with each other.

Lock Type and Security:
Different exterior doors come with various lock types, such as mortise locks, deadbolts, or cylindrical locks. Verify the compatibility of your chosen door handle with the existing lock type to avoid any installation complications. Additionally, prioritize security features, as the front door is a critical point for home security. Look for handles with robust locking mechanisms to enhance safety. In the case of upvc door handles and specifically euro cylinders look for the latest specification like 3 star anti snap locks.

Consider the Door Material:
The material of your front door plays a significant role in determining the type of door handle that suits it best. Wood, UPVC, aluminum, and composite doors each have distinct characteristics. Ensure the selected door handle is suitable for the material and won't corrode or deteriorate over time. Some doors are thicker than others so your screws and spindles will need to be longer to accommodate this. upvc door handles for example can fit door thicknesses anywhere between 50mm and 75mm (typically 70mm). Composite door handles are typically 44m thickness and wooden doors are 32mm for a standard door. A special consideration when painting external wooden doors is not to fit the Exterior door handles until the paint has gone through it's initial drying stage. Awkward for sure but it ensures the edges of the handle plating/finish will not lift as paint vapours can be very destructive in the first 12-24 hours.

Weathering Ability:
Exterior door handles are exposed to the elements, including rain, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations. Choose handles made from materials that can withstand these conditions without losing their finish or structural integrity. Powder-coated or stainless steel handles are good choices for their resistance to rust and corrosion. stainless steel door handles come in different grades. 201 grade stainless steel door handles are used mostly internally and 304 and 316 grade are much better for external use. In the case of upvc door handles that aren't made of stainless steel consider finding a PVD variant if available as the salt corrosion characteristics are excellent. Particularly useful if you live in a coastal area. This is a special lacquer applied to electro-plated type finishes and is also hard wearing.

Longevity and Durability:
Investing in high-quality door handles is essential for long-term satisfaction. Look for handles from reputable manufacturers that prioritize durability and craftsmanship along the lines of our above discuission. Read customer reviews to gauge the performance and longevity of the chosen door handle.

Conclusion:

Selecting exterior door handles for your front door is a thoughtful process that requires attention to detail. By considering factors such as measurements, consistency with existing door hardware, lock type, door material, weathering ability, and overall durability, you can make an informed decision that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also ensures security and functionality. Take the time to explore various options, and choose a set of door handles that strikes the perfect balance between style and practicality.