Interior and exterior door handles come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They range from basic, functional options to beautiful, decorative handles that can complement a home's unique style.
These different styles are made from many different door handle materials. Some door handle finishes are better suited for different environments than others. In some cases, the door handle material is purely a style choice, and it's up to the homeowner to decide what they like.
If you're looking to choose the best material for door handles in your home, keep reading. We're diving into the different types of door handles and how to select the best material for your home.
Common Door Handle Materials
With so many different door handle types to choose from, picking the right options throughout your home takes a little work.
Let's take a closer look at some common types of door handles and the pros and cons of each.
When it comes to the best material for internal door handles, one popular option is brass. Besides being an attractive choice, brass door knobs actually have germ-killing properties.
Brass, as well as other metals like zinc, copper, and silver, are oligodynamic. This means they have ions that can kill living cells, such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
Brass is also durable and is not prone to corrosion like other materials, so it won't need much upkeep to stay beautiful. Of course, over time, the colour of the brass will fade. But this is a look all its own and doesn't necessarily mean that the handle will need to be replaced.
While brass is usually resistant to corrosion, it can corrode in harsh weather. This makes it a better choice for interior doors.
Stainless steel is commonly used for door handle finishes. This material is durable and long-lasting and can also be a cost-efficient choice.
However, the look of stainless steel door knobs and handles means that it isn't a popular choice for interior doors.
But the look, durability, and cost-savings make it perhaps the best material for external door handles.
Aluminium has a similar look to stainless steel. It's also very durable and long-lasting, as well as simple to clean and maintain. While some stainless steel isn't rust-resistant, aluminium is, which also helps aid in its long-lasting qualities.
The simple, industrial look of aluminium handles makes them a better choice for outdoor doors or commercial spaces.
However, aluminium door knobs tend to be more expensive. But if you are willing to make the investment, you'll enjoy durable and enduring handles.
Glass is the rarest door handle material. That's because this door hardware is the easiest to break.
Glass handles are far from durable and can be sharp and dangerous if they break. But if you're looking for a beautiful, modern look, glass is an excellent choice.
These handles are usually hand-crafted. This does make them a much more expensive option than other door handle materials on this list.
While wood is one of the oldest building materials on earth, it hasn't been a popular choice for door handles and knobs. Wood handles can beautifully complement a home's natural style, but they are damaged easily by moisture and humidity.
This can make them a poor choice in homes in certain climates, as well as for exterior doors.
Plastic is a relatively rare choice for a door handle material. While low-cost to produce, it isn't durable for heavy use or outdoor use. It also lacks the aesthetic looks of the other handles on this list.
MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, is an alternative to plywood. To make these handles, sand dust is compacted and shaped into a board that is then cut to its desired shape and design.
Like wood handles, these can't be used outdoors, as they can be damaged by humidity and moisture. This can also make them a poor choice for humid climates.
However, in non-humid climates, these can be a low-cost, simple-looking handle for your home's interior doors.
When it comes to choosing different door handle types to fit your home's unique style, one popular modern option is black handles.
These handles are modern and elegant and look like something straight out of a home decor magazine. The modern, sleek look means that black door handles tend to be versatile and fit well with many different styles.
These handles are fingerprint-proof, making them an excellent option for homes with kids or high-traffic areas.
Black door handles are usually more cost-effective than other handles. This is good because they may fade with time and need replacement. You'll also need to avoid cleaning them with chemicals or wax-based cleaners, as this can also damage the finish.
Another popular door handle material is zinc. Used for both interior and exterior doors, zinc handles are durable, rust and corrosion-resistant, and often very cost-efficient.
These handles are usually considered less aesthetically pleasing than other types of handles. They also may not be as strong as other materials. But if you're looking for a low-cost option for a door that doesn't see heavy use, this can be a great choice.
Choosing the Best Door Handle Material
With so many door handle material options to choose from, narrowing down your options takes a little work. But after you've considered the options on the above list and the pros and cons of each, it's time to get shopping.
The Lock Shop is your one-stop shop for door handles of all types of materials and styles. We carry a wide variety of different door handle types, each made from the highest quality materials and built to last.
Shop our selection
of door handles today.
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