Do Door Handles Fit All Door Thicknesses? What to Know Before You Buy
When upgrading your door handles, a key question is whether the handles will fit your doors—especially if you have older, extra-thick, or slim doors in your home or business. The answer isn’t always straightforward, as handle and latch compatibility depends on both product design and the thickness of your doors.
This guide explains what you need to know about door thickness, the standard sizes, how Door Handle Company makes it easy to find the right fit, and what to do if your doors are non-standard.
What Is Standard Door Thickness?
Most modern internal doors in the UK are 35mm thick, while traditional and older doors can range from 32mm up to 44mm or even 54mm for external and fire doors. External doors are often 44mm thick (sometimes listed as “FD30” fire-rated).
When shopping for new lever handles or door knobs, always check the door’s thickness before purchase, as this will affect spindle length and latch compatibility.
Are Most Handles Adjustable for Door Thickness?
Most modern handles and latches are designed to fit the standard UK range—generally from 32mm to 44mm thick. DHC lists these specs on each product page. The tubular latches and bathroom locks you’ll find at Door Handle Company almost always include spindles and fixings suitable for these thicknesses.
For external doors, particularly composite or timber models, handles and locks are typically made to suit 44mm or 54mm doors.
What If My Door Is Thicker or Thinner Than Standard?
If your door is thicker (e.g. 50mm or more), you may need a longer spindle or fixing screws. For thinner doors (under 32mm), it’s important to avoid over-tightening the fixings to prevent splitting the door.
Door Handle Company can often supply longer spindles and extra-long fixing screws if you specify your door thickness when ordering. Check the spares and accessories section or contact our team for help with unusual sizes.
How to Measure Your Door Thickness
Measuring your door is easy:
- Use a tape measure or ruler to check the distance from one face of the door to the other.
- Measure at several points—especially with older doors, thickness may vary along the height.
- Record this measurement and keep it handy when shopping for new handles, latches, or mortice locks.
What About Spindle Length?
The spindle is the square bar that passes through the door and connects your handles on each side. Standard spindles supplied with most lever handles on rose and backplate handles are suitable for doors 32–44mm thick.
If you need a longer or shorter spindle, see DHC’s spare spindle selection—these are ideal for extra-thick or unusually slim doors.
Compatibility With Latches and Locks
Your tubular latch or bathroom mortice lock must also be the right size for your door. Most standard latches work for 32–44mm, but always check product details.
If you’re unsure, Door Handle Company’s expert team can advise on lock and latch compatibility, ensuring you get everything right the first time.
Solutions for Non-Standard Doors
If your property has doors outside the standard size range (such as barn doors, outbuildings, or period properties), DHC offers several solutions:
- Longer fixing screws: Available on request to ensure secure installation on thick doors.
- Custom spindles: Available from the spares range.
- Specialist locks and latches: Heavy-duty options for doors up to 54mm thick—browse the heavy-duty latch collection.
For wardrobe doors, cabinets, or sliding doors, pull handles or flush pull handles may be a more practical solution, often suitable for doors of any thickness.
Installation Tips
- Always use the supplied template or measure carefully to avoid misalignment.
- Don’t overtighten fixings on slim doors—this can cause damage.
- For very thick doors, apply a dab of thread-lock to the screws for added stability.
If you need visual advice, see Ideal Home’s step-by-step door handle installation guide.
Why Buy Your Handles From Door Handle Company?
- Huge range of handles suitable for all common door thicknesses
- Spares and accessories for custom projects or non-standard installations
- Detailed product listings and expert customer support
- Fast UK delivery on every order
Ready to get started? Browse all door handles, latches, and spare parts, or contact us for personalised help.