Internal Door Hardware Checklist: Everything You Need for Every Door

Every internal door needs the same core set of hardware: a pair of handles, a latch, three hinges and a door stop. Bathroom doors add a privacy lock, and fire doors need fire-rated versions of each part.

Forget one piece and the job stops halfway, usually on a Saturday afternoon. This checklist lists exactly what each type of door needs, how to choose each part, and how much to order for a whole house so everything arrives together and matches.

Short on time? Our Ultimate Door Kits bundle the handles, latch and hinges for one door in a single order.

The checklist: what each door needs

Find your door type in the left column and tick off each part in that row.

If you are fitting new doors, also check the door's thickness and weight. Heavy solid doors may need larger or extra hinges.

How to choose each part

1. Door handles: rose or backplate?

• Handles on a rose sit on a small round plate. They look clean and modern, and you pair them with separate escutcheons or a thumb turn when a lock is needed. Shop handles on a rose.
• Handles on a backplate sit on a long plate that already includes the keyhole or turn. They suit period homes and hide old screw holes well. Shop handles on a backplate.

Backplate handles come in three versions: latch (no keyhole), lock (with keyhole) and bathroom (with a turn). Order the version that matches the door.

2. The latch

A tubular latch holds the door shut until you press the handle. The two common sizes are 64mm and 76mm. Lever handles usually work with either; door knobs need the 76mm size so your knuckles clear the door frame. Our guide to 64mm vs 76mm tubular latches explains how to measure.

3. Hinges

Most internal doors hang on three butt hinges. Use 76mm (3") hinges for light hollow-core doors and 102mm (4") hinges for heavier solid or oak doors. Ball-bearing hinges run smoother and last longer on doors used all day. Match the hinge finish to the handles for a finished look.

4. Bathroom lock

Bathroom doors need a privacy lock instead of a standard latch. Pair a bathroom lock with a thumb turn and release and rose handles, or choose bathroom backplate handles that have the turn built in. The release on the outside lets you open the door in an emergency.

5. The finishing extras

• Spindle: usually supplied with the handles. Check the length suits your door thickness, or buy a spare spindle.
• Door stop: protects walls from the handle. Choose wall-mounted or floor-mounted.
• Fire doors: use fire-rated hinges, latches and seals throughout. See our fire door hardware guide and fire door kits.

Whole-house example: a typical 3-bed home

A typical 3-bed house has around 8 internal doors: three bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room, a kitchen, a hallway or dining room door and an airing cupboard. Count your own doors first, then use this as your shopping list.

Ordering everything at once has two benefits. Every handle, hinge and latch comes from the same finish batch, so the colour matches from room to room. And a whole-house order usually passes our free UK delivery threshold of £100.

Fitting out a development or several properties? Trade customers can contact us for a trade discount on the full range.

5 mistakes to avoid

1. Ordering lock handles for a door with no lock. Backplate handles come in latch, lock and bathroom versions. Check each door.
2. Pairing door knobs with a 64mm latch. You will catch your knuckles on the frame. Use a 76mm latch with knobs.
3. Using two hinges on a heavy door. Solid and oak doors need three hinges, ideally 102mm ball-bearing.
4. Mixing finishes by accident. Satin chrome and satin nickel look similar online but differ side by side. Order all hardware in one finish name.
5. Forgetting door stops. A lever handle can dent plaster the first time a door swings open.

Frequently asked questions

Do door handles come with a latch?

Usually not. Most handle pairs include a spindle and screws, but the tubular latch is sold separately. Check the product description, or choose a door kit that includes everything.

How many hinges does an internal door need?

Three. Two hinges can work on very light doors, but three keep the door straight and stop it dropping over time. Heavy and fire doors should always have three.

What size hinges do I need for an internal door?

76mm (3") hinges suit most lightweight internal doors. Use 102mm (4") hinges for solid, oak or fire doors.

Can I use the same handles on every door?

Yes, and it is the easiest way to get a consistent look. Use latch handles on most doors and the matching bathroom version on the bathroom door.

What hardware does a bathroom door need?

A pair of handles, a bathroom lock, a thumb turn and release (unless the handles are on a bathroom backplate), three hinges and a door stop.

Get everything for your doors in one order

The simplest way to get it right is to choose one handle style and one finish, then order the handles, latches, hinges and door stops for every door together. Our Ultimate Door Kits do the matching for you, and you can browse all door handles to find your style.

In-stock orders placed before 2pm, Monday to Friday, are delivered the next day. Need help putting a list together? Call 0151 707 6858 or email support@lovehandles.uk.com with the number of doors you have, and we will help you build it.