Door Handle Specification Sheet Template

When ordering door handles for more than a handful of doors, recording the same key details for every opening before placing the order can prevent mismatched spindle lengths, inconsistent finishes and the wrong function being specified for a particular room.

Door details

Record the door material and actual door thickness for each opening, as both can affect the spindle length required and the most appropriate fixing method. It is also worth marking whether each opening is a designated fire door, because this can determine which handle ranges are suitable for that location.

Handle format and backset

Note whether each opening requires a lever handle, knob or pull handle only, together with the backset and whether the door is left or right handed where the chosen hardware makes handing relevant. Capturing these details door by door makes it easier to select from all door handles according to the needs of each location rather than assuming one format will work throughout the building.

Finish and material

Record the intended metal finish for each area, such as satin nickel, polished chrome or matt black, so that hardware remains visually consistent across rooms, floors or individual properties. Where existing ironmongery such as hinges or kickplates is already fitted, noting its finish on the specification also helps new handles coordinate with what is already in place.

Function and locking

Different rooms commonly need different functions, such as a lock for an external or bedroom door, a privacy set with a turn-and-release for a bathroom, or a plain latch for an internal door with no privacy requirement, so the required function should be recorded against every opening. Where a cylinder or thumbturn is needed, adding that detail to the same door record helps reduce the risk of a mismatched or incomplete set arriving on site.

Compliance and accessibility

Fire doors generally require handles that have been tested and rated for use on fire doors, so suitability should be checked as part of the specification rather than choosing hardware on appearance alone. On doors covered by accessibility requirements, lever shape, ease of operation and visual contrast against the door face are also worth recording alongside the standard door, finish and function details.