How to Choose a uPVC Door Handle: Types, Finishes & Fitting | GB DIY

Picking a replacement uPVC door handle sounds simple until you're stood at the door with a screwdriver, wondering why the new one doesn't sit right. The good news is that once you know the three things that actually matter- the type, the size and the finish- choosing the right handle is straightforward. This guide walks you through the decision so you order the correct handle first time.

If you already know your sizes and just want to shop, head straight to our uPVC door handles range. If you're not sure how to measure, our door handle measuring guide covers it step by step.

The main types of uPVC door handle

Most uPVC and composite doors use one of three handle types, and knowing which you have narrows your choice immediately.

Inline lever/lever handles are the most common. Both the inside and outside handle sit in line with each other, and they're found on the majority of front, back and French doors. They operate the multipoint lock through a spindle that passes through the door.

Offset (lever/pad) handles look similar, but the two handles are staggered, and the outside handle won't open the latch on its own. That means the door can't be opened from outside without the key, a useful security feature on exposed or front-facing doors.

Sliding patio handles are a different shape entirely, usually a P or D profile with a small locking lever. These are fitted to sliding patio doors rather than hinged doors, so if your door slides sideways, this is the family you're looking at.

If you're unsure which you've got, our team is happy to identify it from a quick photo; give us a ring on 01623 622205 or send us a message.

Getting the size right

This is where most ordering mistakes happen, so it's worth a moment. Two measurements decide whether a handle fits:

• Fixing centres, the distance between the centres of the two screw holes. Common sizes include 122mm, 145mm, 162mm, 200mm, 215mm and 245mm.
• The PZ, the distance from the centre of the spindle hole to the centre of the keyhole. This is usually 48mm, 68mm, 70mm, 72mm, 92mm or 117mm.

Rather than guess, use our uPVC door handle finder, which walks you through each measurement and shows only the handles that fit. For the full method with photos, see the measuring guide.

Sprung or unsprung?

A sprung handle has spring cassettes built into the backplate that return the lever to horizontal after use. That stops the familiar "drooping handle" look, and, more importantly, takes load off the multipoint lock, which can extend the life of the mechanism.

Almost all modern inline and offset handles come sprung as standard. If your existing handles are sagging, the cause is usually worn or missing spring cassettes; our guide on how to fix a uPVC door handle spring walks through whether you can swap just the cassettes or need a new sprung handle. Sliding patio handles aren't sprung, as they don't need to be.

Choosing a finish

Once the type and size are settled, the finish is the fun part, and it's where you can match the handle to the age and style of your home.

White and black handles are typically powder-coated, giving a tough, low-maintenance finish that suits most modern uPVC doors. Polished chrome and polished gold handles usually use a PVD (physical vapour deposition) coating, which is hard-wearing and gives a higher-end look that works well on composite and feature front doors. Gold and antique finishes tend to suit period and traditional properties, while chrome and black lean contemporary.

We stock handles from the brands you'll recognise, Yale, Trojan, Avocet, Hoppe and Roto among them, across the full range of sizes and finishes. You can browse the lot on our uPVC door handles page.

Related guides

Once you know what you're after, these step-by-step guides cover the practical jobs:

• How to measure a uPVC door handle, getting your fixing centres and PZ right
• How to fix a uPVC door handle spring, for a drooping or sagging handle
• How to fix a loose uPVC door handle, for wobble and play
• How to change a door handle, fitting a replacement from scratch

Still not sure?

If you're caught between two options or can't identify what you've got, that's exactly what our team is here for. Send a photo of your current handle and your two measurements, and we'll confirm the right replacement before you buy. Call 01623 622205 or drop us a message. All prices include VAT, orders placed before 3 pm ship the same day, and delivery is free over £75.