Do Internal Doors Come with Holes for Handles?

Key Takeaways:

When purchasing a new internal door, a common question many people have is whether the door will come pre-drilled with holes for the handles, hinges, and latch. The simple answer is that most internal doors do not have pre-drilled holes, as there are no industry standards for the positioning of door furniture. The preparation required to fit handles and hinges must be done by the installer to match the specific hardware being used.

Why Aren't Doors Supplied with Holes for Handles?

There are a few reasons why internal doors generally don't come with pre-drilled holes:

• Handle designs vary significantly in size, shape, and style
• Positioning of handles is a personal preference - some prefer them higher or lower
• Accessibility requirements may dictate specific handle heights
• Hinge types and sizes differ between doors

Without a consistent standard, supplying a door with pre-drilled holes is impractical, as they likely wouldn't align with the hardware the customer has chosen. It's better for the door to be carefully drilled on site to match the exact positions required.

Preparing a Door for Handles and Latches

To fit most types of door handles, the door needs to be drilled through from one side to the other. This hole is used for the handle spindle and the latch if required. The precise positioning is determined by the handle design and the homeowner's preference.

For door latches, a mortice also needs to be cut into the side of the door to hold the latch plate. The size and depth of this mortice depends on the latch being used. Care must be taken to ensure the latch aligns with the handle when the door is closed.

Fitting Door Hinges

The other preparation required for a new internal door is cutting the hinge recesses. Most internal doors use butt hinges which require a rounded corner recess to be cut into the door and frame. The number of hinges and their spacing is determined by the size and weight of the door.

Some doors use alternative hinge types like parliament hinges or traditional strap hinges. Each hinge type requires specific recesses to be cut so the hinges sit flush and don't impede the door's opening.

Can You Buy Door Furniture Packs?

One convenient option is purchasing a complete door furniture pack which includes handles, hinges, latches and all required fixings. This ensures all the components are compatible and can save time and money sourcing each part separately.

However, you still need to prepare the door to fit the hardware, as these packs don't usually include pre-drilled doors. Ensure you have the necessary tools and expertise to complete the door preparation and installation.

Key Elements of Fitting Door Furniture

• Measure and mark the position for handles and locks
• Drill through the door for the handle at the marked point
• Chisel out the recess for the latch plate on the door edge
• Mark and cut out the hinge recesses on the door and frame
• Screw the hinges and handles in place, ensuring smooth operation

By following these steps and taking time to prepare the door accurately, you can achieve a professional finish when fitting handles and hinges to your internal doors. If in doubt, consult a joinery specialist who can assist with door preparation and installation.