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Door Handles

Door Handles

Door Handles: Versatile Hardware for Every Architectural Application

At John Barnes Group, we understand that the humble door handle plays a crucial role in not only the function but also the form and compliance of every door it adorns. From sleek modern residential designs to rugged commercial applications, the door handle is both a tactile and visual focal point. Our extensive collection of door handles meets the diverse demands of homeowners, builders, and architects across Australia, ensuring every project benefits from durable, compliant, and aesthetically aligned hardware.

Our range includes lever handles, knob handles, pull handles, and integrated locksets, each available in a wide variety of styles, materials, and finishes. Whether you're fitting out a luxury home, designing an office space, or specifying compliant hardware for a public facility, John Barnes Group provides premium door hardware backed by expert knowledge and industry-leading brands. Buy Door Handles online today from the John Barnes online shop!

 

The Function and Importance of Door Handles

Door handles serve several critical roles. They facilitate access and egress, influence the security of a property, and contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic of a door. In public and commercial buildings, they must also comply with stringent accessibility and fire safety standards.

A well-chosen door handle ensures:

  • Functionality: Smooth and reliable operation day after day

  • Compliance: Alignment with Australian Standards such as AS1428.1 for accessibility and AS1905.1 for fire-resistant doorsets

  • Design Integration: Complements the door design and broader architectural theme

  • Durability: Withstands usage intensity and environmental conditions

 

Types of Door Handles Available

Lever Door Handles

The most popular style across residential and commercial settings, lever handles are ergonomically designed for ease of use. Their horizontal operation requires minimal wrist strength or dexterity, making them the preferred choice for environments needing AS1428.1 compliance. Lever handles are available in various rosette and backplate styles to suit both modern and traditional designs. Buy Lever Door Handles online today from the John Barnes online shop!

Applications:

  • Residential interior and exterior doors

  • Office and commercial doors

  • Aged care and healthcare facilities

  • Accessible public spaces

Knob Door Handles

Knob handles provide a classic and often decorative option, commonly found in residential applications. While visually appealing, they require a grip and twisting motion that may not be suitable for accessible environments. As such, their use is typically restricted to private or decorative settings. Buy Knob Door Handles online today from the John Barnes online shop!

Applications:

  • Bedrooms and bathrooms in private homes

  • Decorative doors with low accessibility requirements

Pull Door Handles

Pull handles are often used on non-latching doors such as glass doors, sliding doors, or where electronic locking systems are in place. Their minimalistic design can be both functional and aesthetically refined, especially when crafted from high-quality stainless steel, brass, or aluminium. Buy Pull Door Handles online today from the John Barnes online shop!

Applications:

  • Commercial buildings

  • Glass shopfronts

  • Hospitality environments

  • Large format or pivot doors

Privacy and Passage Sets

These sets offer integrated functionality for specific room types:

  • Privacy Sets include a thumb turn and emergency release, perfect for bathrooms or bedrooms.

  • Passage Sets provide non-locking handles ideal for throughways like hallways or closets.

 

Materials and Finishes

The material of a door handle influences its durability, tactile experience, and visual appeal. At John Barnes Group, we offer door handles in premium materials with a wide array of finish options:

Stainless Steel Door Handles

Highly corrosion-resistant and durable, stainless steel handles are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. They suit high-traffic commercial settings where hygiene and robustness are essential. Buy Stainless Steel Door Handles online today from the John Barnes online shop!

Brass Door Handles

Offering a traditional look, brass door handles naturally resist bacterial growth and can develop a patina over time, adding character to heritage and classical designs. Buy Brass Door Handles online today from the John Barnes online shop!

Aluminium Door Handles

Lightweight yet strong, aluminium handles are often used in commercial and contemporary residential designs. They can be anodised or powder-coated in a variety of colours. Buy Aluminium Door Handles online today from the John Barnes online shop!

Zinc Alloy Door Handles

Used in decorative residential hardware, zinc alloy provides design flexibility and affordability. Buy Zinc Alloy Door Handles online today from the John Barnes online shop!

 

Popular Finishes

  • Satin chrome Door Handles

  • Polished chrome Door Handles

  • Matte black Door Handles

  • Antique bronze Door Handles

  • Brushed nickel Door Handles

  • Satin brass Door Handles

 

Compliance and Australian Standards

Compliance is critical in the selection of door hardware, particularly for commercial and public sector projects. John Barnes Group ensures that many of our door handles meet or exceed the following standards:

AS1428.1 Door Handles: Design for Access and Mobility

This standard ensures that door hardware is usable by people with disabilities. Requirements include:

  • Lever-style handles

  • Operation without tight grasping or twisting

  • Handle placement between 900mm and 1100mm from the finished floor

  • Sufficient clearance between the handle and the door surface (35mm to 45mm)

Our accessibility-compliant lever handles are specifically designed and tested to meet these guidelines.

AS1905.1 Door Handles: Components for the Protection of Openings in Fire-Resistant Walls

Handles installed on fire doors must:

  • Be part of a tested and approved doorset assembly

  • Function reliably during a fire event

  • Be self-latching to ensure the door remains closed

John Barnes Group supplies fire-rated door handles as part of compliant fire door solutions, often in conjunction with tested locksets and door closers.

 
 

Featured Brands

We partner with leading architectural hardware manufacturers to offer top-quality door handles, including:

Lockwood Door Handles

A market leader in Australia, Lockwood offers an extensive range of lever and knob handles, many of which are compliant with Australian standards and suited for both commercial and residential use. Buy Lockwood Door Handles online today from the John Barnes online shop!

Barben Door Handles

Known for their sleek, minimalist aesthetic and robust performance, Barben designs and manufactures premium stainless steel door hardware. Their range is favoured by architects for high-end residential and commercial projects across Australia. Buy Barben Door Handles online today from the John Barnes online shop!

Dormakaba Door Handles

A global name in security and access solutions, Dormakaba offers durable and functional door hardware designed for performance and compliance. Their handle sets are ideal for commercial buildings, healthcare, and educational facilities, where reliability and design matter. Buy Dormakaba Door Handles online today from the John Barnes online shop!

Zanda Door Handles

Zanda delivers stylish and functional hardware with a strong focus on design and finish. Their door handle collections combine architectural flair with everyday practicality, making them a top choice for residential developments and designer fit-outs. Buy Zanda Door Handles online today from the John Barnes online shop!

 

Choosing the Right Handle: Residential vs. Commercial

When selecting a door handle, consider the following distinctions:

Residential Door Handle Use:

  • Emphasis on design and finish

  • Typically lighter usage

  • Variety in form and function: privacy, passage, and entry sets

  • Greater flexibility in handle types (including knobs)

Commercial Door Handle Use:

  • Focus on durability and compliance

  • Must support accessibility and fire safety requirements

  • Heavy-duty materials and tested assemblies

  • Integration with access control and emergency egress systems

John Barnes Group provides tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of each environment.

 

Buy Residential Door Handles and Commerical Door Handles online today from the John Barnes online shop!

 

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Proper installation and routine maintenance are key to the long-term performance of any door handle:

  • Installation: Ensure handles are fitted according to manufacturer guidelines, especially when compliance is required.

  • Tightening: Periodically check and tighten screws and fittings.

  • Lubrication: Apply light machine oil to moving parts as needed.

  • Cleaning: Use appropriate non-abrasive cleaners to maintain the appearance of the finish.

For fire doors, always ensure that any modifications maintain the certification of the doorset.

 

Why Choose John Barnes Group for you Door Handle needs?

  • Over 50 years of experience in door hardware and architectural fittings

  • Strong partnerships with premium global and Australian brands

  • In-depth product knowledge and specification support

  • Dedicated customer service team to assist with selections and technical questions

  • Competitive pricing and bulk order options

  • Australia-wide shipping with tracking and fast turnaround

 

Support and Specification Services

Need help specifying hardware for a multi-residential project or a commercial build? Our team provides technical documentation, compliance advice, and installation guides for all major brands. Whether it’s retrofitting an aged care facility or designing a new apartment complex, we have the expertise to support your project end-to-end.

 

Contact Us

Have a question or need tailored recommendations? Get in touch via our Contact Page for expert advice and product support. We’re here to help you find the right door closer for your space and ensure a smooth installation process.