Bi-fold doors present specific hardware challenges that standard door fittings simply don't address. The folding mechanism, weight distribution, and frequent operation all demand careful component selection. Getting it wrong means premature wear, alignment issues, and compromised security.

Understand the Weight Load Requirements

Bi-fold door panels carry substantial weight, particularly in larger installations with multiple panels. The track system and hinges must support this load through thousands of opening and closing cycles. Undersized hardware leads to sagging panels and binding mechanisms.

Calculate the combined weight of all panels before selecting components. Manufacturers specify weight ratings for tracks, pivots, and hinges. These ratings aren't suggestions - they're structural requirements. Exceeding them shortens hardware lifespan dramatically and creates safety concerns.

Larger bi-fold installations often require commercial-grade hardware even in residential settings. The

Whether door handles and hinges should match is one of the most common questions homeowners and designers ask. It makes sense: hardware sits right at eye level, gets handled constantly, and plays a significant part in how a door looks once installed. When the finishes or styles conflict, the door never feels fully considered. But matching doesn’t always mean identical. The goal is cohesion, not strict uniformity. The right approach depends on the door type, the interior style, and how visible the hinges are in day-to-day use.

When Matching Makes the Most Sense

On doors where the hinges are visible, matching them to the handle’s finish usually creates the cleanest result. If a polished brass handle is paired with cool-toned steel hinges, the contrast is immediate and often distracting. Visible hinges sit close enough to the handle that mismatches feel unintentional rather than designed. In period properties, where traditional doors often feature exposed hinges, matching finishes helps maintain

Hardware plays a bigger role in defining a home’s character than most people expect. It guides the eye, influences the feel of each room, and provides subtle cues about the direction of the design. Choosing between modern and traditional hardware isn’t just about preference; it’s about understanding what works with the architecture, the doors, and the way the space functions every day. Hardware needs to look right, feel right, and perform consistently. The right style supports all of that without drawing unnecessary attention.

Understanding What Counts as Modern Hardware

Modern hardware is defined by clean lines, minimal decoration, and a more refined silhouette. Shapes are usually linear or gently curved, and the emphasis is on a streamlined profile that suits contemporary architecture. Finishes like matte black, satin nickel, and stainless steel sit naturally within this style because they offer a calm, consistent appearance. Modern hardware works well on flush doors, simple panel designs,

The choice between door knobs and door handles seems simple, but it has a meaningful effect on how a room performs and how the home feels as a whole. Both options have strengths, and both suit different types of doors, interior styles, and practical needs. The right decision comes from understanding how each functions, how they fit into the architecture, and whether they align with the way the home is actually used.

Understanding the Practical Differences

Door handles, particularly levers, offer easier operation. They require less grip strength, they’re more accessible for children and older adults, and they tend to provide smoother, quicker movement. A lever allows the door to open with a simple press, which is why they’re often used in busy or high-traffic areas. Door knobs demand a turning motion. It’s a smaller movement, but it requires more precision. Some designs can be difficult to grip if hands are wet or if the knob has a highly polished surface. This doesn’t make knobs impractical,

Even the best-made door furniture can develop issues over time. Daily use, seasonal changes in timber, and simple wear can all affect how handles, locks and hinges perform. The good news? Most problems have straightforward fixes. Below, we explore the most common door handle and lock problems, their likely causes, and how to put them right - without compromising on finish or style.

1. Handles Becoming Loose

The problem: Handles that wobble in the hand or sag when released.

Causes:

• Fixing screws loosening through daily use.
• The grub screw (small side screw securing the spindle) working loose.
• Inferior fixings on cheaper hardware.

The fix:

• Check and tighten the visible screws securing the handle to the door.
• Use a screwdriver, not a drill, to avoid stripping threads.
• Tighten the grub screw with the correct Allen key or screwdriver.

If it is a door handle on rose, has the SPS screw been installed correctly?

If the handle continues to sag,

A pocket door is a sliding door that disappears into a cavity (pocket) inside the wall when opened. It’s a clever space-saving solution for compact areas such as ensuites, bathrooms, and utility rooms. Installation takes some preparation but, with the right tools and care, it’s achievable for a competent DIYer. 

Although they might feel like a modern innovation, pocket doors actually have a long history in the UK. First popular in grand Victorian and Edwardian homes as elegant space dividers, they fell out of favour for much of the 20th century before returning with modern hardware that makes them much easier to use and maintain than their ancestors. With a renewed focus on space-saving when it comes to interiors, they’re a great way to open up a little more of your home without making big changes.

As this is a slightly more complex job than the average bit of DIY, we’ve added a helpful glossary at the end of this article which explains all the terms we use.

When fitting a new door or replacing existing hardware, choosing the right door hinge is essential for ensuring smooth operation and long-lasting performance. Two of the most commonly used types are loose pin hinges and ball bearing hinges. While both serve the same basic purpose - allowing a door to open and close - they differ significantly in design, durability, and the job that they do best.

What Are Loose Pin Hinges?

A loose pin hinge is one of the simplest hinge mechanisms. It consists of two plates connected by curled knuckles, with a removable pin running through the centre. This straightforward design allows the door to pivot around the pin.

How loose-pin hinges work: The hinge relies on direct metal-to-metal contact. While functional, this creates more friction, meaning the hinge may wear faster over time without regular lubrication, and is also more likely to develop a squeak.

Best applications: Loose pin hinges are well-suited to lightweight interior

Installing an exterior gate can provide security, privacy, and a smart finish to your garden, driveway, or side entrance. Whether you're replacing an old gate or adding a new one, this guide walks you through the process from planning to installation.

Important Points To Consider Before Installing An Exterior Gate

Unlike making changes to the interior of your house, adding an exterior gate can be a bit more complicated, as you may need either the hinges or the closing mechanism to be mounted on a neighbour’s fence or wall. If it’s a side gate, you’ll need to attach one post to the side of your house, and the other to your neighbour’s. This requires a masonry drillbit, and needs to be done carefully to ensure the holes are drilled in the right place. 

Important - If your new gate will need to be attached to anything belonging to your neighbour, make sure to see permission first. Arguments over boundaries can be difficult to resolve and so it is always best

Whether it’s for hanging coats, robes, towels or bags, adding a hook on the back of a door is an easy way to give yourself another storage option. But not all doors are created equal - and neither are the methods for attaching hooks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to properly fit a hook to both wooden doors and hollow doors, helping you avoid splintering, sagging, or hooks that fall out after a few uses.

Before making a hook purchase, check how far it will stick out from the door - if it’s further than the handle, it could potentially make a hole in your wall if the door is forcefully opened.

What You’ll Need:

• Your chosen hook (single, double, or multi)
• Screws (usually provided with the hook)
• Screwdriver or drill
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Spirit level (optional but helpful)
• Rawl plugs or hollow door anchors (for hollow doors)
• Stud finder (optional for hollow doors)

Step-by-Step: Fitting a Hook to a Solid Wooden

When you are renovating your house it is easy to overlook certain things which you shouldn’t miss out. One of those things is the house number. This simple detail plays a pivotal role in how your home looks and more importantly, making sure deliveries arrive on time and guests (and emergency services) find your door easily. 

In this blog we will teach you the UK rules about displaying house numbers, and how to choose the right one to match your home. 

Are House Numbers a Legal Requirement in the UK?

Yes, if your property has been assigned a number by the local council it is a legal requirement to display it.

According to UK regulations:

• Your house number must be clearly visible from the street.
• It should be displayed near the main entrance or somewhere easily noticeable, such as a gatepost or wall.
• Obstructions like bushes or fences should not block the number.

If your home is hard to see at night, consider