Door Knobs Explained: Suffolk Latch Company’s Complete Range

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Interior Door Knobs (Mortice Door Knobs)

• Rim Lock Door Knobs

• Marine-Grade Stainless Steel Door Knobs

• Door Knob Sets with 3" and 4" Latches or Locks

• Finishes & Styles Available

• Technical Resources: Spec Sheets & Guides

• Conclusion & Call to Action

• FAQ

Introduction

Suffolk Latch Company offers an extensive range of door knobs that combines timeless British heritage style with modern quality. This comprehensive guide will walk you through their various door knob collections – from classic interior mortice knobs and traditional rim lock knobs to robust marine-grade stainless steel options and dedicated bathroom sets. Whether you’re restoring a period property or updating a contemporary home, Suffolk Latch has a door knob to suit every setting. We’ll also explore the available finish options (like antique brass, black iron, chrome, etc.) and highlight the technical resources (such as spec sheets) that make choosing and installing these knobs a breeze. Let’s dive in!

Interior Door Knobs (Mortice Door Knobs)

Beehive-style interior door knobs (rosewood and metal) exemplify Suffolk Latch Co’s blend of period design and modern craftsmanship. Interior door knobs – also known as mortice door knobs – are designed to be used with an internal door latch or mortice lock. These knobs are mounted on both sides of a door and connect through a spindle, operating a latch mechanism inside the door.

Suffolk Latch Company’s interior door knobs are sold as pairs (one for each side of the door) and come with a standard square mortice bar (spindle) and all necessary fixings for installation. This means when you purchase a set of their interior door knobs, you get two knobs, the spindle, screws, and typically an optional rose plate or backplate if it’s part of the design – everything needed to fit a door.

One hallmark of Suffolk Latch’s interior knobs is their authentic period designs. Many styles are inspired by historical Georgian and Victorian-era hardware. For example, their classic Beehive and Reeded door knobs feature the stacked ringed pattern popular in the Georgian era, while Bun and Octagonal knobs reflect Victorian and Edwardian tastes.

Despite the vintage aesthetics, these knobs are built with modern precision. They often include concealed fixings (so screws are hidden for a neat look) and use quality materials like solid brass, bronze, iron, and hardwood.

In fact, the company notes that their Old English Collection door knobs are made from the “best quality, heavy solid brass” for an authentic feel. Suffolk Latch’s interior door knobs are typically un-sprung (the latch mechanism provides the spring action), so they pair best with robust, double-sprung tubular latches (more on latch sets below). The knobs are comfortable to grip and turn, and when properly installed with the right latch, they operate smoothly. From wooden door knobs hand-turned in rosewood for a warm traditional touch, to solid antique brass door knobs with authentic aged patinas, the interior range covers both classic period styles and simpler designs for understated modern interiors. Whichever style you choose, you’ll be adding a high-quality, characterful detail to your doors.

Rim Lock Door Knobs

Rim lock door knobs are designed specifically for use with rim locks – the traditional box-style locks that are mounted on the surface of the door rather than recessed inside it. If you have an old cottage or Victorian-era property (or you’re going for that vintage look), you might be using authentic or reproduction rim locks on your interior doors.

What’s the difference versus regular mortice knobs? In a rim lock setup, one knob (usually the one on the side with the lock box) does not need a rose plate – the knob mounts directly to the rim lock mechanism or covers it. The opposite knob on the other side of the door may have a rose or plate to match. Thus, rim lock knobs often come as a slightly different configuration: one plain knob that attaches to the rim lock hub, and one knob with a rose. They share a spindle that passes through the door and the rim lock. Importantly, not all mortice knobs are suitable for rim locks due to how they’re constructed.

Suffolk Latch’s rim lock knob sets are built to be compatible with their vintage-style rim locks, so you can swap out an existing rim lock knob or add one with confidence it will fit. The styles and finishes available in rim lock knobs are similarly steeped in period character. You’ll find wooden rim knobs (for example, ebonised black wood or natural rosewood paired with brass backplates) that were very common in Victorian homes. There are solid brass rim knobs, often with decorative details like beehive turnings or plain bun shapes, which add a touch of elegance. For a rustic cottage feel, you might opt for cast iron rim lock knobs with a black paint or antiqued finish. Suffolk Latch Co.’s rim lock knob selection is designed to suit period interiors, as they describe, providing an authentic finishing touch to traditional doors.

Marine-Grade Stainless Steel Door Knobs

For customers in coastal areas, high-humidity environments, or simply those who prefer a contemporary stainless look, Suffolk Latch Company offers marine-grade stainless steel door knobs as part of their lineup. These are made from 316 marine-grade stainless steel, a superior alloy known for its exceptional corrosion resistance. In fact, Suffolk Latch Co. highlights that their marine-grade hardware underwent over 1,000 hours of salt spray testing to ensure durability.

The stainless steel knobs come in two main finishes:

• Polished Stainless Steel: a bright, mirror-like shine that adds a crisp modern edge
• Satin Stainless Steel: a brushed, matte look that tones down the reflectivity for an understated architectural style

These are especially suited for exterior-facing doors or bathrooms where moisture is present. Despite the robust, utilitarian material, the designs aren’t purely utilitarian – you can find styles like the Brompton knob that blend style and strength.

Door Knob Sets with 3" and 4" Latches or Locks

Suffolk Latch Co. provides door knob sets that include a pair of knobs, a matching tubular latch or bathroom lock, the latch’s faceplate and strike plate, and all fixings. These sets are available in 3-inch (approximately 76mm) or 4-inch (approximately 102mm) backsets.

A longer backset (4") moves the knob further in from the door edge, reducing the chance that your hand hits the door frame. The 3" latch works well for space-limited situations but, if feasible, the 4" is more comfortable.

Finishes & Styles Available

One of the joys of choosing hardware from Suffolk Latch Company is the breadth of finishes and styles on offer. These door knobs are not one-size-fits-all; you can really tailor the look to match your interior style or period of the home...

...Here’s an overview of the popular finish options and styles available:

• Antique Brass & Bronze: For those who love warmth and history, antique brass door knobs provide a rich, lived-in patina that’s perfect for heritage homes...
• Polished Brass & Chrome: Classic high-shine options, ideal for Victorian and Georgian settings or sleek modern interiors.
• Satin Brass, Nickel & Pewter: Understated finishes with a muted sheen. Pewter adds a rustic or forged aesthetic.
• Black & Cast Iron: Industrial, minimalist, or farmhouse-ready, with matte and beeswax-coated options.
• Wood & Ceramic: Beehive, bun, and bun-style ceramic knobs in crackle glaze or hand-painted finishes for traditional homes.
• Stainless Steel: Polished or satin marine-grade options for bathrooms, exterior doors, or coastal environments.

As you can see, the finish options span from historically accurate (unlacquered antique brass, aged iron) to clean and modern (shiny chrome, stainless steel) and everything in between. The styles of the knobs themselves – be they round, oval, beehive, reeded, etc. – combined with these finishes allow you to achieve a truly customised look. And because Suffolk Latch Co. uses quality materials, the finishes are not just a thin coating; they’re meant to last and often even improve with age (especially true for living finishes like antique brass that develop character over time).

Technical Resources: Spec Sheets & Guides

Each door knob listing on the Suffolk Latch Co. website includes downloadable specification sheets in both PDF and DWG formats, making planning and fitting straightforward whether you're a homeowner or trade professional. Our blog also offers extensive how-to guides and video tutorials for fitting knobs, choosing the correct backset, and matching them with hinges and locks.

Conclusion & Call to Action

From rim lock reproductions to stainless steel options for the coast, the Suffolk Latch Company’s range is practical, authentic, and ready to fit. With full latch sets, matching accessories, and a variety of period and modern finishes, it’s easier than ever to get the right door knob for your home.

Explore our Door Knobs Collection or contact us for advice or support with your project.

FAQ

Q: What’s the difference between a mortice (interior) door knob and a rim lock door knob?
A: Mortice door knobs are fitted to doors with recessed locks or latches and mounted on both sides of the door. Rim knobs are designed to work with surface-mounted rim locks and usually have a different fixing layout.

Q: Should I choose a 3" or 4" latch for my door knobs?
A: We recommend the 4" latch wherever possible for greater comfort and hand clearance. The 3" latch is great for narrow stiles or restricted space.

Q: Do you offer door knobs for bathrooms with locks?
A: Yes. Our bathroom door knob sets include privacy locks, thumbturns, and all fixings — available in matching finishes.

Q: Are stainless steel knobs suitable for outside use?
A: Yes. Our 316 marine-grade stainless steel knobs are specifically designed to withstand the elements and are perfect for exterior and coastal installations.