The short answer
For rental suites, use heavy-duty levers on the doors that see the most use, an auto-release privacy lever on bathrooms, and standard tubular levers where traffic is light. Use cylindrical levers for common areas in larger buildings. European levers need a mortise lock, so decide before the doors are machined.
The series side by side
| Series | Build | Latch | Door thickness | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy-duty | Zinc alloy on a heavy-duty latch | Tubular, 60/70 mm backset | 35–50 mm | Suite doors that see constant use |
| Auto-release | Zinc alloy | Tubular, 60/70 mm backset | 35–45 mm | Bathrooms: the lock releases when the inside lever turns |
| Tubular | Zinc alloy and steel, standard duty | Tubular, 60/70 mm backset | 35–45 mm | Closets and lighter-use doors, traditional shapes |
| Cylindrical | Zinc alloy and steel on a heavier chassis | Cylindrical, 60 or 70 mm backset | 35–45 mm | Common areas and suite doors in larger buildings |
| European | Solid stainless steel | Mortise lock | 35–45 mm | Modern interiors where the door edge can take a mortise pocket |
Thicker doors, from 45 to 55 mm, can be supplied on request for most series. All lever series work with a closed fist, so any of them suits accessible suites. See lever vs knob handles.
A setup that works in rentals
- Bedrooms: heavy-duty levers, privacy or passage. These doors open and close many times a day.
- Bathrooms: auto-release privacy, so nobody is locked out by accident.
- Closets and linen: tubular passage levers, or dummy pulls on bifolds. See handles by room.
- Common areas: cylindrical levers on amenity rooms and service doors.
- One finish: every series comes in the same nine finishes, so you can mix series and keep one look across the building.
Decide before the doors are made
- Bored or mortised. Heavy-duty, auto-release, tubular and cylindrical levers fit a round bore. European levers need a mortise pocket in the door edge instead. Tell us on the quote, because the door is machined to match.
- Backset. Most of our latches adjust between 60 and 70 mm (2-3/8″ and 2-3/4″). Cylindrical latches come in one or the other, so pick it with the doors.
- Door thickness. Our standard doors are 1-3/8″ (35 mm), which every series fits.
See every design and finish on our hardware page, or download the hardware catalogue (PDF).
Sources
- Door hardware series and specifications, Premier Building Products
- Hardware catalogue 2026, Premier Building Products (PDF)
Code requirements change and local rules vary. Confirm sizes and clearances with your designer and building department before ordering. We supply doors, trim and hardware; we’re not a code consultant.
