What to Check Before Buying Wooden Door Pull Handles

Glass and sauna doors look simple—but choosing the wrong pull handle can lead to frustration (wrong hole spacing), safety issues (loose mounting), or fast wear (rust in humid areas). If you’re planning to install wooden door pull handles on a glass door or sauna door, this guide will help you order the right handle the first time.

Whether you’re fitting a tempered glass sauna door, a framed glass door, or a modern interior glass panel, the most important things come down to: door thickness, mounting type, hole spacing, and moisture-resistant hardware.

1) Confirm your door type and thickness first

Before you choose any handle, confirm what kind of door you have and measure the thickness. Glass doors are less forgiving than wood—especially if they are tempered.

Tempered glass vs framed glass

• Tempered glass usually comes pre-drilled (or must be drilled by a professional before tempering).

• Framed glass doors may allow more flexibility depending on the frame material.

If your door is tempered and not drilled yet, don’t assume you can “drill later.” Always plan your handle and hole placement first.

Door thickness matters (a lot)

Your door thickness affects:

• the bolt length needed for a secure install

• the type of spacers / gaskets used to protect the glass

• whether a single-sided or double-sided (back-to-back) pull is the best option

Quick checklist

• Door material: glass / framed glass / wood

• Door thickness: ___ mm / ___ inches

• Use location: dry sauna / steam room / bathroom / indoor

2) Choose the correct mounting style: single-sided vs double-sided

This is one of the most important buying decisions—especially for glass sauna doors.

Single-sided pull handle

A single-sided pull handle is mounted on one side of the door. This works well when:

• the other side uses a knob, latch, or push plate

• the door is only pulled from one side

• your design doesn’t require a matching handle on both sides

Double-sided (back-to-back) pull handles

For glass and sauna doors, double-sided wooden pulls are usually the best choice.

They work by connecting both handles through the door using a bolt set. This provides:

• a clean, balanced look on both sides

• better stability (less twisting or loosening)

• a more premium feel for sauna and spa-style doors

Best for:

• sauna doors (especially glass sauna doors)

• shower-style glass doors

• any door that needs a pull on both sides

Why glue is not recommended

Sometimes people ask if a handle can be glued to glass. In humid or hot environments (sauna/steam), adhesives can weaken over time. For safety and long-term reliability, through-bolted mounting is the recommended solution.

3) Check hole spacing and handle length (avoid the #1 mistake)

Most installation problems happen because people don’t confirm measurements before ordering.

What “center-to-center” hole spacing means

Center-to-center is the distance between the center of the top hole and the center of the bottom hole.

This measurement must match:

• the handle’s mounting points, and

• the drilling layout on your door

If your glass is already drilled, you must match this exactly.

Overall length vs grip length

When shopping for a pull handle, you’ll usually see two important sizes:

• Overall length: the full end-to-end length of the handle

• Grip length: the space your hand actually holds (usable area)

For sauna and bathroom doors, comfort matters more because hands can be wet—so choose a handle with a comfortable grip length and smooth shape.

Tip: If you want a bold modern look, go longer. If space is tight, choose a shorter handle with a safe, rounded grip.

4) Pick the right hardware and finish for moisture + heat

A sauna environment is tough: humidity, heat changes, and daily use. The right materials prevent rust, stains, and loose handles.

Stainless steel fasteners matter

If you’re installing on a sauna door, choose stainless steel hardware. This helps prevent rust and keeps the handle tight long-term.

For very humid or coastal areas, many customers prefer higher corrosion resistance (your installer can advise based on location and environment).

Why teak is a smart choice for glass and sauna doors

Teak is popular for spa, bathroom, and sauna use because it’s naturally rich in oils and known for stability in changing environments. That makes it a great option for:

• humid rooms

• frequent daily use

• modern natural interiors

Finish and maintenance

Wood handles can be finished in different ways depending on your style:

• Natural / oiled finish: warm and natural look, easy to refresh over time

• Sealed finish: more protection with less frequent maintenance

For best results:

• wipe moisture off occasionally

• avoid harsh chemicals

• refresh the finish if recommended (especially for oiled surfaces)

5) Safety and comfort details people forget

A handle is something you touch every day. For sauna doors, comfort and safety are just as important as looks.

Rounded edges and smooth sanding

Choose a handle that is:

• smoothly sanded

• rounded at edges

• comfortable for bare hands

This is especially important in saunas and bathrooms where hands can slip.

Handle thickness (diameter)

Too thin can feel sharp; too thick can be hard to grip. A comfortable diameter helps:

• safer pulling with wet hands

• better control

• a premium feel

Heat comfort

Wood is naturally comfortable compared to metal in temperature-changing environments. In a sauna, that can be a big difference in daily use.

6) Installation notes for glass / sauna doors

If you’re installing on glass, use the correct parts and don’t rush tightening.

Use gaskets/spacers to protect glass

Gaskets and spacers help:

• reduce stress on the glass

• prevent scratches

• improve stability

Don’t overtighten

Overtightening can stress glass and cause damage. Tighten enough to secure the handle firmly—then stop.

When to hire a professional

Consider a professional installer if:

• the glass is tempered and not drilled

• you’re not sure about hole size or spacing

• you want perfect alignment on both sides

7) Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can wooden pull handles be installed on tempered glass?

Yes—if the glass is properly drilled and the correct mounting hardware is used. Tempered glass should not be drilled after tempering, so plan your handle choice early.

Do I need a handle on both sides of a sauna door?

In most sauna designs, a double-sided pull handle is ideal because it looks clean and is easy to use from both sides.

What hole diameter is needed for through-bolts?

This depends on the bolt set and spacers used. If you already have drilled holes, you must match those. If you are drilling new holes, your installer should follow the handle’s hardware requirements.

Will wood handles warp in steam?

Wood choice and craftsmanship matter. Teak is commonly chosen for humid spaces due to its stability. Proper sealing/finishing and correct mounting also help long-term performance.

How do I clean and maintain a teak handle?

Wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals. If your handle uses an oil finish, you can refresh it occasionally depending on use and environment.

Can you make custom hole spacing or custom size?

Yes—custom sizes and hole spacing are often the best option for glass doors, especially when the door is already drilled or when you need a specific look.

8) How to order the right handle (and avoid mistakes)

If you’re ordering from Wood Ceylon (or any custom maker), the fastest way to get the perfect fit is to share a few details first.

Send us:

• Door thickness (mm or inches)

• Mounting type: single-sided or double-sided

• Hole spacing (center-to-center), or tell us if you need drilling guidance

• Door use: sauna / bathroom / indoor

• Preferred handle length + finish style

Need help confirming your measurements?

Message us your door details and we’ll help confirm sizing before you place the order.