Select the Right Hardware for Your New Front Door

Access control, keyless or keyed door locks, or door closers. There are so many hardware options to consider when you purchase a new front door. Door hardware can secure your home or business, add beauty, and increase convenience. To ensure that your selections go smoothly here is a brief guide to choosing your new door hardware. But what exactly is front door hardware? There is more to it than just the handle!

Door Hardware 101

When it comes to outfitting your front door, you need to understand what "hardware" actually means. It's not just the handle. It also includes:

• Locks (Locksets)
• Deadbolts and latch bolts
• Handles (Handlesets)
• Levers and Knobs
• Hinges
• Accessories (door bumpers and stops, doorbells, door knockers, and the list continues)

So how do you sort through the options to figure out exactly what you need? Your front door is an important part of the style and look of your home or business. It is also meant to protect your structure from danger and theft. Thus your hardware must take into consideration your style preferences and your safety needs. Locks keep unwanted visitors out. This means they are more functional than the rest of the door handle hardware. But the casing surrounding the lock is important as well. And on top of that, locks come in many different styles and levels of complexity. Consider your safety needs and budget when choosing exactly which set to buy.

1. Electrical Lock or Mechanical?

Electrical locks are keyless locks that are battery-powered or wired into the building itself. They can include complex features such as fingerprint recognition, remote access, and video cameras.

To decide if an electronic lock is right for you, you'll need to consider the door's purpose. You'll then need to determine the type of lock you'll need. You can choose from mortise or cylindrical models. Mortise units are more secure and are installed in a pocket within the door. Cylindrical locks are more affordable but less secure. If your door has a cutaway pocket already mortised into it, choose a mortise lock. For doors with circular holes or no lock preps, choose a cylindrical lock style for easy installation.

Mechanical locks are the common keyed locks installed in front doors. They function through outside manipulation that physically turn gears inside the lock until it unlocks. These are more basic locks that also tend to be more affordable.

To decide whether a mechanical lock is best for your door, consider the level of safety you need. Keyed locks tend to be safe but not nearly as safe as electrical locks. When you aren't worried about extra protection, perhaps a mechanical lock will do the trick. Budget is also another consideration as electrical locks tend to be more expensive. Mechanical locks will protect your home if you live in a safe area and aren't overly concerned about someone breaking in.

2. Lockset Options

The most important component of Entry Door Hardware is the lockset. Locksets are generally categorized as either tubular or mortise and are most often operated with a key. Tubular locksets also come in keyless electronic and ‘smart' versions. Generally, though, keyless systems are used with tubular locks.

The two typical choices include the tubular lock, which installs in two holes in the door, and the mortise lock, which goes in one hole. Tubular locks are more widely available, easier to install, and less expensive. Mortise locks, which tend to be more solidly built, require a locksmith to install.

Unless you plan on buying a new door, make sure your new setup has the same lock type as the old one. Also, check the dimensions of the strike plate to ensure it will fit in the existing impression in the door jamb to avoid having to pull out a chisel.

Latch Bolts and Deadbolts

A latch bolt is simply the piece that extends from the door hardware and fits into the door frame, holding the door securely closed. A deadbolt is usually a secondary locking device in addition to the latch bolt. Deadbolts can be generally operated with a thumb turn from inside and a key from outside. This is usually enough security to keep intruders from being able to pry it open.

If your door has a glass window that could be broken, you'll want to consider a double-cylinder deadbolt. This means that a key is required to open the deadbolt from both the outside and the inside. This ensures that if the glass is broken, without a key an intruder cannot completely open the door. These kinds of deadbolts should only be used when there is another easy to access door. In the case of an emergency, being required to find and insert a key into a door to escape could be dangerous.

3. Trim & Finish Selections

Door hardware is often the first thing that visitors touch and feel before entering your home or business. What they see when they open your front door can set the tone for the rest of your establishment. You'll need to consider your overall design preferences. What does the rest of your exterior look like? Consider whether you are going for an old-fashioned or modern look, or a tasteful combination of the two. Consult a design specialist if you find yourself hung up on style. Budget is also a major consideration. Certain kinds of metals and finishes can be more expensive than others.

The most common hardware finishes include the following options:

• Brass
• Stainless Steel
• Bronze
• Chrome
• Antique Pewter
• Satin Nickel

There are further choices for how these finishes can be presented. These include options such as polished brass, satin or bright stainless steel, and oil-rubbed bronze. Some finishes are made to wear a particular way so as to produce an interesting aesthetic. Carefully consider finishes as they all can be affected by different types of climates and weather conditions.

4. Accessorize Your Front Door

Once you have the handle chosen, you need to consider all the other kinds of options available for accessorizing your front door. You can choose from stops and holders, door bumpers, door bells, or door knockers. Each thing can make your door more fun to look at or easier to use.

• Door Bells: While their main purpose is to announce your guests, doorbells can range from sleek to ornate. Many designs are available to express your personal style.
• Door Knockers: A knocker which coordinates with your lockset adds a distinctive touch.
• Door Bumpers: Door bumpers can come in a few different varieties but their main job is to make sure that a door doesn't slam shut or hit a wall. They can be a rubber wedge shoved under a door to hold it open or they can be attached to the door or wall. They can be plain or aesthetically interesting.
• Stops and Holders: These items can be attached to the bottom of a door. They can close to allow the door to move freely or they can be extended so that they keep the door open.

Putting It All Together

Choosing door hardware can be a confusing process if you're not sure how it all works. It is an important part of your home, though, so investing the time to choose properly is a smart move. Door hardware tells a lot about your personal style but more importantly, is a crucial part of ensuring that your home or business is safe.

When choosing the various aspects of your door hardware, you must also consider your budget. Prioritize safety, choose locking hardware that will help you sleep soundly at night. Then choose features and designs that tell your visitors more about who you are. Also, consider where you live and how your hardware finishes will age and weather with time.

To find a wide variety of options that will fit all of your door hardware needs, consider Qualified Hardware. You can easily find various kinds of locks, handles, and finishes on their website. Visit them at QualifiedHardware.com or call 866-749-7661 for personalized service. With the right kind of knowledge and support, you can have a front door that is beautiful and safe for years to come.