How to Select Correct Door Hardware for your Home

Choosing the right door hardware is critical. It is, after all, an extension of your home’s personality, and adds a touch of the homeowner’s personal style. However, there is much to take into consideration when deciding which hardware will match your home’s look.

Style

You should look at hardware design in the same manner as you would when decorating the rest of your home. Is there a theme? Does the design of the home lean more towards elegant, or is it more rustic and bucolic? Are there architectural details that would be enhanced with the right pieces? These are but some of the questions that need to be initially addressed so that the correct choices can be made.

Doors

The types of doors within the home need to be taken into account. If the doors are all the same, matching door handles will denote consistency. Or, conversely, the look can be more edgy by differentiating particular rooms or floors with different styles of hardware.

The outside main entry door is critical as it is the first thing visitors see. You obviously want to select a style that reflects the architecture of the home. But more importantly, security plays the biggest role here. Mortice locks offer better security than the more common Tubular locks. Tubular locks gained popularity as they are a fast and easy fit and don’t require any special tools to install. They are generally seen as a somewhat secure, basic entry system.  It is exactly that reason why Mortice locks offer greater security.

Knobs and Handles

This is a matter of personal style. Some prefer standard door knobs, yet others prefer levers. Levers offer greater ease for individuals with disabilities. No matter which, the function of the door must be taken into consideration. There are four basic functions handles provide:

• Passage set (non-locking)
• Entry set (has key for front door)
• Privacy (has integrated or separate locking function)
• Dummy set ( fixed handle with no latch – usually used for cupboards)

Once the function has been determined, the type of hardware to choose becomes a bit easier.  It is helpful to take a count of all doors in advance and determine which functions the hardware will serve.  Other factors to consider are the type of doors.  Are they thick?  If so, you want to be sure the hardware comes equipped with the necessary kit that is suited for such dimensions. Augmenting the kit and drilling additional holes may compromise the integrity of the door.

Environment

Another important factor to consider is the type of environment where the home is located. For example, if the home is in a tropical locale or close to the ocean, the hardware chosen needs to be able to tolerate wind, salt and humidity. If this is the case, then it is strongly recommended that a 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steele be used that is highly salt resistant and will last a long time. But, no matter where the location, the chosen hardware needs to be long lasting and remain operable for long periods of time before needing replacing.

Completing the Look

Doors, especially entry doors, should have a completed, finished look once the proper hardware is installed. There are door holders, door stops, door knockers, door viewers, coat hooks – the list goes on! But to be clear, whatever accessory is used, be sure that it matches the hardware style and finish.

Budget

The budget is listed last as all of the aforementioned should be taken into consideration when determining what will be allocated. Remember that you use most doors hundreds of times a month, so although selecting less expensive options may currently save money, in the long term it may end up costing more! Also, if a lot of money was spent on acquiring specialty doors, you would not want poor quality hardware to be attached. This will debase the look and feel that you were originally going for.

A Beautiful Home Begins with Beautiful Doors and Hardware

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