Your Ultimate Guide on How to Choose Front Door Hardware

Choosing the perfect front door hardware is more than just a simple shopping task. It's about striking a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and security. Whether you're planning a home renovation or building a new house, you'll need to consider these factors carefully. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing front door hardware, ensuring your selection will not only enhance your home's curb appeal but also provide the necessary security and functionality.

Understanding the Importance of Front Door Hardware

Front door hardware is a key component of your home's overall design. It's both functional and stylish, serving as a security feature while also contributing to your home's aesthetic appeal. The right door hardware can significantly enhance your home's first impression, creating a welcoming entrance for guests and potential buyers. Moreover, quality door hardware can provide a higher level of security, peace of mind, and convenience.

Decoding the Types of Entry Door Hardware

When selecting front door hardware, one of the first steps is to understand the different types available. The choice of entry door handles depends on various factors, including how you want to open the door, lock it, and the material and finish of your hardware. Let's delve into the different types of entry door handles:

Doorknobs

Doorknobs are one of the most classic forms of door handles available. They feature a distinctive rounded handle that releases a latch between the door jamb and door when turned. You can easily install a keyed entry door and pair it with a deadbolt for additional security.

Door Levers

Door levers offer an easy operation — simply turn it 90 degrees, and the latch releases. This type of handle is a suitable option for those who have trouble turning or gripping a doorknob. Some door levers come with number locks to enhance security.

Handlesets

Handlesets combine the security of a deadbolt with the convenience of a thumb latch. The thumb latch is pressure-sensitive, providing an easy method of opening the door. Handlesets come in different types, including single-piece sets and separate lock trims.

Exploring Types of Locksets

Locksets come in various forms, from traditional keyed deadbolts to modern electronic door locks. The choice will depend on your personal preference and the level of security you need for your home. Here are some popular choices:

Electronic Door Locks

Over the past few years, electronic locks have grown in popularity due to their convenience and high security. They feature a touchscreen, keychain remote, or numeric keypad for access. Some even come with biometric locks that read your thumbprint. These locks offer automatic locking after a certain period, temporary access codes for guests, and connectivity to home automation systems.

Keyed Doorknobs and Levers

Keyed doorknobs and levers are among the most popular types of key entry hardware. They offer traditional operation and design, providing a secure way to lock and unlock your door.

Keyed Deadbolts

Deadbolt locks serve as an additional locking point, providing users with an extra level of security. They come in two types — single-cylinder and double-cylinder. The single-cylinder variant requires a key when unlocking from the outside but can be unlocked with a thumb turn from the inside. The double-cylinder variant requires a key to unlock from both the outside and inside.

Keyed Handlesets

Keyed handlesets add a decorative touch to your door. They feature an exterior handle, a latch operated with your thumb, and a matching deadbolt. To operate the latch from inside, there is a lever or knob. Handlesets can be used on double doors, where some manufacturers offer nonfunctional, matching handlesets to complement the functional hardware.

Choosing the Perfect Hardware Finish

Door hardware is available in a wide variety of finishes, allowing you to match the hardware with your home's decor. Some popular finish options include bronze, nickel, chrome, black, pewter, brass, copper, stainless steel, zinc, and custom doorknobs. Remember that a finish may be designed to change its appearance with time and use.

Determining the Best Entry Door Hardware

Now that you know the different types of handles, locksets, and finishes, you need to figure out which one would work best for your home. Here are some tips to help you make this decision:

Know the thickness of your door: When shopping, make sure the hardware you’re considering is compatible with your door’s thickness.
Pay attention to borehole size: Replacement hardware will need to fit your door, and hardware for a new door will require a correctly sized hole saw.
Look at the needed backset for replacement hardware: The backset refers to the distance from the borehole’s center to the door’s edge.
Make a note of the configuration of the bolt or latch: Hardware featuring a drive-in configuration doesn’t have a plate.
Be sure your hardware is suitable for your application: Choose the right type of hardware based on the function of the door.
Check the level of security for entry door locks: Look at the security grade of the entry door locks.
Try to have all the locks in your home be the same brand: This allows you to have more than one entry door in your home set keyed to open with one key.

Selecting a Lockset

When shopping for a lockset, consider whether you want a keyed lockset, electronic lockset, or a smart lock. Ask yourself the following questions:

Do you get locked out frequently?
Do you often have to grant others access to your home?
What design requirements do you have?
Do you want a smart home platform?
How much are you willing to spend?

Selecting a Finish

From chrome to black matte, there is a large number of door hardware finishes to choose from. To decide what color hardware to choose for the front door, consider these pointers:

Choose a Finish That Coordinates Well With Your Home
Consider Your Door’s Function
Remember Aesthetic Appeal
Consider the Existing Door and Accessories in Your Home

Conclusion

Choosing the right door hardware may seem overwhelming at first. However, by understanding the different types, styles, and finishes available, you can make a more informed decision. Remember to consider both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your choice, and don't be afraid to ask for help if necessary. With the right hardware, your front door can be both a beautiful and secure entrance to your home. Also check out Black Badge Doors for entry door hardware.