How To Choose Door Hardware

Before making a decision about new door hardware for your home, let’s reconsider the role it plays. Your door hardware is the official greeter of your home and every room inside. Your door hardware shakes the hand of every person that enters your home.

Choosing door hardware can be a challenging task due to the multitude of options that are available. Buyers must consider not only the design and appearance of the hardware but also its ability to serve the required functions. Security is often a primary concern, as are durability and maintenance. Knowing what you need and want before you go shopping helps narrow down the selections.

These are things to consider:

– Indoor/outdoor: Where is the door located.

– Lock or no lock: Does this door need to lock? If so, by what sort of mechanism? Deadbolts and in-knob/lever locks require keys for entry. Privacy sets lock on the interior side of the door (without a key) and may be unlocked from the exterior side with an emergency release. Don’t need a lock? Then a passage or dummy set just might be the answer.

– Type – Variations on knobs and levers: Other options include rings, flush pulls and keyless entry systems. In deciding for your home, consider not only aesthetic but also any accessibility requirements.

– Style (design, material, finish): A bronze/brass knob or faceted crystal? Traditional in style or something more clean and modern? Some manufacturers also integrate fabrics such as leather in the hardware design. You may also need to specify the rosette or escutcheon design. Coordinate any metal finishes to those that already exist in your room.

– Hinges: If you are installing slab doors, you will also need to purchase hinges (in a coordinating finish). If you have pre-hung doors, be sure to indicate your preferred finish or be prepared with replacement hinges on installation day.

You could also use pivots in place of hinges to add a touch of elegance and style. Pivots are installed in the center of the door, and are nearly invisible whether the door is open or closed. They also allow the door to be opened more easily and can make a heavy door feel very light. Pivots will also last much longer than hinges for most over-sized doors.

Lastly, consider adding kickplates to one or both sides of the opening. Kickplates will protect the base of your door from damage and can make it easier to keep the bottom of the door clean. Look for stainless steel plates that can withstand rust and corrosion. These plates should be sized about 1 inch smaller than your door in terms of width to avoid interfering with the door’s operation.