Is it time to find new front door hardware for your home? Then it depends on the types of locks that you’ve been using and whether or not you want to switch.
As we’ve mentioned before, doors are an integral part of your home. External doors matter just as much as internal doors. Is it time to find new hardware for your home? Then it depends on the types of locks that you’ve been using and whether or not you want to switch. We have assembled a quick guide for you, so feel free to follow it!
Electrical or Mechanical Locks
Although many residential doors still rely on the classic lock-and-key mechanism, some homeowners are more forward-thinking than that. Electrical locks don’t need keys to open and close, and they are often wired right into the system associated with your home. If the yare not wired in, they rely on battery power. Fingerprint scans, remote access, and video cameras are often built into electrical locks as well.
Think about the door’s purpose: would an electrical or electronic lock suit it? Then figure out the type of lock you will have to use accordingly. You can choose between mortise and cylindrical locks. Mortises are hidden in a pocket of the door; however, they tend to be more expensive than their counterparts. While they are not as secure, cylindrical locks are relatively inexpensive by comparison. The most common locks you will see attached to a front door is the conventional mechanical lock. Gears inside the lock turn and click into place as they move around when manipulated by a key.
Different Lockset Options
What lockset do you want to have? This question is often more important than most homeowners realize. When it comes to choosing, front door hardware, there are two main categories of lockset: tubular and mortise. Tubular locks go into two holes, while mortise locks go into one. You can probably install a tubular lock by yourself, but you will need a locksmith’s assistance to install a mortise lock. The choice ultimately depends on if you are planning to replace the door itself or the strike plate on the door.
Latches and Deadbolts
Latches hold the door securely closed, but if you want to go one step further, then you should invest in deadbolts. Deadbolt locks are useful for townhomes, single-family homes, and apartments alike. Double-cylinder deadbolts can protect any doors equipped with a small glass window.
Trim and Finish Considerations
Trim and finish help you decorate the front door as well. Maybe you are decorating side doors and back doors, as well? After all, front doors aren’t the only kind of exterior door. Think about aesthetics, especially when the rest of your home’s exterior is taken into account. Common finishes include the following examples:
- Brass
- Stainless steel
- Bronze
- Chrome
- Antique pewter
- Satin nickel
Choose Your Home Hardware From WalterWorks
No matter what type of home hardware and decorative touches you choose, WalterWorks Hardware has the expertise and supplies you need. We are well known throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and the northern Virginia area for our fantastic hardware and unbeatable knowledge. For more information, please call us at (410) 263-9711 or contact us online. For more tips on choosing hardware for your home, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Houzz, and Pinterest.