Both in construction and renovation projects, door hardware plays a vital role. Not only do these components provide people with smooth access to the different areas of a property, but they also enhance security and provide added protection from different external factors.
When choosing door hardware, you need to know the different factors to consider so you can get high-quality ones for your property. Here’s a guide to help you.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Door Hardware
To enhance security in residential and commercial spaces, consider these factors when choosing door hardware. Some of the most important ones are:
1. Quality
Quality is always on top of the list of things to look at when buying any product. When choosing door hardware, the same thing applies. Invest in products with proven quality, even if they’re a little more costly. It is always better to spend money on products that last instead of low-quality ones that require frequent repairs and replacement. Additionally, high-quality products tend to have extended warranties compared to cheap or generic ones.
2. Material
The materials used for door hardware greatly matter. For instance, you can choose wood knobs, handles, and levers for spaces that require aesthetics. If you want those that last long and perform well, you can go for products made from steel. There are also plastic ones, but they are not the best option for high-traffic areas. They don’t last as long as the first two materials mentioned. Take note that suitable materials are vital to ensuring longevity and durability.
3. Style and Finish
Door hardware now comes in a wide variety of styles and finishes to match the design of properties. With the broad selection of products available on the market, it won’t be hard to choose the ones that fit your preferences and needs. Some of the styles to choose from include:
- Oval
- Flat
- Square
- Round
- Antique
- Modern
If you have the question, “How to choose door hardware finish?” in mind, you need to know that you have many options. Glossy and matte are the most common ones, but you can also choose from the following finishes:
- Graphite Nickel
- Brushed Nickel
- Chrome Plated
- Two-Tone: Brushed Nickel and Chrome Plated
- Satin Chrome
- Satin Brass
- Vintage Pewter
- Rustic Brass
- Powder Coated
4. Door Function
Depending on the door function, there are different types of door hardware to consider, including:
- Dummy Lockset – This type is also known as non-functional locksets since it only comes with a lever or a knob. It doesn’t include a latch. Dummy locksets are typically used in cupboards. When installed, they look like the other functional locksets.
- Keyed Lockset – This type is lockable on both sides. It comes with a key for unlocking it from the outside. The buttons or knobs are for unlocking it from the inside, hence the name. Keyed locksets are an excellent option for both exterior and interior applications.
- Passage Lockset – This type doesn’t come with lock systems, unlike keyed locksets. For that reason, it’s only a viable option for interior applications, including bedrooms, pantries, closets, and supply rooms. As long as privacy isn’t needed, passage locksets will do.
- Privacy Lockset – This type best suits interior spaces designed for privacy. It comes with a separate and integrated lock system perfect for offices, businesses, bathrooms, and other private areas in a residential or commercial property.
5. Door Type
When choosing door hardware, you also need to consider the door type — its build, design, size, material, and more. For instance, a door with a customized thickness requires hardware optimized with the same thickness. Otherwise, it won’t deliver the expected function.
6. Environment
The environment you live in is an essential factor too. For instance, you can go for matte finishes if you live in a coastal area. The conditions in such locations can cause hardware to rust, so matte finishes are your best option. If you reside in areas with dusty conditions, choose hardware that doesn’t attract and harbor dirt easily. For places with extreme temperatures, choose hardware types that don’t contract or expand much when there are temperature fluctuations.
7. Level of Use
To ensure desirable results and convenient daily operations, you need to consider the level of use of doors when choosing door hardware. In residential spaces, 20 cycles per day are the average door use. On the other hand, the average door use in commercial establishments can reach more than a hundred cycles per day. There’s a big difference between those two numbers, so make sure you purchase the proper hardware for them.
Ensure Total Security for Your Property with Alpine Lock & Safe
Keep your property safe with the best door hardware from Alpine Lock & Safe. We offer a variety of high-quality products, including door sweeps, exit hardware, door closers, latch guards, hospital hardware, panic devices, fire-rated hardware, security door locks, doorknobs, and deadbolts. We also provide repairs, replacement, and installation services for the previously mentioned products. Contact us today if you have any inquiries.
