How to Choose the Right Door Hardware for Your Home

Selecting the right door hardware impacts both the functionality and aesthetics of your home. From security and convenience to design cohesion, door hardware serves multiple crucial purposes. Whether you're building, renovating, or simply updating worn fixtures, understanding home door hardware options will help you make informed decisions that balance style, security, durability, and budget.

This guide from Carter Bay will take you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect hardware for every door in your home.

Understanding Door Hardware Basics

Entry door hardware includes handles or knobs, locksets, hinges, door stops, and weatherstripping. Each part serves a specific purpose.

Key Components of the Door Hardware :

• Handles and knobs: Lets you open and close the door with ease.
• Locksets: Secure the door when closed.
• Home Door Hinges: Attach the door to the frame and enable smooth movement.
• Door stops: Prevent the door from damaging adjacent walls or furniture.
• Weatherstripping: Seals gaps to block air, moisture, and sound from entering.

At Carter Bay, we offer reliable hardware solutions tailored to every space. Explore our products like the Delta Hinge Pin Door Stop to protect your walls, and the Master Lock BC01 Knob Entry Lockset for strong front door protection.

Different Doors, Different Needs

Different doors have different requirements. Entry doors need robust security features, bathrooms require privacy locks, and closets need simple functionality.

Materials

Material quality significantly affects performance and longevity. Common materials include

• Brass and bronze: Durable with beautiful patina development
• Stainless steel: Offers excellent corrosion resistance
• Zinc or Aluminum alloys: Affordability with decent performance.

Types of and Home Door Handles and Knobs

Traditional Home Door Knobs

Traditional home door knobs feature a rounded design that requires grasping and turning. They offer a classic appearance suitable for traditional homes but may present challenges for those with limited hand mobility.

Door Levers

Door levers are increasingly popular due to their ergonomic advantages.

• Levers can be used with an elbow or forearm when hands are occupied.
• ADA-compliant and preferred in many residential settings.
• Carter Bay offers a wide selection of lever styles ranging from minimal modern to ornate traditional designs.

Entry Door Handlesets

Entry door handlesets provide both security and style to your space. A typical handleset includes an exterior grip handle, keyed deadbolt, interior thumb turn, and either a knob or lever for the latch. Carter Bay's premium handlesets make a strong design statement perfect for main entrances.

Smart Door Handles

The latest evolution in home door hardware, smart handles offer keyless entry through keypads, fingerprint recognition, or smartphone connectivity. While more expensive than traditional hardware, these electronic door locks for home eliminate concerns about lost keys and offer enhanced security features like temporary access codes and activity logs.

Security Considerations

Different areas of your home require different levels of security. Get the good balance between safety and utility by opting for the right locksets and security-grade options.

• Passage locksets don't lock but simply latch the door closed, making them ideal for closets and hallways.
• Privacy locksets feature simple locking mechanisms typically engaged by pushing or turning a button on the interior side, making them ideal for bathrooms and bedrooms.
• Entry locksets feature keyed cylinders for exterior security, while allowing for free exit from the inside.
• Home deadbolt locks provide maximum security for exterior doors. Look for deadbolts with a 1-inch throw and reinforced strike plates secured with long screws.

Our Recommendation

Get 3-in-1 protection with our Schlage Residential BE365 Electronic Keypad Deadbolt. Unlock the door with a key or PIN code, and lock it manually from the inside with a deadbolt for added peace of mind.

Security Grade Ratings Explained

When evaluating home door locksets, check their ANSI/BHMA security grade ratings.

• Grade 1: Highest level of security. Recommended for exterior doors.
• Grade 2: Provides good residential protection. Commonly used for entry doors.
• Grade 3: Delivers basic residential security. Suitable for interior doors.

Carter Bay offers products in all security grades to meet your specific needs.

Explore one of our customer favorites, the Kwikset Halo Touch Fingerprint Smart Lock, offering high-grade security with biometric access or key entry.

Choosing Hardware by Door Location

Different doors serve different purposes, and they require hardware that meets their functional and security requirements. Choose the right hardware for each space of your home:

Front Doors

• Invest in higher security grades (ANSI 1 or 2) for maximum protection.
• Choose coordinated entry door handlesets and weather-resistant finishes.
• Carter Bay's entry sets include matching handles, entry door handlesets with deadbolts, and accessories for a cohesive look.

Interior Passage Doors

• Opt for simpler passage knobs or levers without locking mechanisms.
• Maintain consistent design throughout interior spaces for visual cohesion.
• Ideal for connecting spaces, closets, and hallways.

Bathroom and Bedroom Doors

• Balance privacy with household safety.
• Select privacy function locksets with interior thumb turns or push-button locks.
• Should be unlocked from the outside in emergencies.

Closet and Utility Doors

• Choose basic passage knobs or specialized hardware like pocket door pulls or bifold home door hardware depending on door type.
• Prioritize ease of use and effective space utilization.

Patio and Secondary Doors

• Account for both security needs and weather exposure.
• Carter Bay's sliding door handles and multi-point locking systems enhance security, allowing for easy indoor and outdoor movement.

Garage Access Doors

• Garage access doors are a critical security point that requires high-security home door locks and locksets.
• Many building codes require self-closing, fire-rated doors for safety between garages and living spaces.

Material and Finish Options

Selecting the right material and finish can completely transform the appearance of your home. Here is a quick guide for you:

Material Options

• Brass and bronze: Premium choices with excellent durability and lasting strength.
• Stainless steel: Perfect for humid environments due to its superior corrosion resistance.
• Zinc alloy: Offers a good balance of affordability and performance.
• Aluminum: Lightweight and naturally corrosion-resistant.
• Iron: Adds distinctive character to rustic or historic-style homes.

Finish Options

• Polished brass: Traditional look with bright, gold-like finish.
• Satin or brushed nickel: A versatile, warm silver tone that hides fingerprints.
• Matte black: Bold and edgy look, ideal for modern and farmhouse styles.
• Oil-rubbed bronze: Provides a dark finish with subtle copper undertones.
• Chrome: Sleek and highly reflective, perfect for modern homes.
• Copper: Develops a natural patina over time.

Carter Bay offers a range of premium materials and finishes to match any home design aesthetic.

Matching Hardware to Your Home's Style

Choosing the matching home door hardware can enhance your home’s aesthetics. Here is a quick step-by-step guide to help you match the hardware finishes and design styles for respective homes:

• Traditional and Colonial Homes
• Recommended Finishes
  : Polished brass, antique brass, or oil-rubbed bronze.
• Design Styles:
  Detailed backplates, decorative door knockers, and mail slots
• Craftsman and Bungalow-style Homes
• Recommended Finishes:
  Oil-rubbed bronze, antique copper, or black iron.
• Design Styles:
  Square backplates, clean lines, and geometric patterns
• Contemporary and Modern Homes
• Recommended Finishes:
  Brushed nickel, chrome, matte black, or stainless steel.
• Design Styles:
  clean, minimal designs and streamlined profiles
• Farmhouse and Rustic Styles
• Recommended Finishes:
  Black iron, distressed bronze, or pewter finishes.
• Design Styles:
  Thumb latches or barn door hardware for an authentic appeal.
• Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial Homes
• Recommended Finishes:
  Dark bronze, wrought iron.
• Design Styles:
  Elaborate scrollwork, hammered textures.
• Carter Bay's Mediterranean collection features decorative backplates and visible rivets for authentic appeal.
• Mid-Century Modern Homes
• Recommended Finishes:
  Brushed brass, chrome, or hardware with walnut accents.
• Design Styles:
  Look for geometric shapes and elongated home door handles.

Functionality and Universal Design

Consider these practical aspects when selecting your home door hardware.

• Levers are easier to use than knobs, especially for those with limited hand mobility, children, or when carrying items.
• Choose ADA-compliant hardware for aging-in-place or households with individuals with disabilities.
• Carter Bay's smart home door locks connect with home automation systems for enhanced functionality like voice activation and remote monitoring.
• Child Safety: Specialized knobs or covers can prevent young children from accessing dangerous areas.

Installation and Maintenance

Basic knob and lever replacements are generally DIY-friendly. However, consider professional installation for:

• New hardware that requires door boring
• Switching between different hardware types
• Installing high-grade security home door locks
• Working with antique doors.

Carter Bay offers professional installation services to ensure proper function and warranty coverage.

Maintenance Tips

Keep your home door hardware in good condition with these easy-to-follow tricks:

• Clean hardware regularly with a soft, damp cloth and avoid harsh chemicals that can deter finishes.
• Tighten screws every 6 to 12 months.
• Lubricate moving parts annually with proper products.
• Follow finish-specific care instructions to maintain appearance.

With proper maintenance, quality hardware typically lasts 5-10 years, and interior hardware may function properly for decades.

Pro Tip: Learn how to maintain and lubrhicate your door locks for better performance and a longer lifespan.

Quick Takeaways

• Start with function: Always decide the functional requirements of each door before choosing hardware.
• Accessibility: Consider accessibility by choosing lever handles that improve usability for everyone in your household.
• Match your Style: Match your hardware to your home's architectural style for visual harmony.
• Invest in Quality: Remember that quality matters, as investing in better hardware pays off through extended service life and consistent performance.
• Maintenance: Different finishes have varying care requirements, so consider your maintenance preferences when making selections.
• Embrace Smart technology: It adds convenience through electronic locks that enhance both security and accessibility.

Conclusion

Home door hardware is a tactile interaction with your home that occurs dozens of times daily. These frequent touchpoints deserve thoughtful choice as they directly affect comfort, convenience, and security.

Whether you're building, renovating, or updating, investing time in understanding your options leads to more satisfying results. The perfect door hardware creates a seamless experience, functioning so well that you barely notice it while enhancing your home's aesthetic appeal.

Visit Carter Bay or stop by our showroom to explore our comprehensive selection of door hardware for every application. Our skilled staff can assist you in choosing the suitable hardware for your functional needs and design preferences, ensuring your selections will serve you beautifully for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the difference between a lockset and a deadbolt?
   A lockset includes the knob or lever mechanism that operates a spring-loaded latch extending about 1/2 inch into the door jamb with an angled design allowing the door to close without turning the handle. A deadbolt is a separate locking mechanism with a solid bolt that extends deeper (typically 1 inch) and doesn't spring back when pressure is applied, providing significantly greater security.
2. How do I decide if I need a left-handed or right-handed door lever?
   Stand with your back against the hinges of the door. If the door opens to your left, it's a left-handed door. If it begins to your right, it's a right-handed door. Many modern lever designs at Carter Bay are reversible, but always check before buying.
3. Can I mix hardware finishes throughout my home?
   Yes, but do so thoughtfully. Consider establishing different finishes for different zones (brushed nickel for bathrooms, oil-rubbed bronze for main living spaces) rather than mixing randomly. Maintain consistency within visible sight lines—all hardware visible from a single vantage point should generally match.
4. Are smart locks as secure as traditional locks?
   Quality smart locks that meet ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or 2 standards can be as secure as traditional locks against physical attacks. They offer added security features like automatic locking and activity monitoring. Choose reputable models like those offered by Carter Bay that include mechanical backup options in case of power or system failures.
5. How often should I replace my home door hardware?
   Interior hardware in good working condition never requires replacement unless you want to update the style. Exterior hardware typically lasts 5-10 years, depending on weather exposure, quality, and the level of maintenance. Replace hardware at once if security features become compromised or unreliable.
6. What's the best door hardware material for coastal homes?
   Stainless steel and marine-grade brass offer the best corrosion resistance for coastal environments where salt air can quickly damage lesser materials. Carter Bay offers specialized coastal collections with enhanced finishes specifically designed for these challenging conditions.
7. Do I need to match my door hardware to cabinet hardware?
   While exact matching isn't necessary, coordinating finishes crh3 visual cohesion. Consider hardware in the same finish family (warm tones like brass and bronze, or cool tones like nickel and chrome) for a harmonious look throughout your home.