Secure Your Home in Style with New Door Locks & Hardware
Quality door locks play an essential role in keeping your family safe and boosting the curb appeal of your home.
Your door lock is just one component of door hardware, which includes a range of metallic fittings and accessories for door functionality. Besides locks, door hardware includes handles, hinges, door closers and peepholes.
From traditional keyed-entry doors to electronic smart locks, as well as privacy doorknobs and door closers, you’ll discover a wide variety of functionalities and styles to choose from. Mid-City Lumber provides expert consultation from construction professionals to help you select locksets and door parts to match the style of your home.
Here’s what you need to know when shopping for locks and other hardware for your entry door.
Door Hardware Components
Most people know you need a strong, sturdy lock to protect your home. But other door hardware components are essential for effective security and aesthetic appeal.
Door Locks
When you invest in a high-quality lock, you’ll have peace of mind in securing the door against unwanted entry. You can find different types of door locks depending on your functional needs and stylistic taste. Popular models include anti-theft door locks, glass door locks and magnetic door locks, among others.
Different types of door locks require different installation methods, functions and usage. You’ll want to consider the installation location, users and required security levels when weighing your options. Things to examine when shopping for locks include texture, weight, and smoothness of operation.
Hinges
Often overlooked, quality hinges allow your door to open and close smoothly and quietly. Most doors have two or three hinges, although this may vary. Look for hinges that are strong, durable and easy to install. Common materials for hinges include iron, copper, stainless steel, and alloys. Because iron and copper can rust, they may degrade the appearance of your door over time. Stainless steel or alloy hinges typically give you high quality with less maintenance.
Door Stops
A sturdy door stop pr the door handle from hitting the wall. It can be affixed to the wall or the floor. Different styles of door stops include magnetic adsorption type, frictional latch type, and locking type. Ask a building expert to recommend the correct door stop for your needs. For example, aluminum alloy doors are best suited for floor-mounted stops equipped with magnetic adhesion.
Peepholes
Peepholes are a small but important security feature that let you observe outdoor conditions while preventing those on the outside from peering inside. Look for a peephole that offers 120-degree vision from the inside. This essential hardware component is helpful for preventing theft and other unwanted entry, making it an indispensable household tool.
Door Closers
Typically installed at the top or side of the inside of an entry door, a door closer uses mechanical or hydraulic action to regulate the speed and force of the door’s closing action. Its primary function is to ensure that your door closes automatically, which enhances security as well as energy efficiency. Although they are a long-standing feature of commercial entries, they can also be incorporated into residential entry doors for added security.
Smart Locks for Tighter Security
By enhancing both security and convenience, a smart lock gives you a seamless entry into the world of smart living.
Locks and door handles with smart technology have increased, as more and more homeowners install them. Modern locks integrated with smart home systems and smartphones can provide keyless, automated and more efficient entry. Other features may include remote access, one-touch unlocking and biometric recognition for tracking who enters or leaves the home.
High-Quality Materials
Door hardware made from quality materials translates into durability and aesthetic appeal. Popular materials include stainless steel, aluminum alloys and titanium alloys. These materials have a clean appearance and boast an excellent track record of standing up to harsh environmental conditions. They can incorporate advanced techniques like anodizing, electroplating, advanced coatings and precision manufacturing to enhance resistance to corrosion and routine wear and tear.
Gorgeous Finishes & Colors
Thanks to advancements in craftsmanship and technology, door locks can be customized in a range of finishes and colors to complement the rest of your home. Traditional metallic finishes remain popular, along with colors like black, white, gray and brown. Finishes can range from luminous silver to matte black to rose gold. Some homeowners choose mixed metals for a personalized look that creates visual interest.
- Matte finishes: This option is ideal for contemporary style homes and can range from muted metallics like copper and brass to matte black and other shades.
- Bronze: Known for its enduring elegance and warmth, bronze has grown in popularity thanks to its rich, earthy feel.
- Satin finishes: If you want to give your door an upscale, luxurious appearance, a satin nickel or gold finish is a good choice. The soft, brushed look of satin offers a modern alternative to traditional shiny finishes.
- PVD finishes: Physical vapor deposition, or PVD, is an innovative approach to hardware finishes that combines beautiful aesthetics with durability. This is a big priority if you want a gorgeous finish that will last for years.
Classic & Contemporary Styles
Door hardware must offer security and blend with your home’s overall design. That means looking for consistency in materials, color and design when choosing locks and other hardware. Architects and designers recommend close attention to detail to achieve a unified, visually appealing style.
For traditional homes, incorporate elements of antique craftsmanship into hardware design. Look for retro styles with a modern twist by choosing durable metals in a nostalgic finish. Popular details include carved features, polishing and other artisanal touches.
Simplicity and minimalism offer a good rule of thumb for contemporary door hardware. Choose a sleek, smooth finish for a calming aesthetic that stands out against a hectic and cluttered world. Minimalist designs focus on form and function and give your entryway a sense of clarity and serenity.
Finally, look for ergonomically friendly hardware for extra convenience. Lever-style door handles and remote-controlled smart locks make it easier to bring in groceries, suitcases or other large items, and are an excellent choice for age-in-place updates.
Find Quality Door Locks & Hardware
You can ensure the safety of your family, home and belongings with quality door locks and latches from Mid-City Lumber. We carry trusted manufacturers like Schlage, Emtek and Cal-Royal, and our friendly professionals are here to help you find a locking solution that fits.
We invite you to visit one of our locations or contact us online to learn more!
