Update your curb appeal with the right front door hardware
Your front door isn’t simply an entrance, it’s one of the first aspects of your home that guests see. Picking the right front door hardware can turn an entryway into a statement piece that matches your personality and lifestyle. Security is also an important factor when choosing door hardware. Fortunately, at Clark Hall, we offer a wide range of door hardware options to give you peace of mind and the right aesthetics for your home.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Entry Door Hardware
Before you rush out to buy a new door knob or locking mechanism, there are a few important considerations to think about:
Security
Your front door is the first line of defense against intruders. So, whether you live in a secluded suburb or the middle of a busy city, security is paramount. There are many types of locks, as well as door handles and knobs to choose from, all with their own benefits. For example, an iron door with a tubular entry set from Clark Halls will offer you and your family the robust protection you desire for peace of mind.
Durability
Door hardware needs to be able to withstand repeated use without excessive wear. At Clark Hall, we offer a range of customization options to ensure you get the most hard-wearing and easy-to-use hardware for your front door, whether you choose to go with a traditional iron door or a more modern design. For example, you can choose between a custom handle or a secure iron front door equipped with Emtek hardware. Another important factor you need to think about is the size and fit. We recommend that you measure your door before purchasing new hardware and determine whether it’s inswing or outswing to ensure the correct installation of door handles, knobs, or other hardware. At Clark Halls, we request accurate measurements at the beginning of the customization process to ensure you get the best fit.
Aesthetic Value
Do you fancy modernizing your front door with a sleek, matte black handle or do you prefer the more traditional brass door knob? There is so much you can do to increase curb appeal and add value to your home. When it comes to customizing an iron door at Clark Hall, we work with you from the initial design to the finished product. Our job is to make your dream door a reality. We can also offer you guidance on the best hardware for your type of door, as well as the finish and materials you can use. Contact one of our experts to find out more about how we can help you.
Convenience
Security and aesthetic appeal are definitely important considerations. However, when it comes to using entry sets day in day out, convenience and ease of use are the main factors that will determine your everyday experience. For example, if you find yourself grappling to keep the kids in line while rummaging in your bag for your keys, then a keyless entry may be the most beneficial option.
Types of Entry Door Hardware
When it comes to refurbishing a home, door hardware is often overlooked. However, the finishing touches are just as important as the beginning steps.
Below, we delve into the types of front door hardware:
- Deadbolts. A deadbolt is a type of locking mechanism that uses a solid rod rather than a spring, which can only be opened using a handle or key. Deadbolts are a great addition to exterior doors because they provide added protection from intruders. However, they are probably not necessary for interior doors.
- Pull handles. These are more suitable for interior doors or commercial buildings, particularly heavy doors. They consist of a handle, usually attached to one side of a door so they can be pulled open or pushed open from the other side. You can also add a latch which needs to be pushed down in order to pull the door open. At Clark Halls, we often suggest these types of handles for traditional or ornate doors.
- Door knobs. Door knobs are a more traditional form of door handle, making them a great option for period properties. The latch is operated by turning a round handle on the door, which can come in a wide variety of designs. You can also get different shaped door knobs, like an oval shape, for better grip. They are typically made from metals like satin nickel, brass, cast iron, and chrome, and are fairly simple to install.
- Door levers. Lever handles are the most common type of door handle used in residential, commercial, and public buildings today. They consist of a rectangular plate and an elongated handle that allows for good grip. Furthermore, lever handle sets come in a wide range of styles suitable for more modern doors, and often come with matching interior and exterior handles for a cohesive look.
- Door locks. There are many types of door locks to choose from depending on your needs. However, you must ensure you choose a lock and latch that validates your home insurance. At Clark Halls, we offer tubular entry sets and all of our double doors are held in place by a secure throw bolt mechanism.
Essential Features to Look For
Most traditional locking mechanisms are keyed locks, meaning that the internal locking cylinder, known as a tumbler, can’t be moved without the turn of a unique key. However, today, there are now many other locking systems to consider.
Below, we look at the essential features you need to look out for to ensure you get the security and desired ease of use from your new door hardware:
- Keyless entry. A big trend in the home improvement world today is keyless entry. A keyless entry set uses magnets rather than the traditional tumbler system. Basically, they are electronic locks that can be controlled using a passcode or some other means of security access, such as a Bluetooth proximity sensor. This is a great option if you’re always forgetting or losing your keys!
- Smart Home compatibility. Have you ever experienced the sheer panic at remembering you forgot to lock your home when you left that morning? Well, with smart locks you’ll never have that problem again because they can be locked remotely. However, different types of doors require different smart locks which may or may not rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection. So, if your internet drops, you won’t be able to lock or unlock your home.
- ANSI/BHMA Grade. It’s important to look for ANSI/BHMA accredited hardware that has passed the American National Standards Institute regulations for security. These are graded 1-3, with grade 3 offering basic residential security and grade 1 offering the highest level of security.
Considerations for Iron & Steel Doors
Both iron and steel doors are considered to be robust and can withstand cracking under force, especially when compared to other materials like wood. They are both very good choices if you are worried about the safety of your family. They also require minimal maintenance to prevent rust and excessive wear. All our doors at Clark Hall are technically made from steel, which is created by mixing iron and carbon, making them a durable and attractive addition to your home.
When it comes to choosing hardware for your iron or steel door, security and ease of use are important considerations. However, you also need to think about the overall look of the entrance to your home. For example, if you have a modern door design with clean lines, then a simple lever will continue these lines. However, if you have a more intricate ornate door, then a more elaborate handle set may fit better. Fortunately, steel and iron doors are very customizable, especially when compared to wood doors.
About Clark Hall Hardware
Opt for our artisans to create and forge custom handles for your door—it’s a simple detail that gives the piece an added layer of luxury. Or, choose to build a door equipped with quality Emtek hardware. We can tailor the design to accommodate most hardware preferences. Alternatively, you can contact us and we will be happy to advise you on the best course of action to achieve your dream door.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most secure type of front door handle?
The most secure type of front door handle will depend entirely on the type of door you have. It’s also worth bearing in mind that front door handles and locks need to fit properly. So, it’s advisable to measure your door before purchasing any new hardware. In simple terms, the most secure front door handle will be made of robust material, such as brass, with a deadbolt mechanism.
What type of front door lock is best?
There are many front door locks to choose from, with pin-and-tumbler locks being the most popular. However, the one you choose will depend on the type of door you have as well as the area you live in. At Clark Hall, we offer a white glove experience, meaning that we work with you from the initial sketch to the finished product to ensure you get the best door and door hardware that suits your needs.
How can I determine the right size and type of hardware for my entry door?
One of the most important factors to consider when determining the correct size and type of door hardware is the width of the stile (vertical edge of the door). A narrow stile may limit the length of latch you can fit and therefore, the type of door handle and lock you use. You should also think about how the new hardware will fit in with the style and size of your entryway to ensure a cohesive look and aesthetic appeal. For example, if you have a shorter door, you will want to look at more compact door handles rather than a long backplate handle.
