Door Hardware -the Finishing Touch

Door hardware provides many important functional capabilities; it connects the door to the frame, controls the movement of the door, secures the door from unwanted entry, and enables us to use the door. But beyond these important functional features, hardware provides a tactile interface with the building and it enhances its appearance. Similar to the addition of jewelry to an outfit, door hardware can really set the door off beautifully. Handsome hardware that complements a door can take a project from ho-hum to wow!

How do we select hardware for your building project? Often, we specify a per-door hardware allowance when the project goes out to bid. It is not until the construction begins that we make the final hardware selections. Here are the features we take into consideration.

Considerations when choosing door hardware

Safety

Safety is the most important consideration. Building codes will provide guidance and often determine the type of hardware used, especially for exterior egress doors. These may be required to be fitted with panic hardware for quick exiting in case of fire or other emergency.

Function

What type of door is it, what is the base material, how heavy is it, how does the door open, and how much security is desired? Answering these questions helps us to determine the appropriate hardware for the specific application.

Options

What hardware elements are needed? You’d be surprised at how many elements of hardware go into a functional door – door hinges, lock sets, passage sets, dead bolts, smart locksets, electronic locksets, ball catches, thresholds,  knobs, levers, bumpers, hold-opens, and stops & closers. In addition, accessories such as door bells, knockers, and wreath hangers may be desired.

Style

Does the door need to match other doors? Are you trying to achieve a certain style? Fortunately, a wide variety of styles are available in door hardware, from traditional to modern and everything in between.

Finish

You name it! Door hardware is typically plated steel or brass and comes in many finishes – select from painted, antique brass, polished brass, satin nickel, polished nickel, satin chrome, polished chrome, bronze, oil-rubbed bronze, stainless steel, cast iron, and more.

Brand

On our commercial and industrial projects, we usually use Schlage door hardware. On residential projects, the door hardware does not get as much use, so it does not need to be as durable. There are lots of door hardware brands to choose from, including Baldwin, Kwikset, and Stanley.

Availability

What hardware is available in your area or by ordering online? How quickly do you need it? Availability of door hardware depends a lot on the style and finish you choose.

Function & Usage

We ask ourselves, who is using the door and how often? Doors that get heavy use will need heavy-duty hardware that suits the building environment. Residential door hardware can be light-duty. Specialty door hardware may have longer lead-times – check with the hardware manufacturer.

Pricing

Door hardware can be inexpensive, like costume jewelry, and it may not perform well for very long. We don’t recommend this option because you will not be happy in the long run. Well-priced quality hardware is readily available in a limited number of styles and finishes to suit most projects. Custom hardware will carry a higher price and longer lead-times.

What about reusing old door hardware?

Both of us have fixed up old homes fitted with deteriorating but beautiful door hardware. To bring the hardware back to its original beauty, we disassembled the doors, removed the hardware and took it to a plating company. The final results were really stunning so we recommend that you give it a try on quality hardware from older buildings.

Quality hardware can make a real difference.

What are you working on? Whether it is a new commercial building with many doors or a simple entry door replacement on your home, the hardware on the doors can make a real difference. Door hardware can add many important functional capabilities, provides a tactile interface with the building, and enhances the appearance of the door. We choose door hardware that feels good, looks good and functions well, so you will be happy with the end product for years to come.