Although door hardware can be appear intimidating, basic information about the door coupled with the style or finish you are interested in make the process pain free.

Diverse selections are available for every taste and budget. The wide array of manufacturers offers the consumer many styles and finishes to help enhance your home

Door measurements, type of lock and finally a style need to be determine when selecting your front door lock.

Required Measurements

There are two simple pieces of information you should have when you being the process of picking a front door lock

·    Backset

·    Handing

The Backset is the measurement from the edge of the door to the center of the lock. The common backsets are 2 ¾”, 2 3/8” and 2 ½”.

Handing is determined by standing on the outside of the door and locating the hinge position. If the hinges are on the left hand side then this is considered a left hand door If the hinges are on the right hand side then it is a right hand door.

Due to the wide selection of brands available, you will notice some differences between what you are asked by each brand in order to buy the correct lock.

Some brands such as Baldwin, Schlage and Weiser will not require you to pick handing or backset because those features can be changed upon installation at the home.

Types of Locks

There are two types of locks, Mortise and Tubular.

Mortise locks require solid wood doors and feature a larger locking mechanism. Mortise locks demand professional installation by a carpenter to cut out or mortise out the door for the lock to be placed in.

Tubular locks have become commonplace because of the ease of installation and cost efficiency. Most doors are pre-bored with a 2 1/8” hole meant for tubular locks

Style Choices

There is a style to suit every home whether modest and simple or ornate and grand and anything in between.

Front door locks can be keyed lever set with a deadbolt, a handle set with a thumb piece or plated deadbolt with a handle.

Finishes add a dimension to your lock. Satin Nickel and Bronzes have recently become finish favorites. Sand Blasted or Cast Bronze lends a more unique look to locks with changes over time and use because is it a live finish. Polished Brass still keeps it’s following especially when pair with the more traditional designs.

Omnia offers a slew of traditional styles as well as a new Max Steel and Steel Collections for more contemporary tastes. The common brands, Baldwin, Schlage, Kwikset and Weiser Lock, continue to offer affordable and easy to install products.

Emtek is joining the ranks of these brands with a wide variety of finish and style choices to customize your look affordably

Customers looking for a unique look can check out Von Morris and Rocky Mountain Hardware.

These days there is something for everyone.