Door Hardware For Exterior Doors: How To Choose

1: STYLING

The rule is to match the exterior hardware to other metallic features such as house numbers or lights. There are a wide variety of styles and finishes to complement you home from classic to contemporary. It is best to think of your door hardware as a fine piece of jewelry on a solid color door.

2: SAFETY AND SOUND

When buying exterior door hardware, look for the toughest materials and the most advanced technology. Does the lock have lifetime warranty? Heavier duty locks stand up to blunt object attacks, picking or kick-ins. Ask if the new lock can re-keyed to match other locks in your home.

3: MAINTENANCE

Ask yourself how much maintenance you want to do on your door hardware. In an outside environment, particularly where the door is exposed to rain, wind or sea air, the finish will tarnish at a faster rate than if it were indoors. The important factor to consider is the finish of the door handle or knob. Indoors of course, maintenance is rarely a problem.

4: WHICH METAL TO CHOOSE

If you are going for the polished brass look outside, go for a high quality, slightly more expensive handle because the lacquer will last significantly longer. Chrome or anodized bronze will fare better than brass on the outside. Again, on an interior door any metal should be fine.

5: OUTSIDE OPENINGS

How many exterior doors do you have? Will you replace them all or just selected ones? Do not forget doors entering garage doors as well.

6: PRICING

Quality locks and door hardware are available in all price levels. Generally, the choice of finish and heaviness of material such as brass or steel determine the price. Make sure to double check the price against other exterior door hardware you have looked at.