How to Choose Interior Door Hardware
Locks, hinges and knobs are considered hardware for the interior doors. Stops are also considered as hardware. It is basically everything that operates the door. To get the perfect look, a homeowner should balance the décor and hardware so they are appealing. There are many styles, colors and shapes to choose from. You do not have to stick with one type of style to complement your décor.
How to Choose Interior Door Hardware
- Think about how the door operates when you go shopping for the hardware. Doors that swing need butt hinges while doors that are heavy and tall need pivots. Sliding doors use tracks. Pocket doors operate best when they are installed with a pocket door kit. They all come in many finishes to match your décor.
- There are locks available depending on your needs. Mortise locks are locks that can be locked from inside the door. They are much more secure than other types of locks. Cylindrical locks are more expensive and they are not as secure as mortise locks. Use a mortise lock if there is a hole in the door for it. Cylindrical locks should be used if the hole is circular or if there is not a hole for it.
- Think about the function you want the lock to serve. Most people use locks that do not require a key for the inside. If you only want the door to close but you do not want it to lock, use a lock with a passage function.
- There is also the trim to choose from such as doorknobs, handles or levers. There are many designs and styles to choose from that it can be overwhelming. You want to choose something that can be easily operated by people in the home. Levers are much better for children and older adults.
- The finish is usually brass or chrome but there are many other finishes available. When choosing the finish keep in mind that polished finishes will scratch easily and show fingerprints than brushed finishes.
- If you do not want locks, use door pulls. They are handles that open a door but do not lock or latch. You will find many of them use on kitchen doors.
- Stops and holders keep the door from damaging the walls. They are usually rubber tipped or made of springs. You will find them installed on the wall to prevent the door from hitting the walls. The springs are usually located near the floor.