How to Choose the Right Door Hardware for Your Home

Your guide to door hardware finishes, functionality, and style

When it comes to choosing door hardware, it’s about more than just looks. The right hardware enhances your home’s security, functionality, and curb appeal. At Grand Banks, we help our clients navigate the many options to find the best solution for both interior and exterior doors. Whether you're selecting an entry set for a coastal front door or simply choosing the right latch for a pocket door, here’s what you need to know.

Start With the Basics: Interior or Exterior?

Your first decision is whether the hardware is for an interior or exterior door. This will determine the level of security and weather resistance you need.

• Tubular Latch – The most common type of door hardware, great for both interior passage and privacy doors.

• Mortise Lock – More secure and durable than tubular latches, often used in high-end applications or for front entry doors

• Multipoint Locking Systems – Found on all Marvin doors and most scenic doors. These are specific to the make and model of your door.

Front Door Hardware: Function Meets Style

When choosing hardware for your front door, consider how often you use the door and how you want it to operate.

• Keyed Knob vs. Gripset – If you use the front door daily, a keyed knob may be more convenient. You can lock it from the inside without a key, whereas a gripset typically requires a key to lock the deadbolt from the outside every time.>

• Backplates – These are a purely stylistic choice, but they make a big impact. Larger plates offer a more traditional or grand aesthetic, while minimalist options feel more modern.
  
  

Hardware Finishes: Durability Matters—Especially by the Coast

Living in coastal New England means dealing with salt air, which can take a toll on finishes. Here's what to look for:

• PVD Finish (Physical Vapor Deposition) – Ideal for salty environments. These finishes come with a lifetime guarantee but limited style options. (No matte black options currently available.)
  

• Living Finish – These are unlacquered, designed to age and patina over time. While they develop character, they don’t come with a warranty.
  
  

Some brands offer split finishes, allowing you to choose one finish for the inside and another for the outside—perfect for balancing style and durability.

Accessibility: Gripset with Deadbolt vs. Keyed Knob

When it comes to front door hardware, a gripset paired with a deadbolt offers both enhanced accessibility and security. The gripset’s lever-style handle is easier to operate, especially for older adults or anyone with limited hand strength. Combined with a separate deadbolt, this setup provides strong, reliable security for your home.

In contrast, a keyed knob combines both the handle and lock in one unit. While it may offer a more compact design, it generally provides lower security and can be more difficult to operate—particularly for those with mobility or grip challenges.

Interior Door Hardware: Function First

Interior door hardware is typically divided into three types:

• Privacy – For bedrooms and bathrooms, includes a locking mechanism.
  

• Passage – For hallways and closets, no lock required.
  

• Dummy – For small closets or decorative purposes. These don’t turn and are often used with magnet catches. They're sold in pairs, but single dummies can be special ordered.

Pocket Doors: Space-Savers That Need the Right Touch

Pocket doors save space, but they still need the right hardware.

• For Privacy – Choose a pocket door latch with either a tubular or mortise function.

• No Privacy Needed? A flush pull with an edge pull to retrieve the door works well.

Consider how the door will be used and who will be using it. Comfort and ease of use should guide your decision.

Measurements Matter

Before you buy, make sure you measure accurately:

• Backset – The distance from the edge of the door to the center of the borehole.
  
  

• Door Handing – Left or right handed? In-swing or out-swing? Learn how to tell →
  
  

Thinking About Smart Locks?

Brands like Schlage and Emtek offer electronic lock options that blend security with convenience. If you're curious about smart locks, send us a message and we'll chat about your needs. 

Still Not Sure? Let’s Talk Doors.

Choosing the right door hardware can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. At Grand Banks, we’ve helped countless homeowners and builders find the perfect hardware for every door in their home. Stop by our showroom or contact us to get expert advice tailored to your project.