Hardware Section
Entrance Hardware Options:
Keyed Knob and Lever Hardware Options:
Privacy and Passage Hardware Options:
Cylindrical Locks: cylindrical locks are used on the vast majority of homes in America due to economical pricing , the ease of both door preparation and installation, and the availability of the widest variety of handleset / trim options. Even in many areas where "hurricane codes" are in effect, (FL, TX, ETC. ) cylindrical locks are adequate with many doors when surface bolts are utilized. Consult your salesman and local code officials.
Mortise Locks: Unlike cylindrical locks which require only circular cut-outs through the face of the door stile, mortise locks are rectangular and require a special jig to "mortise" a rectangular cut-out through the edge of the door stile. Typically offered by upscale manufacturers at a substantial price increase over cylindrical locks, mortise locks don't offer any more security, but the working parts..... the "guts" of the lock itself, in conjunction with the machining of the corresponding handleset piece that activates the lock... may be of superior quality to lower priced cylindrical locks and trim. " Baldwin" has been the name associated with high quality mortise locks for 80 yrs or more in America, but mortise locks by several other manufacturers now equal their manufacturing standards.
Multi Point Locks: A tremendous amount of engineering has produced these locks which throw three to five bolts simultaneously when the lock is engaged. It's hard to argue that several bolts aren't more secure than one which you get with a standard cylindrical or mortise lock, perhaps justifying their elevated price point. The practical drawback is that wood moves, and in some cases the manufacturer's tolerances are so tight that typically any door over 80" in height outfitted with a multipoint lock may experience a difficulty with all the bolts seating correctly when engaging the multipoint lock .Esthetically, the choices of handleset trim have historically been limited for multipoint locks, although much progress has been made in the last three years by the hardware manufacturers to broaden the selections. EDITOR'S NOTE: In geographical areas where doors are required to be tested to meet local building code requirements for "impact" (wind born debris), manufacturers have typically tested with the "overkill " mentality because the testing is so expensive. In those cases they only tested with multipoint to ensure they would pass with minimal testing, so that the only option they can offer in the areas with the strictest codes is the multipoint option. Consequently, you may be limited to that more expensive option, even though standard cylindrical locks with surface bolts may well provide the same results. In all cases, if you are located within those impacted areas, make sure to address those issues wherever you purchase your doors.
Deadbolts: Typically used with a cylindrical lock as the primary entrance (also with any other exterior door) hardware; also with a variety of lock trim (rosettes), key/thumbturn options, and finishes available.
Hinges: These allow the door(s) to swing open and closed. A wide variety of finishes and options are available.
Sills: This critical component, for either an inswing or outswing door, keeps air and moisture from entering through the bottom of the entrance.
