We’ve touched on the topic of door hardware in previous posts but are diving a little deeper here to answer our customers’ most-asked questions.
Does door hardware have to match throughout the house?
Many homeowners choose to have the same door hardware throughout their entire home. With that said, you can certainly mix and match the hardware, especially if your rooms have different styles. Some people will choose different door hardware for a specific room, like a closet or bathroom.
Would it look odd to have a mix of knobs and levers in your house?
Some people prefer levers on certain doors, such as the pantry or doors leading to outside. Others prefer for all of their hardware to match exactly. This is really about personal taste.
Is there typically a limit to how many finishes or styles you recommend using in a house?
We think it’s okay to be creative and use what you want where you want it. Especially if your rooms have different personalities! If you prefer a super clean look, you can limit the number of finishes or styles you choose.
Can the doorknob/lever have a different finish or knob style on each side?
Yes, you can choose two different finishes for each side of a door. For instance, if you want the hardware outside of your bathroom door to match the hardware of the doors in the hallway but have its own unique hardware inside the room, go for it.
Is that more expensive than buying a set of two?
That depends on the brand of hardware you choose. This is where your consultant can be of assistance.
What is a rosette, and is it included in the purchase price of a knob or lever?
A rosette goes behind your knob and attaches to the door to keep the knob securely in place. A rosette or backplate is always included.
What if I have a rosette at home I like and just want to switch out the knob? Does the knob have to be compatible with my existing rosette?
This can be done only with a handful of brands. Your consultant can help you with this.
For each door, do you need to purchase two knobs separately? Can you buy them as a set?
Typically, hardware is sold as a complete set, depending on the function.
What are typical hardware functions?
Types of door hardware include keyed entry sets, privacy sets for bedrooms or baths, passage sets for single doors needing no lock, and half dummy for pairs of doors that latch with ball catches at the top.
What is a dummy lockset? Where would I use it?
A dummy has no working mechanisms and comes for only one side of a door. You would install a dummy knob on a pantry door or double doors of a bathroom or closet.
Do the hinges need to match?
This is a very nice touch but certainly not a requirement.
If I’m purchasing hardware for my front door, back door, and garage door at once, can I have them keyed alike?
Yes, the manufacturer of your hardware can key the locks to match, or we’d be happy to rekey them for you. We can also rekey your hardware to match an existing key you have.
Are any particular finishes better suited for outside (front door, back door, shed)?
Anything solid brass or bronze is preferable for outside use because it’s not a metal, it’s an alloy, and it will not rust.
What is the difference between a tubular and a mortise lockset?
Tubular latches are commonly used where pre-drilled conditions exist. Mortise locks are used more often on the front door and any high-traffic exterior.
Tubular Lock vs. Mortise Lock
As we always mention, there really aren’t any rules for purchasing door hardware (other than making sure you have correct measurements if you’re ordering an entry set). You should go with what you like!