The Importance of Door Hardware

Be honest—when you think about home improvement, you imagine choosing the right paint color, maybe a kitchen remodel, or new furniture. What you don’t think about is door hardware. But here’s the thing: the knobs, handles, hinges, locks, and latches you choose aren’t just for opening and closing doors—they affect your home’s security and style. If the devil is in the details, then upgrading your door hardware can be that little something extra that makes your home stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.

Here’s why you should pay attention to your door hardware and what to look for when picking it out.

Security: More Than Just a Lock

First and foremost, door hardware is your first line of defense when it comes to home security. That beautiful front door means nothing if the deadbolt behind it is junk. A flimsy lock can be kicked in, picked, or jimmied in seconds. That’s why quality matters.

Look for solid deadbolts (preferably Grade 1 or 2 if you’re shopping by ANSI/BHMAA standards—Grade 1 is the strongest). Consider smart locks if you want something high-tech. They let you control access with codes or your phone, which is super convenient if you hate hiding keys under flowerpots (and please stop doing that!)

Don’t forget the strike plate, either. That’s the metal plate in the frame the bolt slides into. Reinforced strike plates with longer screws can make a huge difference in resisting forced entry.

Bottom line? If you’re going to splurge anywhere, let it be the front door hardware. It’s like your home’s handshake—strong, secure, and reassuring.

Style: Small Details Make a Big Impact

Door hardware is one of the little details that can transform your door from ordinary to extraordinary. And believe us, people do notice these details. You might have a stunning entryway, but if the knob is plain, or worse, rusty or chipped, or the finish clashes with the rest of the décor, it throws off your whole vibe.

Hardware styles range from vintage and rustic to ultra-modern. Matte black is trendy right now, but satin nickel, polished brass, and oil-rubbed bronze have their place depending on your tastes and the home’s design. Just make sure your choices are consistent throughout the home. Mismatched hardware stands out like wearing old dingy sneakers with a sharp-looking suit.

Functionality: The Way It Feels Matters

Have you ever struggled with a sticky doorknob or handle that jiggles like it’s about to fall apart? It’s frustrating, right? Good door hardware works—it turns smoothly, latches easily, and holds up to everyday use without falling apart. High-quality door hardware feels good in the hand and can make the simple act of opening a door a pleasure.

Here are tips to keep in mind:

Levers vs. Knobs

Levers are easier to operate, especially if you’re carrying groceries or have mobility issues.

Interior vs. Exterior

Don’t use the same hardware everywhere. Exterior locks should be secure, but interior doors don’t always need locks at all—unless you want privacy for bedrooms and bathrooms.

Kids or Pets

If you’ve got curious kiddos or cats that can open doors, you might want locks that are a bit more clever and higher up.

Hardware should be easy to install (unless you’re paying a pro to do it) and feel solid in your hand. Cheap materials look bad and wear out more quickly. They can even be dangerous if they break at the wrong time.

So yeah, door hardware isn’t glamorous, but it’s more important than many think. If you’re ready to up your door hardware game, call us at The Glass Door Store. We’re the go-to door company proudly serving Lakeland and Tampa, FL. We have a great selection of address plaques, door handles, and hurricane shutters. Plus, we offer professional door, glass insert and hardware installation services. Contact us today or stop into one of our showrooms.