As a homeowner, you should consider investing in quality doorknobs as a way of not just improving ease of use but also the security of your home. Even though this hardware is for internal doors, they play a key role in how accessible the house is, once inside.
Before you decide to buy, have a clear idea of the factors to consider. A skilled residential locksmith can guide you if you are not sure of what will work for your home. But as a starting point, you can use our recommendations below.
From security, aesthetics, and cost to the types of locking mechanisms, there are a few things to look out for when purchasing doorknobs.
They are quite important as without them, your home will be easily accessible after a break-in. And while most people consider keeping intruders out with external door locks, the level of security for interior doors should not be underestimated.
Privacy Options
Privacy might not seem like a big deal, especially when there are internal doors. However, you must consider the level of privacy a doorknob offers.
What we are talking about here is the possibility of locking the door from one or both sides. Imagine sleeping or getting changed, and someone accidentally walking into your bedroom.
It is an embarrassing situation that should be avoided and can be. This is where privacy knobs come into action.
One will have a sense of security and privacy when one can lock a door from one or both sides. The living environment becomes harmonious, and they can comfortably sleep, get ready, and know the room is safe when they leave.
Types of Latches & Locking Mechanism
For locking mechanisms, you can opt for keyless or keyed ones. Although this is a personal preference, you must choose the most convenient for you.
Consider all situations, such as how inconveniencing it will be when you lose or forget your keys. The scenario could be worse if you carry keys to all doors together.
You should have a solution in advance, and that is one reason keyless locking mechanisms have become so popular.
For internal doors, you can opt for pushbuttons, keyed, or thumb turn knobs, and you should have an emergency release option for safety reasons.
Level of Security
Security is one of the most important factors to consider. After all, you should always be looking to boost the security of your home when practical.
The door knob’s grade will help in choosing the most reliable lock. You should be confident that it is what your home needs.
Most residential locksmiths recommend Grade 2 for external doors as this is the second-highest security level available. For internal ones, Grade 3 is recommended.
Difficulty of Installation
Installation can be hard and time-consuming. Thus, consider how easy it is to install the doorknobs before you buy them.
Although a professional home locksmith can complete the installation part, avoid making their work hard as it will increase their labor costs.
An easy to install doorknob will not only save time but also money. If the locksmith takes more time and has to use advanced tools, they will charge more for the overall job.
Ease of Use
This is another personal choice, and you need to choose what works for you. Do you prefer codes or physical keys? Also, is a knob better than a handle?
The good thing is that you have flexibility on what works best.
Door handles can be easier to open than knobs as you can lean on them with your arm to open when your hands are full. Also, you need to consider every one’s ability to open, lock and unlock the doors.
Is there someone with mobility issues? If there is, you will need to reconsider things. Every resident of the home must operate the locks seamlessly.
Overall Dimensions
Take the measurements of where the knob will be placed, before purchasing one. It will help in getting a suitable product.
Take into account the distance from the center of the knob to the edge of the door. It is called backset, and you should also measure the door thickness.
Also, measure the cross bore which is the hold. It is along the edge of the frame.
By doing so, you have narrowed down the search that saves you the hassle and time.
What Is Your Budget?
There are plenty of doorknob options in the market. Regardless of your budget, you will find they range in prices.
Remember that price does not always determine the quality of a lock. It is not necessarily that you overspend buying one, and when you work with a trusted residential locksmith, they will help.
They understand the characteristics to look out for and where to get quality ones without breaking the bank.
The Finish, Shape, and Style
One thing that you will notice when shopping for door knobs is that they are available in varieties of styles and finishes. Whether you need classic ones, contemporary, rustic, or modern, they are available.
For shapes, you can choose from egg-shaped, octagonal, round, square, and even tulip. When it comes to colors, there is an array of them, including brightly colored ones.
Even if you are looking for different ones to match the space around or flashy ones, you can be assured they are in the market.
Make sure you choose the right aesthetic for a harmonized look.
Conclusion
When choosing doorknobs, there are a few things that one must be attentive to. It is to make sure the right ones are bought. The measurement of the door, privacy, locking mechanism, aesthetic, ease of use, and installation is essential.
With the wide range of options, you should not gamble with the functionality. It is paramount if the doorknobs are to serve the purpose.
Interior knobs should not be used on exterior doors as they serve a different requirement. They are meant for internal doors such as bathrooms, closets, bedrooms, and utility rooms.
If used for the outside doors, they will not be reliable and strong enough for the purpose. Remember, the type of locking mechanism does not determine how strong a lock is.
If you feel that you are not sure what to look out for in doorknobs, work with a quality residential locksmith. They have vast knowledge to help you get the right locks and doorknobs for your requirements.
