Choosing door hardware might seem simple at first glance—pick a style you love, install it, and move on. But behind every beautiful knob, lever, or handleset are several important details that determine whether your hardware will fit your door correctly, function properly, and complement your home’s design.
Whether you're restoring a historic home, replacing outdated hardware, or selecting finishing touches for a new build, understanding the basics of door hardware can help you avoid ordering mistakes and ensure a smooth installation.
Below are the most important things to know before purchasing door hardware.
Functions
One of the first things to determine when purchasing door hardware is the function. The function refers to how the hardware operates and whether or not the door locks. Different rooms require different functionality, so choosing the correct function ensures the door works the way the space requires.
Passage Sets
A passage set features an active latch but no locking mechanism. The knob or lever is always unlocked, making this function ideal for spaces where privacy isn’t needed.
Common uses include:
- Hallways
- Closets
- Connecting rooms
Key features:
- Active latch with no lock
- Knob or lever is always unlocked
- Standard door thickness: 1-3/8” to 1-3/4”
Privacy Locks
A privacy set includes an active latch and a simple locking mechanism, such as a privacy pin, often used in rooms where privacy is preferred.
Common uses:
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
Key features:
- Interior privacy pin for locking
- Can be opened from the outside with a release key
- Standard door thickness: 1-3/8” to 1-3/4”
Single Dummy
A single dummy set is decorative hardware without a latch or locking mechanism. It acts as a pull and is typically installed on one side of the door.
Common uses include:
- Shallow closet doors
- Decorative pulls on non-latching doors
Key features:
- Non-functioning hardware
- Surface-mounted installation
- No bore hole required
Double Dummy
A double dummy set includes two decorative knobs or levers installed on both sides of the door.
These are commonly used for:
- French doors
- Double closet doors
Key features:
- No latch or locking mechanism
- Surface-mounted or thru-bolted installation
- Often used with roller catches, flush bolts, or surface bolts
Interior Mortise Locks
Mortise locks are a traditional locking mechanism often found in historic homes. They feature a larger internal lock body installed inside a pocket cut into the door.
Key features:
- Active latch with skeleton key locking mechanism
- Standard backset: 2-1/4”
- Door thickness: 1-3/8” to 1-3/4”
These locks require special door preparation and are often used in restoration projects or vintage-inspired interiors. Mortise sets are a special order item and can be purchased by contacting our customer service team.
Entry Sets & Handlesets
Exterior doors typically require additional security through deadbolts or entry handlesets.
- Handlesets have an exterior grip handle with a thumb piece
- Entry sets typically have a deadbolt with a passage set
- Both have a single-cylinder deadbolt for security
- Requires interior and exterior trim pieces
This style is commonly used for front and back entry doors and garage doors.
Backset Size & Door Thickness
Before ordering hardware, it’s important to confirm that it will fit your door properly. Two measurements are essential: backset size and door thickness.
Backset
The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the bore hole where the knob or lever is installed.
The two most common backset measurements are:
- 2-3/8 inches (most common)
- 2-3/4 inches
Measuring your door before ordering helps ensure the latch aligns correctly with the strike plate.
Door Thickness
Door thickness refers to the distance from one face of the door to the other.
Typical measurements include:
- 1-3/8 inches — common for interior doors
- 1-3/4 inches — standard for modern exterior doors
If your door is thicker than 1-3/4 inches, you may need a thick door kit designed to accommodate the additional depth.
Taking these measurements ahead of time helps prevent compatibility issues during installation.
Choosing Hardware for French or Double Doors
French doors and double doors are both functional and visually striking architectural features. The type of hardware you choose depends largely on how the doors operate.
Closet Double Doors
For shallow closets, the doors typically do not require latching hardware. In these situations, single dummy sets are often installed on the exterior of each door, as shown in the left or top photo below. Because dummy sets are decorative pulls only, bore holes are not required.
Interior French Doors
Interior French doors that need to latch typically use:
- Passage set on one door
- Double dummy set on the other
If privacy is needed, a privacy set can replace the passage set.
Another option is installing double dummy sets on both doors and using roller catches, flush bolts, or surface bolts to hold the doors closed, as shown in the photo below on the right or bottom.
Exterior French Doors
For French doors that lead outside, you will typically install:
- A functioning entry set on one door
- A single or double dummy set on the other
This configuration allows the doors to lock securely while maintaining a balanced and symmetrical appearance.
Door Handing
Another important factor when selecting door hardware is door handing, which refers to the direction the door swings and the side where the hinges are located. Some hardware styles require specifying whether the door is left-handed or right-handed to ensure proper installation and operation.
When Is Handing Required?
Not all hardware requires handing, but it becomes important when the design or mechanics of the hardware depend on direction. Handing is usually required for:
- Lever handles
- Mortise locks
- Entry handlesets
- Certain specialty hardware
Determining door handing doesn't have to be a headache. It simply describes which way a door swings based on its hinge placement.
How to Identify Door Handing
To get it right, always stand on the outside of the room (for example, standing in the hallway looking into a bedroom).
- Left-Hand (LH): If the hinges are on the left, it is a left-hand door.
- Right-Hand (RH): If the hinges are on the right, it is a right-hand door.
Why It Matters
While some hardware is universal, you must know the handing before ordering specific items like:
- Levers (so they don’t face the wrong way)
- Privacy locks
- "Split finish" sets (where the inside handle is a different color than the outside)
Pro Tip: If you aren't sure which side is the "outside," it is generally the side where you enter the room or the side facing the main hallway.
Most round knobs and standard passage sets are non-handed, meaning they can be installed on either left- or right-handed doors. When in doubt, checking the door swing before ordering can prevent installation issues.
Faceplates and Strike Plates
While knobs and plates are the most visible parts of door hardware, smaller details—like the latch faceplate and strike plate—also matter.
Faceplate
The faceplate (below, left or top) is the metal plate on the edge of the door that surrounds the latch. It protects the latch mechanism and helps guide the latch tongue as the door closes.
Strike Plate
The strike plate (below, right or bottom) is installed on the door jamb and is the plate where the latch or deadbolt connects when the door closes.
Both the faceplate and strike plate should sit flush with the door and door frame.
Square vs. Rounded Corners
Faceplates and strike plates typically come in two corner styles:
Square Corners
- Clean, geometric appearance
- Common in modern or Arts & Crafts styles
Radius (Rounded) Corners
- Softer, more traditional look
- Common on many pre-prepped doors
If your door is prepped for rounded corners but you prefer square ones, the opening can usually be chiseled slightly to accommodate the square faceplate.
Keyed Alike vs. Keyed Different
When ordering entry sets with deadbolt locks for multiple doors, another decision is whether the locks should be keyed alike or keyed differently.
Keyed Alike
- Multiple locks operate with the same key
- Convenient for homeowners who want one key for all entry doors
Keyed Different
- Each lock has its own unique key
- Often used in rental properties or offices
Choosing the right option depends on your home’s layout and how many doors require keyed entry.
Living vs. Lacquered Finishes
Beyond function and fit, the finish you choose plays a major role in the appearance and longevity of your hardware.
Living Finishes
A living finish is designed to change over time. One of the most popular examples is unlacquered brass, which naturally develops a rich patina through oxidation and everyday use. As air, moisture, and the oils from your hands interact with the metal, the finish gradually darkens and evolves, creating a unique character.
Homeowners and designers often choose living finishes because they:
- Develop a one-of-a-kind patina
- Add warmth and historic charm
- Age naturally and beautifully over time
Unlacquered brass can be allowed to age naturally or polished if you prefer to restore its original shine. Read our blog all about the appeal of unlacquered brass.
Lacquered (Non-Living) Finishes
Lacquered finishes include a protective coating that prevents oxidation and preserves the hardware’s appearance.
These finishes:
- Maintain a consistent look
- Require minimal maintenance
- Are easy to clean with a simple wipe-down
Common lacquered finishes include:
- Antique Brass
- Satin Nickel
- Antique Pewter
- Bronze finishes
For exterior hardware, lacquered finishes are often recommended because the coating helps protect the hardware from the elements.
Don’t Panic if Unlacquered Brass Looks Different
If you order multiple pieces of unlacquered brass hardware, it’s completely normal for them to arrive with slight variations in tone. Because unlacquered brass is a raw metal finish, small differences can occur during manufacturing. Once installed, the hardware will begin to naturally age and blend together, developing a cohesive patina that reflects the life of your home.
Final Thoughts
Door hardware may seem like a small detail, but it plays a major role in both the functionality and design of your home. By understanding door functions, measuring for proper fit, selecting the right configuration for double doors, and choosing finishes that align with your design goals, you can ensure your hardware performs beautifully for years to come.
Whether you're restoring a historic property or updating a modern home, thoughtful hardware choices can elevate the entire space—turning everyday doors into timeless design elements. And if you ever have any questions you can't find an answer to, please reach out to our customer service team. They are here to help!
