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Looking for attractive front door locks and hardware

linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)

17 years ago

I'm looking for a good source for a lockset for a new exterior door. I've browsed at a few stores but most of what I have seen all looks alike to me; mostly shiny brass or "antiqued" brass.

The door has a large stained glass panel, that takes up most of the surface, in a Craftsman or Mission style: all straight lines. The rest is metal and will be painted, probably dark red. I'm thinking black or dark pewter would look good; and the style should be geometric rather than curvy.

If anyone can direct me to good websites or stores that carry good locksets, I'd appreciate it. There are two holes cut in the door; we'll need a deadbolt and a keyed entry.

Thanks!

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Comments (7)

jamesk
17 years ago
Almost all manufacturers make locksets in numerous styles and finishes. Most styles can be ordered in whatever finish you desire. You'll find a myriad of choices if you simply do a google search for "door hardware", "locksets", or "door knobs". If you see a lockset that you like at a local retailer, chances are the retailer can order it for you in any of a number of finishes.

Modestly priced door hardware is available from Kwikset, Schlage (perhaps the most dominant brand) and others. Mid-range priced sets are available from Emtek, Baldwin and others. Higher end architectural grade locksets are available from Omnia, Rocky Mountain Hardware and others.

The very best entry sets are usually mortise locks, but it sounds like your door is set up for a deadbolt and knob or lever set.

If you choose a set with two locks, you'll find it more convenient if you specify that both locks should be keyed the same.
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J. Chasens Design
17 years ago
Just know that most of the Emtek finishes are 'living' finishes and will change their appearance a great deal. We have the Remington with the silver/pewter finish and I am not happy with the way the handle is now a totally different color than the backplate. We are replacing our front doors and I will not go with Emtek again.

They might have maybe one or two finishes that are NOT 'living' and they do offer a lot of style for the $$. Just something to consider. FYI our door is very protected from the elements, so that did not affect things much at all. They have been in place 4 years.
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Well, no matter what brand you buy, there are only so many possible combinations of keys. So, it's possible to have the same lock as a neighbor. When I used to buy dead bolts from HD and I wanted two or 3 that used the same key, I would just look at the code #'s stamped on the packages and buy 2 or 3 with the same code...they used the same key. The same can be said for car keys....there are only so many possible combinations that can be used so many will match. I guess if two neighbors bought from the same batch of locks, they could have identical keys. To be realistic, as far as security goes, if you go with a good brand name and make it a heavy duty dead bolt and have it installed with the proper reinforced striker plate, that's really about as much as you can do. Beyond that it comes down to personal taste in appearance and style.
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The house I grew up in had those same skeleton key locks (great peep holes when we were kids, lol) but I'm not sure what exactly you need. Do you need the whole door plate with knob, key hole and key, or will the lock be above or below the door knob? BTW, great idea. Amazon has working skeleton key locks if that's what you're looking for. I'm assuming the locked closet is to keep possible snoops out? I think an unobtrusive looking strong lock is what you need because it will be hard for anyone trying to open the door without leaving a trace of their handiwork. A skeleton key lock would be easy to open unless they're made differently now. If the lock is for possible intruders then don't worry about it. They'll just kick the door in like they did at our house. :)
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fa_f3_20
17 years ago
We've got Emtek hardware with brushed nickel finishes, and we have not noticed any changes over about a year.
kat123
17 years ago
We used Emtek everywhere inside our home and Baldwin on the exterior doors.
kec01
17 years ago
We're Emtek fans.
lkremodel
17 years ago
I'm also debating use of Emtek styles and finishes for double front doors that have a Mission/Crafts look.

Has anyone used Emtek flatblack finish? How does it feel and wear? The samples I see feel like sandpaper.

I'm wanting to avoid the living finishes.
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
Original Author
17 years ago
I hope someone has an answer for lkremodel, because after looking at the Emtek site, that's the style I'm thinking of too.

Can anyone say which finishes are "Living" in this brand? The door already has ORB hinges, so I'd probably feel I "have" to get ORB door handles. But if it's going to wear and look like brass in short order, then I'll get something in black.

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