lkremodel, I'm also looking at Emtek hardware, also for a mission/crafts style door! Which style are you considering? The one I liked best, "Emtek Arts & Crafts Handleset" comes in ORB, rather than black, which I would prefer.

linnea: I'm leaning towards the Rectangular Full Length one. Also, under consideration: Topeka, Normandy Grip, Remington. One of the challenges in making this decision is wondering how up to date the Emtek website is. There is an online dealer of Emtek that offers more finishes in the styles than what the Emtek site lists. I have an Emtek catalog that also doesn't seem to be up to date.

On the inside, I want to use a lever handle.

Have you seen/tried the flat black finish? Did it seem rough?

I've debated different finishes and realized that I have a black mailbox and black light fixture. However, inside the house there will be a far amount of antique pewter and brushed nickel. There are 2 doors in the kitchen that are also a challenge for picking the style and finish. May just go black all the way.

I live in Madison, WI and UBC (United Building Center) gives a good discount on Emtek list price. This company is an upper Midwest chain.

Thanks, lkremodel, I'm not sure I've seen the Rectangular Full Length one. I'll go look and see if it will go with our apparently mutual taste in doors! I started on the Emtek site and was copying and pasting pictures. My door has a full length panel of leaded glass: something with straight lines and black would go better with the black lead strips.

I'm going tomorrow to a local dealer to check out the finishes. I'll post here tomorrow and let you know what I find out. I'm in the Chicago north suburbs: I don't think we have UBC.

Which online dealer of Emtek did you find that offers more finishes?

There are a few more style and finish options at the Lockhouse website below. It's strange that this style and finish isn't in Emtek website or catalog.

http://www.lockhouse.com/Emtek/e-handlesets.html

I think I'll go to the store and find out about this tomorrow, also.

Let's compare findings.

lkremodel, which style and finish did you mean? I went to Lockhouse but didn't see anything different.

I went to 3 Emtek dealers today. I saw your Rectangular Full Length one. Did you know how massive that thing is? It's really big and heavy. Make sure you see one in person first. I'm considering the smaller rectangular one, the rectangular monolithic. But it's so plain! Plus it has a curvy handle, and my door is all straight lines.

I saw the Arts & Crafts one, the one I wanted, but the ORB finish is just not going to go with my black-leaded glass. It's way too reddish, and the hammered texture in the middle really shows the brassy color.

About the texture: depending on the method of casting, some have more texture than others. So, the sandcast bronze ones have kind of a rustic look, not totally smooth. The Wrought steel have the roughest finish, like pebbly, but on a small scale. Those are the ones that come only in black, rust and satin steel. The cast brass ones are all smooth.

I'm really striking out here on Emtek. I will have to look further to find an Arts & Crafts one in black, or get the Wilshire in Pewter. It's not black, but it's at least a little darker. Sigh.

Linnea: Thanks for the report on the Rectangular Full Length style. My store had most of the models on display, but, not that one. I'll call around town and see if another store might have a sample.

My doors are quite simple: two double doors with 2 panes of clear glass (about a ft. high) on top. Then the long panels with the mission/crafts look. With these straight lines, I think I also need straight edge hardware.

I don't have the energy to explore other companies.

Our discussion has been helpful because it's help clarify that I want straight lines and black (next to door have black light fixture and black mailbox).

Good luck in your hunt!!!

lkremodel, let me know if you find anything new! I've put mine on hold for now. (I'm supposed to be working!)

linnea: I orderred the Rectangular Full style. I think it will be ok because our double doors are large and the windows on top plain. I like the lever handle for the inside on this style. I'd prefer a less rustic finish.

I also need to try and find a black,keyless lock for the kitchen door going to garage. Think that will also be a challenge.

Decided that I can't spend more time on this decision. We're redoing basement, 2 baths, kitchen and family room. Fortunately, most decisions are made. Still need to decide on backsplash, cabinet hardware, and foyer light.

It might be worth talking to someone knowledgeable about painting metals to find out if there might be an option we haven't thought about. For example, it has been suggested that I get my fireplace doors (yucky looking metal) painted at an auto body shop where they use a better paint for higher temperatures. I also remember at work, that we had a company put all new finishes on metal files and desks (previously had mismatched, surplus stuff).

Good luck in your quest!

linnea: Just saw the Emtek hardware I orderred next to a door like mine at the supplier. It looks very good and will be a keeper.

Now I'm looking for a black keyless entry system for the door between kitchen and garage. There are some good looking candidates from a company in Naperville. I like that they are mechanical rather than battery operated.