Door hardware keeps your business secure, accessible, and looking professional. The right choice can make daily operations smoother which is a win for everyone, while the wrong one can lead to headaches, safety issues, or expensive replacements—the last thing any business needs. From Union Door, the Bay Area’s commercial door experts, here’s what you need to know to pick the best hardware for your doors.
Function and Type: Matching Hardware to Your Needs
Commercial door hardware refers to the mechanical and decorative components that allow a door to function properly while enhancing security and accessibility. The right hardware almost entirely depends on the door’s purpose and location, so the first step is always to evaluate what type of doors you have on the premises (and what their key functions are) rather than treating them all with broad brushstrokes. A main entrance, interior office door, emergency exit, and fire-rated door are all different and so will their hardware be different. Be sure to consider all types of hardware that may benefit your doors, including:
- Door handles and pulls
- Exit devices
- Door hinges and pivots
- Latches and locks
- Door openers and closers (automatically opens the door and closes the door after use)
- Door letter plates (for display names or numbers for identification)
- Door viewers
- Door escutcheons (decorative plates that cover and protect keyholes or locks)
- Doorknockers
Each of the above provide different functions, critical and non-critical, and selecting the right ones comes down to the following considerations.
Consideration 1: Security
Security should always be your top priority when selecting door hardware. For exterior doors, high-security locks like Grade 1 commercial locks are a must, as they’re built to stand up to heavy use and resist break-ins. You might also consider adding a keyless entry or electronic access control system for more advanced security. The benefit of these options are that they allow you to track entry and exit, while eliminating the need for traditional keys.
Fire-rated doors require specific hardware, so you’ll need to ensure your door closers and latches are fire-rated to meet safety code compliance, especially when it comes to emergency exits or any doors designed to contain smoke and flames in the event of a fire.
For even more added protection against unauthorized entry, reinforce your door’s hinges and strike plates, particularly on exterior doors. Windowed business fronts and open garages might also consider security grilles (a bit of a hybrid between commercial doors and door hardware) that can be closed overnight. On interior doors, particularly those leading to high-value areas or sensitive zones, stronger locks and latches can of course offer an extra layer of defense as well.
Consideration 2: Material
Commercial doors take a beating, so choosing durable hardware is essential for long-term performance. Stainless steel is a popular choice for exterior doors because it’s rust-resistant and tough, ideal for withstanding harsh weather. Steel doesn’t always match the desired aesthetics of a business in which case brass hardware is another great alternative, adding a more refined and polished look to your doors while maintaining durability. For a lightweight yet durable option, aluminum is a solid choice, especially for doors that require frequent opening and closing.
For high-traffic areas such as main entrances or hallways, opt for heavy-duty hardware to prevent wear and tear. As a general rule of thumb, it’s always better to invest in something that will last rather than a cheaper alternative that can break down, leaving your business open to continual investment in repairs, or security lapses.
Consideration 3: Accessibility and Compliance
When selecting door hardware, accessibility is obviously crucial. ADA compliance requires that hardware be easy to use without excessive force or twisting, making lever handles the go-to choice for most businesses. They’re user-friendly and require minimal effort—why settle for anything less?
Another factor of accessibility to keep in mind is that the placement of hardware also matters. Hardware, particularly handles and locks, must be positioned at a height that’s easily reachable by all individuals, regardless of their mobility. This directly relates to fire codes. Certain doors, like fire doors, may have specific hardware functional and placement requirements to ensure safety during an emergency. By making the right choice regarding accessibility, you ensure that your business is open to more people and meets all legal and safety standards.
Consideration 4: Measurements
Accurate measurements are key to choosing the right commercial door hardware, particularly if you plan to install the new hardware on your own and without the help of a professional. Be sure to measure:
- Door thickness
- Backset (the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the borehole, for lock and handle alignment)
- Spacing for lock and handle placement
- Height of hardware (ADA)
These measurements will help you select hardware that actually fits your doors. Do note that custom or retrofit solutions might be needed if you’re dealing with older doors or unique building designs.
Consideration 5: Style and Design
While functionality is the sole factor in the above considerations, the design and style also plays a crucial role in spaces like offices, hotels, and retail locations where aesthetic choices matter. Select finishes that blend seamlessly with your overall décor—brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black, or polished chrome all bring something different to the table.
Modern businesses will trend towards certain aesthetics, such as a lean toward sleek, minimal designs, while more traditional settings may seek something else entirely, calling for intricate and uniquely-designed hardware that adds character and charm. However, just because a building institutes design and style into their choice of hardware does not mean a sacrifice in security or functionality—expert commercial door companies know how to bridge these two distinct needs with the latest technology.
Union Door: The Bay Area’s Commercial Door Specialists
Choosing the right door hardware is a crucial decision for commercial buildings. Contact Union Door today to ensure your business doors are equipped with the perfect hardware for your needs.