Which Lock is Best For Your Main Door: Choosing Your Perfect Locks

• Security is crucial for front doors. Select from basic, intermediate, or advanced security options based on your specific needs.
• There are many residential locks to choose from. You could opt for a complete handleset, door knobs or levers paired with a high-security deadbolt, or electronic locks for keyless convenience.
• While traditional keyed-entry locks remain the standard, keyless options are gaining popularity. Opt for keyed entry if you prefer a simple yet reliable solution, and consider keyless locks if you require more advanced security features and remote access capabilities. Many keyless locks also come with traditional keyed cylinders for the best of both worlds.
• Your door hardware finish ties your entire space together. Consider your existing hardware, home style, and personal preferences to pick the perfect finish and color.

Choosing your front door locks is a big decision. Not only does this hardware set the tone for your design style by being one of the first things your guests see and touch, but it also provides your home’s first line of defense against potential security threats. Before upgrading to just any locks, it’s crucial to choose the best option for your needs, as every home and neighborhood is different. 

Which lock is best for your main door? With 10+ years in the industry, Door Locks Direct has your answers. Learn more about everything from color and finish to security grades so that you can choose the perfect front door locks for your home.

Choose Your Security Level

Before choosing a lock, consider the security required for your door. Have you previously experienced a break-in and need the highest-security locks available? Are you looking for something more standard, but still with substantial protection? The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) grades locks based on their security level:

Grade 3 (C): These locks offer basic security and are ideal for low-risk areas, such as interior doors.

Grade 2 (B): Grade 2 locks provide high durability and security. They’re an excellent choice for most residential homes.

Grade 1 (A): These locks provide the highest security possible for your main door and can withstand more cycles of use and force.

Which Lock Type is Best for My Main Door?

There are many residential door locks to choose from for your front door, each serving a different purpose and offering a varying level of security. Some of the most common types include:

Handlesets

A complete front door handleset is one of the most recognizable, popular, and traditional pieces of door hardware for your entry doors. They are composed of a decorative and functional handle, usually with a thumb press for opening, and are usually paired with a single cylinder or double cylinder deadbolt in a matching style and finish. The deadbolt provides the security, while the handle provides the first impression of the style of your home. Many homeowners today are opting for a traditional handle paired with a keyless electronic deadbolt for added convenience and functionality.

Pros: Traditional; Easy to Install; Great First Impression

Cons: Usually more costly; Most require drilling/boring your door for install (unless previously done or prepped from the factory).

Knob and Lever Locks

Keyed entry door knobs and keyed entry door levers are among the most basic residential locks, common on both exterior and interior doors. They have a key cylinder on the outside and a turn-knob lock on the inside. These locks don’t offer much security on their own, which is why we have thoughtfully paired them with more secure lock types such as deadbolts in our expansive selection of combo packs.

Pros: Convenient; Easy to Install; Variety of Styles Available

Cons: Keyed knobs and levers alone without a deadbolt can be susceptible to picking, bumping, or forced entry

Deadbolts

Deadbolts are a type of high-security lock that uses a solid metal bolt to secure doors rather than a spring-loaded mechanism. When the deadbolt is engaged, the bolt extends fully into the door jamb or strike plate, creating a strong barrier that makes forced entry difficult. These locks are often used to add a layer of security to entry door handlesets and keyed entry knobs or levers.

Two of the most common types are single-cylinder and double-cylinder deadbolts.

Single-Cylinder Deadbolts - Have a keyhole on the outside and a thumb-turn on the inside. They allow for quick entry and exit, though they’re less secure than double-cylinder deadbolts.

Double-Cylinder Deadbolts - These locks are keyed on both sides, meaning a key is required to open the door from both sides.. This significantly increases security and protects from intruders, especially on glass-paneled doors or doors near windows.

Pros: Increased Security and Durability; Versatile Options

Cons: Double-Cylinders Can Make Emergency Exits Difficult; Some Building Codes Do Not Allow

Electronic Door Locks

Electronic door locks use an electrical signal to operate a door’s locking mechanism. No keys are needed. Instead, these locks use digital credentials such as fingerprint scanners, keypad codes, or Bluetooth and WiFi. You can change these codes as often as you need, and can even grant temporary access to visitors or renters.

Pros: Keyless Convenience; Enhanced Security; Remote Access

Cons: Not Hardwired; Regular Software Updates and Battery Maintenance Recommended

Keyed vs. Keyless Entry

Security technology has evolved, giving homeowners more options than ever before. One such decision is choosing between keyed and keyless entry. Which lock type is best for your main door? Weigh the pros and cons to choose your perfect option:

Select Your Perfect Finish and Color

While it may seem unimportant compared to door security, door knob colors and finishes contribute to your home’s overall aesthetics, tying your architectural style and decor together for visual cohesion. Finishes can also impact durability!

Consider your home’s design style and existing hardware to choose your perfect finish and color. For example, polished chrome and matte black door hardware work well for modern homes. Warm tones, such as antique brass or satin nickel, may be better suited for more traditional or rustic spaces.

Trending finishes include matte black, satin nickel, and satin brass..

Find Your Ideal Door Hardware at Door Locks Direct

Door Locks Direct offers a wide selection of high-quality door hardware, including keyless locks, deadbolts, and more, available in a range of stylish finishes and colors.

Struggling to choose your perfect locks? Give us a call; our friendly expert team would be happy to assist!