Door Hardware Selector Guide

Choosing the right door hardware involves several decisions. Work through each step below to narrow down exactly what you need — and find the right product for your door.

Step 1 — What Kind of Door Are You Hardwaring?

Start by identifying your door type, as this determines which hardware categories apply to you.

Single hinged entry door → Proceed to Step 2
Double (French) door set → You will need hardware for both an active door and an inactive door (or a dummy trim). See Step 3.
Sliding patio or glass door → Browse our Sliding Glass Patio Door Hardware section.
Pocket, closet, or bypass door → Browse our Pocket Door and Closet Door hardware sections.

Step 2 — Cylinder Configuration: Single vs. Double Cylinder

The cylinder is the part of a deadbolt or lockset that accepts a key.

Configuration	How it works	Best for
Single Cylinder	Key on the exterior; thumb-turn on the interior	Most residential entry doors where quick egress (exit) is important
Double Cylinder	Key required on both sides	Doors with glass panels near the lock (prevents reach-through entry); note that double cylinders can slow egress in an emergency

Safety note: Double-cylinder deadbolts may be restricted or require specific egress provisions under local building and fire codes. Always check your local code requirements before installing a double-cylinder lock. We recommend consulting a licensed locksmith or building official for guidance specific to your location.

Browse our Deadbolt Locks Collection →

Step 3 — Active, Inactive, or Dummy Hardware?

This is the most common source of confusion for double-door sets. Here's how to tell them apart:

Hardware Type	What it does	When you need it
Active	Fully functional — includes a working latch, lock, and/or key cylinder	The door that opens and closes regularly; every single door needs one active set
Inactive (Passive)	Includes a flush bolt or multi-point mechanism to hold the door stationary, but no separate lockable cylinder	The stationary (less-used) panel in a double-door set — keeps the door fixed in place without its own deadbolt
Dummy Trim	Decorative handle only — no latch, no lock, does not operate the door	Closet doors, French door panels that swing open together, or anywhere you want a matching handle with no mechanical function

Quick rule: A standard double-door set typically requires one active set + one inactive set. A pair of closet doors or a door with a stationary decorative panel typically requires one active set + one dummy set.

Shop by Hardware Type

Step 4 — Mortise vs. Cylindrical (Bored) Fit

Before ordering, confirm which lock prep (cutout) your door has.

Type	Description	Common applications
Mortise	Large rectangular pocket cut into the edge of the door; the lock body sits inside the door	Commercial doors, older residential homes, high-security applications, most European-style doors
Cylindrical (Bored)	Round cross-bore hole through the face of the door with a smaller latch bore on the edge	Most modern North American residential doors; standard knob and lever sets

Tip: If your door has a large rectangular pocket on the edge, you need a mortise lock. If it has two round holes (one through the face, one on the edge), it is a cylindrical prep.

Browse Mortise Locks & Cylinders →

Step 5 — Door Handedness

Handedness describes which side the hinges are on and which way the door swings. To determine yours:

Stand on the outside (key/exterior side) of the door, facing it.
If the hinges are on your left, you have a left-hand door.
If the hinges are on your right, you have a right-hand door.

Swing direction also matters — inswing doors open toward you; outswing doors push away. Many multi-point lock handle sets are handed, so confirm before ordering.

Step 6 — Backset

The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the bore hole.

2-3/8" backset — Standard for many interior and lightweight exterior doors
2-3/4" backset — Most common for exterior residential doors in North America
Other backsets — Some commercial, mortise, and multi-point locks have different requirements; measure carefully before ordering

Browse 2" Backset Locks & Deadbolts →

Step 7 — Finish Matching

Mismatched finishes are a common afterthought. For a cohesive look, consider matching or coordinating finishes across your deadbolt, handleset, hinges, and strike plates.

Satin Nickel (US15 / 619) — Cool grey tone; very popular in modern and transitional homes
Oil-Rubbed Bronze (US10B / 613) — Dark, warm tone with subtle highlights; suits traditional and Craftsman styles
Antique Brass (US5 / 605) — Warm gold tone; classic and formal
Polished Chrome (US26 / 625) — Bright silver; clean and contemporary
Matte Black (US19) — Bold and modern; popular in contemporary and farmhouse aesthetics
Stainless Steel — Durable and corrosion-resistant; common in coastal or high-traffic applications

Tip: Most brands offer the same product in multiple finishes. Order finish samples or check brand finish-matching guides when coordinating across manufacturers.