You can spend all the money in the world on a good-looking, high-quality door, but if the door parts and door hardware aren’t aesthetically pleasing, the look you are trying to achieve will be lost. Even worse, door parts and hardware that don’t operate well will turn a beautiful interior or exterior door into a source of frustration for your client, not to mention a potential security risk.
Fortunately, reputable door parts manufacturers are out there, and many will sell parts of a door online so the distributor of door supplies doesn’t even need to be in your area.
When choosing door parts and hardware:
- Find door parts manufacturers that specialize in the style you prefer;
- Look for buy-in-bulk discounts for basic door hardware like closet and bathroom doorknobs; and
- Create custom looks for your clients by exploring unique, top-of-the-line doors and hardware.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find your niche in door parts and hardware
Often a distributor of door supplies will focus on a certain style, such as traditional brass or ultra modern. Search for door parts that jive with your decorative style.
I recommend: Rejuvenation specializes in vintage looks. For reproduction antique door handles and door hardware, check out
Renovators Supply, Inc.
Make safety a priority
While a good-looking door and fancy door hardware can make a great first impression to a home or business, if the door doesn't lock properly, it's useless. Don't skimp on quality when it comes to industrial door locks and other door hardware.
I recommend: M&K Lock Distributors sell such top brands as Baldwin and Schlage.
Emtek can provide something to suit almost any need.
Look for deals on door parts
Discount door suppliers can be found online, offering deals on best-selling door handles, door knobs, door hinges and more. You'll have to search a bit for what you want, but the savings might be worth it.
I recommend: Doorknob Discount Center sells more than just discount knobs–you’ll find deals on handle sets, dead bolts . . . even cabinet hardware. Find residential door hardware discounts at
ebuilderdirect.com.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Create a cohesive look for your residential clients by coordinating interior and exterior door hardware styles with that of cabinets and drawers in the kitchen and bath.
- If there are multiple doors in the same residence or business, remove the lock cylinder and change the pins in each door lock so one key will work for all doors. It's a small thing that equates to lots of convenience for your client.
The official source of Door Parts and Hardware is
the Door Parts and Hardware page at Business.com