Door and Window Hardware: What They Do, How They Differ From One Another

Depending on the purpose, hardware may be just one part of a door or be the entire mechanism that opens and closes the door

Door hardware is the part of the door that allows it to open and close. Door hardware can be designed to fit into a variety of different types of doors, depending on its purpose. Depending on the purpose, hardware may be just one part of a door or be the entire mechanism that opens and closes the door

When you are looking at your door and window hardware manufacturer, there are two basic types: manual and electric. Manual handle doors are operated by pulling down on an oversized knob located right under the surface of your current door. Electric handle doors operate with a standard electric switch located near the center of your current door frame. There are also mechanical handles that work like a combination lock; they use a keypad to open up your door but cannot be opened alone without using another key

Doors with automatic locks are becoming more popular as homeowners realize how convenient they can be. These doors come equipped with sensors that detect when someone is approaching and will automatically lock so as not to allow any unwanted guests into your home unexpectedly

You can also get hardware that matches your decorative style

The door and window hardware you choose is important to the overall look of your home. You can also get hardware that matches your decorative style

Hardware comes in a variety of types, styles and size options that are suitable for every decorating need. The most popular types of hardware include

Lever handles: These are found on doors, windows, cabinets and other furniture. They allow you to open or close a product with a single hand

Deadbolts: Deadbolts are used to secure doors from the inside or outside. They can be operated manually or through an electronic lock system which makes them more secure than traditional deadbolts

Exterior lever handles: These are found on exterior doors and windows and attach directly to the frame of the product they're attached to rather than being mounted on the actual door or window itself

Special hardware is available for retrofitting existing doors that lack it

Special hardware is available for retrofitting existing doors that lack it. For example, there are locks that attach to the door frame and can be locked and unlocked with a key

In addition to special hardware, some door and window hardware manufacturer offers a wide variety of accessories such as weatherstripping and hinges that are designed to improve the look of a doorway or window

There are also special hinges that allow you to swing your door open at 90 degrees. The hardware on these hinges allows you to open your door in windy conditions, but they are not designed for extreme cold nor extreme heat

These types of products are usually found in catalogs and online retailers who specialize in home improvement products like Home Depot or Lowe's, but you may also find them at larger home improvement stores like Menards or Home Depot if you are looking for something specific.