While curb appeal may start at the street, it's all about the details when upgrading your home's front entry. A beautiful front door (or back patio door) isn't complete without an elegant exterior door set, which offers classic style with modern functionality and safety. Many of our door sets feature a mortise-style lock, providing additional security with quality construction that's made to last.
Before you start browsing door set styles and finishes, it's important to make sure you get the mechanics right for your door set. Whether you're installing a brand new custom door or working with an existing setup, there are several key features to keep in mind when choosing an exterior door set.
There are two main types of door sets. If you're updating an existing door, you'll need to determine which type is currently there. If you're installing a new door, you'll need to decide which type you prefer since they each require different drilling.
Door Set Types
Mortise: Mortise door sets use one rectangular case (requiring one rectangular drilled opening) that integrates both the latch and lock functions.
Tube Latch: Tube latch door sets have two drilled holes: a higher one for the deadbolt, and a lower one for the tube latch of the door. If you have a door drilled for a tube latch and a 2-3/8" backset, you're better off buying a new door set in that same configuration. Otherwise you'll have to plan on filling and redrilling, and picking a door set that has a backplate to cover any exposed drilled areas.
For doors that need only light security, you can pair one of our interior door sets with a deadbolt.
How to Measure for a Door Set
Picking a door set is about more than just the shape of the drilling—it's also about the spacing from the edge of the door to the center of the drilled area, also known as the backset. Depending on the design of the door and jamb, you may want a deeper backset to allow for better spacing. Our door sets come in 2.375-inch backsets as well as 2.75-inch. See our breakdown of what to measure, using the illustration from above.
1. Backset: Measure from the edge to the center of the drilled knob area; 2.375-inches (2 3/8-inches) is the modern standard.
2. Door Thickness: Measure the thickness of the door while open; The door width determines the type of components your door set is made with.
3. Jamb Thickness: Measure the thickness of your door jamb framed opening; a caliper tool is ideal.
4. Door Direction: Choose whether you need a left- or right-handed door. For a door swinging away from you, if the hinges are on the right, it's a right-handed door. If the hinges are on the left, it's a left-handed door.
The right door set will set the tone for the rest of your home's hardware. We offer a range of finish options for you to choose from for a customized look, plus the option to choose one finish for the exterior, and a different finish for the interior. Make sure you take all the measurements before purchasing, or talk to your installer about your project beforehand for a seamless hardware update.
Shop our door hardware and find the perfect accent for your home.