How to choose the right door hardware for your home

Door hardware is one of those small but crucial details that shape the way a home feels and functions. Yet even though it’s touched multiple times every day, it typically attracts little attention until something goes wrong. 

Homeowners expect a lot from their hardware, often without realising it. Most of us assume a handle will stay firm, a finish will hold, and a lock will operate smoothly for years. But these assumptions don’t always match reality, especially when products are chosen on looks alone.

ASSA ABLOY’s Ronnie Pocock says it pays to approach hardware selection with the same discernment you would pay to flooring, tapware or appliance choices.

“The only time people tend to think deeply about hardware is after a poor experience: a faulty product, a break-in, or living in a high-risk area. That’s why it’s worth taking the time upfront to ask: Does this product meet New Zealand standards? Is it fit for the application I’m using it in? Has it been proven to perform above and beyond?”

At the heart of performance is longevity, an area where quality makes all the difference, says Pocock.

“Handles shouldn’t loosen over time, window handles shouldn’t break, and finishes and materials shouldn’t fade or allow water to enter.” 

When these things do happen, they’re often dismissed as ‘just what hardware does,’ but they’re usually symptoms of poor installation, using the wrong product for the application, or choosing products based on price rather than durability.

Another common pitfall is assuming that all hardware performs the same regardless of brand or build quality. Homeowners often select style and finish, leaving the technical decisions to the builder or architect. While that trust is usually well placed, it’s worth being curious about what they’re specifying for your home. 

“Think about the front door: it’s the grand entrance, a statement piece that reflects your style,” says Pocock. “The handle should complement your design and deliver practical performance, too.”

Increasingly, smart locks are part of the hardware selection conversation. They offer convenience (no more fumbling for keys) and advanced features like app control for remote access. Many go beyond simple keypads, integrating with smart home systems for added flexibility. Yale’s Unity Slim Smart Lock or Assure SL are great examples of smart locks that integrate seamlessly with mechanical hardware while adding convenience and control. 

External locks and handles must withstand exposure to weather while meeting building code requirements, but inside the home, hardware needs shift again. The demands for interior hardware aren’t as onerous as for exterior, but the expectation for a solid, reliable product is still essential. After all, these are the pieces of hardware you’ll interact with dozens of times a day. 

Creating cohesion in interiors is also central to good hardware specification, shares Pocock. 

“Consistency creates harmony. Just as you wouldn’t mix faucet styles in a bathroom, hardware should feel unified throughout the home. Matching finishes and styles across doors and windows elevates the overall design.”

Leading manufacturers design entire families of compatible hardware for exactly this reason. Choosing a single trusted brand for all hardware across a home can bring even more advantages. A unified range ensures that aesthetics, performance and technical standards align. 

“Choosing one trusted brand delivers more than convenience—it ensures consistent warranties, after-sales support, and design intent.” 

When products are designed to work together, from front-door locks to window handles, homeowners benefit from smoother operation, better longevity, and a more polished result.

Yale is an example of a brand offering full-home solutions, something many homeowners aren’t aware of beyond its well-known smart locks and mechanical front door hardware. From handles on all exterior windows and doors to window stays, internal handles, hinges, and door stops, the range supports a cohesive ecosystem throughout the entire home.

“It’s about peace of mind: one brand, one standard, one point of accountability,” Pocock shares. 

Ultimately, selecting the right door hardware comes down to balancing beauty, durability and performance. A cohesive, quality-led approach ensures these small details enhance the whole, creating a refined home that looks and feels complete—inside and out.