Choosing the Right Deadbolt for Front Doors, Back Doors, and Garage Entries
When deciding to upgrade your home’s exterior hardware, the usual instinct is to buy a multipack of identical locks and slap them on every door. It’s easy, and it checks a box off the weekend DIY list.
But treating every exterior door the same way is not ideal. Your front door, back patio, and the entry from your garage all serve completely different purposes. They face different security risks, and they require different types of deadbolts.
If you’re planning a hardware refresh to match your newly painted trim or just want to feel a little safer at night, here is a quick guide to door-by-door security planning.
The Front Door
Your front door usually gets the most traffic, handles the most package deliveries, and makes the biggest aesthetic impact. Because of this, you want a lock that prioritizes both high-end design and daily convenience.
When browsing for door hardware, the front entryway is the best place to invest in a smart lock or keypad. Fumbling for keys in the rain or worrying if you remembered to lock up behind you is a thing of the past.
- For a modern look: A touchscreen option like the Kwikset SmartCode 916 blends right into modern exteriors without looking like a bulky calculator attached to your door.
- For smart home integration: If you want something that talks to your alarm system, a heavy-duty option like the Schlage Residential Connect gives you serious security while letting you lock the door from your phone.
The Back Door
Back doors, side doors, and patio entries often feature large glass panes or sit right next to a window. This introduces a major security flaw. If you have a standard deadbolt with a thumb-turn on the inside, a burglar can simply break the glass, reach their hand inside, and unlock the door.
To fix this, you need a lock that requires a key on both sides. For instance, installing a Kwikset double cylinder deadbolt prevents anyone from reaching in and turning a latch, because there is no latch to turn.
A quick safety note: Because a double cylinder requires a key to exit, it can be a fire hazard if you are trying to escape quickly. Always leave a spare key hidden close to the door (but out of arm’s reach from the glass), so your family can get out safely in an emergency.
The Garage Entry
The door that connects your garage to your living room or kitchen must not be neglected. Most people just leave a standard locking doorknob on it. But if someone manages to bypass your exterior garage door, they now have a completely hidden workspace to pop your interior knob and walk right into your house.
Treat the garage entry door like an exterior door. It doesn’t need to be fancy or have a touchscreen, but it absolutely needs a deadbolt.
A heavy-duty Schlage single cylinder deadbolt is perfect for this. It gives you a solid metal throw that kicks into the door frame, keeping your home secure without breaking the bank on a door nobody sees from the street.
Tie the Look Together
Upgrading your security doesn’t mean your doors have to look industrial. The hardware industry has caught up with interior design trends. Whether you need a smart lock for the front or a double cylinder for the back, you can find them in matching finishes.
Choosing a unified Matte Black or Satin Nickel finish not only secures your house but also serves as the perfect finishing touch.
Final Words
It’s easy to overlook door hardware until you actually start paying attention to it. So, the next time you find yourself browsing through convenient, matching 4-packs of standard deadbolts, scroll right past them.
Your front door’s curb appeal, your back door’s glass panes, and your garage’s hidden entry all demand completely different solutions.
Take the time to outfit each door with the specific lock it actually needs, and your home will be all the better for it.
