November 23, 2025
Choosing the right door lock is more than just picking something that fits—it’s about matching security, style, functionality, and your budget. With so many kinds of locks out there, knowing what your options are (and what they’re best for) makes all the difference. This guide will walk you through the most common types of locks, what to look for, and how to decide which one is right for your home.
Here are some of the most popular lock types: what they are, how they work, and where they’re best used.
| Lock Type | How It Works | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadbolt (Single‑Cylinder / Double‑Cylinder / Vertical / Surface) | A bolt that extends into the door frame. Single‑cylinder operated from outside with key, inside with thumb turn. Double‑cylinder requires key both sides. | Exterior front & back doors | Very secure; difficult to force open; many styles & grades; relatively affordable | Can be inconvenient if double‑cylinder; installation may require reinforced frame; weather sealing needed |
| Mortise Lock | Has a lock “pocket” cut into the door, with internal locking mechanism and latch/bolt combinations. | Doors where aesthetics & durability matter, often older or higher‑end homes; commercial doors | Very sturdy; multiple functions (deadbolt + latch); long‑lasting; sleek appearance | Higher cost; more complex installation; requires compatible door thickness |
| Knob & Latch Locks | Traditional door knob with a latch mechanism (may have a keyed lock or just a privacy function). | Interior doors (bedrooms, bathrooms) or doors not primarily intended for high security | Inexpensive; easy to install; decorative options abound | Less secure; latch can be kicked in or bypassed; not adequate for main entry doors |
| Lever Handle Locks | Like knob locks, but with a lever instead of a rounded knob; often combined with a locking cylinder. | Doors that are hard to grip (elderly, children, or accessibility considerations); interior doors | Easier to operate; stylish; works well in commercial / ADA situations | More exposed to force; may need protection against lever being broken or forced down |
| Smart Locks / Electronic Access Control | Uses electronics (Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, keypad, biometrics) for entry; may integrate with smartphones or home automation. | Front doors / side entrance; homes where you want remote access, guest management, modern conveniences | Convenience (no keys); remote monitoring; temporary or virtual access codes; advanced features (auto‑lock, alerts) | More expensive; requires power or batteries; compatibility issues with door/door frame; may need professional installation or setup |
| Padlocks | Separate locking device, typically portable; a shackle that closes into the body when locked. | Gates, sheds, lockers; secondary security | Portable; multiple styles & sizes; useful for temporary or secondary locking | Exposed to cutting; less secure compared to integrated deadbolts; key management (if multiple padlocks) |
When picking a lock, consider the following criteria to make sure it fits your needs:
Security Grade & Certification
Look for ANSI/BHMA grade ratings (Grade 1, 2, 3) or equivalent standards in your region. Grade 1 is highest strength.
Door Material & Thickness
A heavy solid wood or metal door can support heavier locks like mortise. Hollow core doors need lighter hardware.
Door Frame Strength & Reinforcement
Even the strongest lock won’t help if the door frame is weak. Reinforce strike plates and ensure proper installation.
Usage Pattern
How often the door is used, by whom, and for what purpose (e.g. frequent entries/exits, deliveries, children). Smart locks help where you want remote access or convenience.
Aesthetic & Style
Your lock hardware should match your door’s style (modern, traditional, rustic) and your home’s interior/exterior for cohesive look.
Budget & Maintenance
Some locks are low cost but may require replacement sooner; others cost more upfront but last longer and need less maintenance. Smart locks need battery changes or a power source.
Here are suggestions for which lock types tend to work best in different situations:
| Door / Location | Best Lock Types |
|---|---|
| Front Door / Main Entrance | Deadbolt (single or double), Mortise, Smart Lock with reinforced strike plate |
| Back or Side Doors | Deadbolt + keyed lever handle, possibly smart lock or keypad for convenience |
| Garage Entry Doors | Heavy‑duty deadbolt or keyed lever; consider security features against forced entry |
| Interior Doors (Bedrooms, Bathrooms) | Knob & latch locks, or lever‑handle locks with privacy functions |
| Accessibility or Universal Design Needs | Lever handle locks, smart locks with remote access, hands‑free or touchless entry |
| Outbuildings / Gates / Sheds | Padlocks, heavy duty deadbolts, or keyed hasp‑type locks; weather‑resistant materials |
Smart locks are increasingly popular—but there are trade‑offs. Key things to check:
Compatibility with your door’s thickness, backset, and existing hardware
Power source: battery life, backup keys in case power/electronic fails
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, Zigbee, Z‑Wave (if integrating with home automation)
Access control features: guest codes, schedules, logging access events
Weather protection (for outdoor‑exposed locks)
While some lock installations or replacements are straightforward, others require expertise. At Integrum Locksmith & Doors, we offer services to help you get it right:
Residential lock installation & replacement — for deadbolts, mortise locks, smart locks, etc.
Door hardware upgrades & repair, including reinforcement of frames, installation of quality strike plates and hinges
Smart lock setup & configuration, integrating security systems and ensuring reliability
Emergency locksmith services, in case of lockouts, broken locks or after a security incident
Here’s a quick process you can follow before making a decision:
Identify the function of the door (front entrance, interior, high‑security, etc.)
Measure door thickness, backset, and see current lock/latch setup
Determine your security requirement (do you need Grade 1, remote access, etc.)
Decide on aesthetic design & finish to match your doors & home
Set budget including installation & possible maintenance
If unsure, consult a locksmith to ensure proper fit & secure installation
Even the best locks need care:
Lubricate moving parts with graphite or a lock‑appropriate lubricant
Check alignment of latch / strike plate periodically
Replace worn out screws or hardware before they fail
For smart locks: update firmware, replace batteries proactively, ensure secure WiFi/bluetooth connections
hoosing the right door lock is an investment in both security and peace of mind. Whether you’re upgrading to a smart lock, installing a high‑security deadbolt, or just replacing a worn‑out lock, you want something that offers the right balance of safety, durability, convenience, and style.
If you’re ready to upgrade, have questions, or need professional help, contact Integrum Locksmith & Doors. Our team can assess your doors, recommend the right locks, and handle expert installation (so you get it done once, and done right).
Feel free to contact us, and We will be more than happy to answer all of your questions.