Choosing the right door hardware for commercial spaces is important for safety, access control, and ease of use. If it’s an office building, warehouse, or retail store, each space has specific needs. In this guide, you will learn how to choose door hardware based on use, safety, function, and regulations.
Understanding the Basics of Door Hardware
Before selecting any hardware, it’s important to understand what commercial door hardware includes.
Commercial door hardware includes locks, handles, closers, hinges, panic bars, and access control systems. These are built to handle heavy use and follow building codes for fire safety and accessibility.
One widely trusted option in the market is Schlage commercial door hardware, known for its durability and compliance with commercial-grade requirements.
Strong, durable hardware helps in managing traffic flow, securing the building, and meeting safety standards. Using the wrong hardware can lead to safety risks, non-compliance, or higher maintenance costs.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Door Hardware
Every commercial space serves a different function. Let’s look at key factors to guide your decision.
1. Type of Commercial Space
Each space has unique requirements.
Office Buildings
Offices need both privacy and access control. You may need locking mechanisms for executive rooms, simple passage sets for meeting rooms, and ADA-compliant handles throughout the building.
Warehouses
Warehouses prioritize durability and security. These often require heavy-duty locks, door closers, and panic hardware for emergency exits. You may also need door hardware that works well in extreme temperatures or environments with dust and debris.
Retail Stores
Retail spaces need secure, easy-to-operate hardware. Back rooms should have reliable locks, and customer entrances should use hardware that looks clean and operates smoothly. For emergency exits, panic bars are essential.
2. Traffic Flow
How often a door is used affects the type of hardware required. High-traffic doors need hardware that can withstand frequent use.
- For main entrances, choose Grade 1 or 2 hardware (based on ANSI/BHMA standards).
- Interior doors with lower traffic can use Grade 3, but it is still better to invest in long-lasting components.
3. Door Type and Material
Not all hardware works with every door.
- Wood Doors: Can use a wide range of locks, levers, and closers.
- Glass Doors: Require special patch fittings or rail systems.
- Metal Doors: Often found in warehouses and work well with heavy-duty hinges and mortise locks
Choose hardware that matches the material and thickness of your door.
Safety and Compliance Standards
Commercial doors must meet safety codes and building regulations. This is not just about avoiding penalties—it’s also about protecting people.
ADA Compliance
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets rules for accessibility. All commercial door hardware should allow easy operation without tight grasping or twisting.
Levers are usually preferred over knobs, and automatic closers should have appropriate opening force.
Fire Safety Codes
Fire-rated doors must have fire-resistant hardware. This often includes automatic closers and panic devices. Fire exits need to remain closed under normal conditions but allow quick exit in an emergency.
Be sure the hardware is tested and certified for fire resistance.
Security Needs for Different Commercial Spaces
When selecting door hardware, the security needs of your space should guide your decision. Office buildings, warehouses, and retail stores each face different security challenges and foot traffic levels.
Office Buildings
In office environments, door hardware plays a major role in controlling access to different departments and rooms.
- Private Offices and Conference Rooms: Lever handle locks or keypad locks work well here. These allow employees to maintain privacy and reduce unauthorized entry without needing physical keys.
- Main Entrances: Offices often use access control systems such as card readers or biometric locks to manage entry. These systems can log entries and restrict access during non-business hours.
- IT Rooms or File Storage: These spaces require stronger hardware, such as mortise locks or electronic deadbolts. Fire-rated door hardware may also be necessary depending on regulations.
Warehouses
Warehouses typically have fewer public entry points but require strong physical security due to valuable inventory.
- Loading Docks and Delivery Doors: These areas need robust locks like commercial-grade deadbolts, often paired with electronic monitoring systems.
- Interior Access: Use restricted access locks to secure equipment, hazardous materials, or sensitive data.
- Emergency Exits: Panic hardware is essential to ensure quick exits. These should be tested regularly to remain code-compliant.
Retail Stores
Retail spaces balance customer convenience with the need to secure inventory and employee-only areas.
- Customer Entrances: Choose door hardware that is visually appealing but also durable. Push-pull handles, automatic closers, and kick plates are common.
- Stock Rooms and Cash Handling Areas: Install keypad locks or electronic locks that limit access to authorized personnel only.
- Emergency Egress Points: Install panic exit devices with alarms to prevent theft while maintaining safety.
Types of Locking Mechanisms
Different locking systems serve different purposes in a commercial setting. The right choice depends on your security level, door type, and user needs.
Cylindrical Locks
These are the most commonly used locks in commercial settings due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. They are best for doors that don’t require high security, such as interior office doors or bathrooms.
- Pros: Easy to install, widely available, compatible with most door types.
- Cons: Less secure than mortise locks in high-threat areas.
Mortise Locks
Built into a pocket within the door, mortise locks offer superior durability and security. They are often used on external doors or critical interior spaces.
- Pros: Highly secure, long-lasting, can handle heavy traffic.
- Cons: Requires professional installation and precise door preparation.
Keyless Entry Systems
Keyless locks include pin pads, RFID card readers, and biometric scanners. These are increasingly popular in modern commercial buildings.
- Pros: Enhanced security, audit trail capability, no need for physical keys.
- Cons: Higher upfront cost, may require power backup or maintenance.
Panic Hardware
Also called “crash bars,” panic hardware allows quick egress in emergencies. They are legally required on exit doors in many commercial spaces, especially those used by the public.
- Pros: Fast and safe egress, code-compliant, reduces crowding at exits.
- Cons: Must be properly maintained to stay functional and compliant.
Access Control Integration
As technology advances, integrating mechanical hardware with electronic access control systems is becoming more important. Access control systems allow you to manage who can enter specific areas and when.
- Cloud-Based Systems: Allow remote management, real-time monitoring, and integration with other security tools.
- Mobile Access: Employees or contractors can use smartphones instead of keycards.
- Multi-Level Permissions: Different levels of access can be granted to managers, staff, and visitors.
- Audit Trails: Help monitor entries and exits, useful for both security and HR purposes.
Choose door hardware that supports integration with your building’s existing or planned access control system.
Style and Finish Considerations
While function and code compliance are critical, the appearance of your door hardware also impacts the overall look of your space—especially in customer-facing areas.
- Finishes: Available options include satin chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black. These finishes can match or contrast with the door material for a cohesive design.
- Lever Styles: Sleek, curved, or industrial levers can influence the aesthetic. Lever handles are also easier to operate, making them ADA-compliant.
- Consistency Across Spaces: Using the same finish and hardware style throughout the building can create a clean, professional look.
Choosing the right finish also impacts durability—some finishes resist fingerprints, scratches, and corrosion better than others.
Maintenance and Longevity
Even the best door hardware won’t last without regular upkeep. Proper maintenance helps you avoid breakdowns, safety issues, and unexpected costs.
Routine Maintenance Tips
- Inspect Regularly: Look for loose parts, misalignment, or wear and tear on hinges, locks, and closers.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Use recommended lubricants to keep locks and hinges functioning smoothly.
- Test Panic Devices: Exit hardware should be tested monthly to ensure it works properly during emergencies.
When to Replace Door Hardware
- Locks that stick, jam, or fail to engage consistently.
- Finish is worn, chipped, or corroded.
- Your security needs have changed, such as upgrading to keyless access.
Regular upkeep not only extends the life of your hardware but also ensures compliance with fire, safety, and accessibility codes.
Final Thoughts
Commercial spaces like offices, warehouses, and retail stores all have unique needs when it comes to door hardware. The right solution considers multiple factors—security level, traffic frequency, compliance, accessibility, and design.
By taking a thoughtful approach and working with knowledgeable suppliers or locksmiths, you can ensure that your building’s doors are secure, functional, and aligned with your business’s goals.