Door hardware guide
Understanding hardware sets, lockset functions, closers, and accessibility requirements.
Door hardware encompasses all the functional components that allow doors to operate: hinges, locksets, closers, exit devices, stops, seals, and electronic access control. Hardware is specified in hardware sets, grouped by door type and function, and documented in the door hardware schedule (typically Division 08 71 00 in the specifications). Getting hardware right is critical for life safety, security, ADA compliance, and building function.
Lockset functions
Lockset function defines how a door locks and unlocks from each side. BHMA (Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) standardizes these functions. The function must match the room's security needs while maintaining code-required free egress from the inside.
Latch operated by lever from both sides. Never locked.
Use: Corridors, closets, storage rooms where no locking is needed
Inside thumbturn or push-button locks. Emergency override from outside.
Use: Restrooms, changing rooms, private offices
Outside lever locked by key or thumbturn. Inside lever always free.
Use: Office entry doors, suite entries
Outside lever locked/unlocked by key only. Inside lever always free.
Use: Classrooms, conference rooms, lockdown-capable
Outside lever always locked, opened by key only. Inside lever always free.
Use: Electrical rooms, mechanical rooms, storage
Outside lever locked by thumbturn or key. Inside always free. Auto-deadlatch.
Use: Apartments, hotel rooms, residential units
Both sides require key to operate. No free egress.
Use: Psychiatric facilities, specialized secure areas (requires special code approval)
Locked/unlocked from outside by key. Inside thumbturn or always free depending on variant.
Use: Individual offices, administrative spaces
Hinge types
Leaves mortised into both door edge and frame. Standard commercial door hinge.
Both leaves surface-mounted, no mortising required. Visible on both sides.
Full-height hinge running the entire door height. Maximum support and durability.
Hidden within door and frame when closed. Used for clean architectural appearance.
Self-closing hinge with built-in spring. Can replace or supplement door closers.
Mounted at top and bottom of door. Used for heavy or tall doors, offset pivots allow door to clear frame.
Standard doors (up to 60 lbs, up to 7'-0" tall) require 3 hinges. Add one hinge for every additional 30" of door height. Fire-rated doors must use steel or stainless hinges, never aluminum.
Door closers
Mounted on push side of door. Arm extends perpendicular to door face. Most common type.
Arm projects into room when door is closed
Mounted on pull side of door. Arm runs parallel to door face. Used where aesthetics matter on push side.
Minimal projection, arm is parallel to door
Closer body mounted on frame head, arm attaches to door. Used for doors opening toward closer.
Body on frame, arm to door top
Hidden in door or frame header. Used for clean appearance in high-end spaces.
No visible hardware
Mechanism embedded in floor below door. Used for pivot doors and heavy glass doors.
Flush with floor
Panic hardware and exit devices
Exit devices (panic hardware) are required on doors serving spaces with occupant loads of 50 or more (per IBC). They allow immediate egress with a single motion, pushing the bar or touchpad.
Surface-mounted with latch at the strike jamb. Most common type. Vertical rod versions latch at head and threshold.
Mechanism housed within the door stile. Provides a cleaner appearance and more latch options. Higher cost.
Rods hidden inside the door, latching at head and threshold. Used for pairs of doors without a mullion.
Low-profile touchpad instead of crossbar. ADA-friendly, operable with minimal effort. Modern aesthetic.
ADA hardware requirements
Interior doors: 5 lbs maximum opening force. Fire doors: minimum force allowed by code (not to exceed listed closer adjustment).
Operable hardware between 34" and 48" AFF (above finished floor). No tight grasping, pinching, or wrist twisting required.
Lever-type handles required (not knobs) for ADA compliance. Must be operable with one hand without tight grasp.
Door must take at least 5 seconds to close from 90° to 12° from latch. Prevents doors from slamming on users.
Maximum 1/2" height for hinged doors, 3/4" for sliding doors. Must be beveled with max 1:2 slope.
Minimum 32" clear width when door is open 90°. Standard 36" door provides 33-3/4" clear.
Level landing required on both sides. Pull side: 60" depth, 18" strike-side clearance. Push side: 48" depth.
Keying systems
Keying defines which keys operate which locks. The keying schedule is developed by the hardware consultant in coordination with the owner's security requirements.
Each lock has a unique key. No key operates any other lock. Maximum security, least convenience.
Multiple locks operated by the same key. Groups of similar-function doors can share one key.
Individual keys for each lock, plus a master key that opens all locks in the group. Common for building management.
Hierarchical system where grand master opens all locks, master opens a group, and individual keys open one lock.
Temporary keys used during construction. Permanently voided when the owner’s keys are first used.
Sources
DHI (Door & Hardware Institute), Technical Reference Manual
BHMA A156 Series, Hardware Standards
ICC/ANSI A117.1, Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives
Keep exploring
Related references for doors, schedules, and code compliance.