Home Improvement Guide – Buy Door Knobs Online

Door knobs are more than a simple accessory for opening and closing exterior doors. Exterior door knobs can act as the finishing touch to a door, giving the front of your house a touch of style and creating a great first impression on a visitor. Apart from the elegance of having a rustic cast iron door knob, or a contemporary nickel style, door knobs can perform an important function; security. If you decide to buy a security door knob, with an incorporated lock, you need to balance aesthetics and budget with durability and quality.

Home Improvement Guide – Deciding Upon Your Door Knob’s Function

Before considering what style and material you are going to use for your door knobs, you need to decide upon the exact function. If you already have an exterior door handle with lock and latch system fitted to the door, you can buy a dummy door knob, which is decorative and has no moving parts. Keyed door knobs incorporate a cylinder lock mechanism within the barrel of the lock, and need to be sturdy and robust.

Brass doorknobs are timeless classics, adding mellow beauty and elegance to an exterior door. As well as the aesthetics, brass is hardwearing, durable, and corrosion resistant and, as the metal is subjected to heavy use, the polishing effect of thousands of hands actually adds to the antique feel. Brass door knobs used to be very expensive, but modern production techniques have seen the price fall to within the range of most homeowners.

However, cheap brass doorknobs are often cheap, base metal electroplated with brass, and look ugly after a few months of wear and tear; always buy solid brass fittings. If you are looking for a keyed door knob, look for quality over low price, because a cheap locking mechanism will soon wear away, rust, or seize. 

Cast iron is one of the most beautiful finishes, adding rustic charm to an exterior door, especially when coupled with a cast iron door knocker and cast iron hinges. Cast iron door knobs are available in the raw metal finish, or in powder coated black. These door knobs are reasonably priced and durable, although you will have to keep watch out for rusting and corrosion.

Porcelain door knobs are rising in popularity, due to the sheer number of designs and the potential for personalization. Porcelain doorknobs are elegant and colorful, without straying into ostentatiousness, and complement any exterior decor perfectly. They tend to be a little more expensive than they other types, depending upon the complexity of the design, but are readily available online or in a specialist store.

The only downside is that they are a little fragile for heavy use, so they are best reserved for infrequently used exterior doors. Otherwise, they do create a great first impression and show that you take a little pride in your home. Amazon has some great examples, showing the inherent beauty and subtle variations, whether you want a plain, simple design, or a delicate, floral pattern.

Porcelain doorknobs are available as dummy doorknobs or with an incorporated lock, depending upon your particular need. As with any door security feature, budget is not the only consideration, and it is vital to buy a doorknob that is durable and thief-proof.

These are only a few of the types of door knobs, and there is a huge array of finishes and styles to choose from, including oiled bronze, stainless steel, brushed steel, pewter, chromium and nickel. Apart from new doorknobs, a trip to the salvage yard can see you pick up some authentic antique door knobs very cheaply.

As far as the design goes, most people are happy with the round, octagonal, egg or tulip shaped door knobs, but many other variations are available. The finish and the design are limited only by your imagination and budget, and you can find door knobs to fit any type of exterior door, contemporary or ‘olde worlde.’ Door knobs can match your overall theme, carried on with address plaques, door knockers and door handles.

The other consideration is durability, and brass and stainless steel are the most resilient mediums, with the added bonus that bacteria cannot survive on them, so they are an excellent choice where hygiene is an issue. As for the locking mechanism, if any, make sure that you buy a security door knob with a mechanism made by a well-respected company, for added security and peace of mind.

Fiberglass Exterior Doors – Fiberglass Entry Door Pros and Cons – Fiberglass exterior doors are a new addition and they have rapidly grown in popularity. Blending the durability of steel with the elegance of wood, they are a great choice if you are seeking to install a new front door.

Steel Exterior Doors – Steel Entry Door Pros and Cons – Steel doors are still the best option where security is the prime concern, protecting your property and family from harm. This guide explains what to look for in a front entry door.

Find The Best Accordion Doors Online – Accordion doors are a practical solution where floor space is an issue, and they have moved on from the cheap and tacky vinyl accordion doors of yesteryear.

Door Accessories

Home Improvement Guide: Buy Door Knobs Online: This Hub looks at the various types of door knob available, highlighting some of the advantages and disadvantages of the various types.

Home Improvement Guide – Finding the Perfect Exterior Door Handle – Finding the perfect exterior door handle can be a tough chore, especially with the sheer range of options available. This guide shows you how to balance security, elegance, durability and budget to find the perfect entry door handle.

Home Improvement Guide – Best Exterior Door Hardware – This guide shows you how to select a theme for your exterior door hardware, blending durability, security, budget and elegance. Good exterior door hardware can rejuvenate the front of your home, making it stand out.

Find The Best Doors Online

Exterior Doors – Guide to Buying the Best Exterior Door: This article is designed for homeowners wishing to buy a new exterior door, helping them to choose between the various different types. Balancing budget, security and appearance is the key.

Best Exterior Doors: Types of Front Entry Door – This article explains the differences between the various types of front entry door, explaining their advantages and disadvantages. This will allow you to balance budget, security and style, helping you to find the perfect door for your home.