How to Choose Exterior Dutch Door Hardware
- 1). Look at lots of photos of exterior Dutch doors. Do much drooling. Then, analyze what it is you like about the different hardware you're seeing. Is it the color? The size? The style? Some exterior Dutch door hardware has a country cottage feel with a painted white finish, while some has an "old world" feel with an iron finish.
- 2). Consider the utility of the available exterior Dutch door hardware styles. Some types of locking mechanisms are difficult to use if you have arthritis in your hands while others may not hold as securely. A "Quadrant" style latch is usually quite easy to open and also holds the door securely. A "Bolt" style latch can be much harder to open depending on its strength. It's really important that after you've considered the aesthetics (step one) you give plenty of consideration to the utility or you may wind up with exterior Dutch door hardware that you find difficult to open.
- 3). Now that you've narrowed down possible pieces of exterior Dutch door hardware by aesthetics and utility, it's time to consider how each would look on the door you already have (if you have an exterior Dutch door) or the door you're planning to install. Is your door tall and narrow with a modern feel or is it more rustic? Is it heavy and wood with an old world style or is it more of a cottage style door? While you can choose exterior Dutch door hardware that's different from the style of door you have, it's important that you not choose something that's going to clash. (Of course, what matters most is that *you* like how it all looks together--not that it's a perfect blend of styles.)
- 4). Follow the instructions to install your exterior Dutch door hardware. Because each type of hardware is a bit different, you'll need to follow the instructions based on what you've chosen. You'll find a few tips below that'll be helpful regardless of the style. Enjoy your new exterior Dutch door hardware! And forgive me for being a tiny bit jealous--our new house doesn't have an exterior Dutch door and it's something I really miss from our last house!