How to Choose Exterior Dutch Door Hardware

Exterior Dutch doors are doors that can be half opened and half closed at the same time--the top half and the bottom half open and close independent of one another. Because of this unique style, you're going to need special door hardware which can be tricky to find. Let's take a look at how you can find exterior Dutch door hardware to keep your door securely closed.

Instructions

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!

Tips & Warnings

• Don't get rid of the old exterior Dutch door hardware until you've used the new stuff for awhile--both to make sure you like the replacements and to make sure they work properly.

• You can sell your old exterior Dutch door hardware on Craig's List or you can donate it to Habitat for Humanity's ReStore program which accepts construction materials as donations and then sells those materials back to the community to raise additional money.

• If the new exterior Dutch door hardware doesn't fit into the old holes, fill the holes and sand the door lightly (and repaint if the door is painted) before installing the new hardware. Otherwise, it'll look messy and unfinished.