Your guide to choosing stylish and secure front door handles.

It’s the first thing a guest sees when they come to your home – your front door. Make the right kind of first impression when you upgrade your curb appeal with a Schlage entry door handleset. This guide can help you pick the perfect Schlage handleset to meet your security and style needs and turn your home into a haven.

We know you want to get right to picking the fun part – that stylish handle for your front door. But let’s start with how you’re going to secure your home. Don't worry about being overwhelmed with choices, there are really only four main types of entry door handlesets.

Handle + Mechanical Deadbolt

When you pair your front door handle with a mechanical deadbolt, you can choose between a single-cylinder or a double-cylinder deadbolt. How do you know what’s right for you? Here are the highlights:

• A single-cylinder deadbolt requires a key to lock or unlock your door from the outside only. You’ll use a thumbturn on the interior.
• A double-cylinder deadbolt requires a key on both sides. Check your local building requirements if you’re interested in a double cylinder. While they are more secure, they can make it more difficult to exit the house quickly in an emergency, so some areas restrict these.
• Both single- and double-cylinder Schlage deadbolts have a BHMA rating of AAA, meaning they’re graded Best in residential Security, Durability and Finish.

Front Entry Handle Only

Maybe you already have a deadbolt that works great. Or maybe you want the flexibility to create your own unique look for your entry lockset. Then you might choose just a front entry handle.

This piece does not include a deadbolt. You will want to purchase one separately depending on your family’s needs and style preferences. If you like this option, remember that you can choose between a mechanical deadbolt or a smart lock. Pairing a front entry handle with one of Schlage’s electronic deadbolts is increasingly popular as people look to combine superior style with convenient access and security. More on this option below.

Front Entry Handle + Electronic or Smart Lock

You love the look of a handleset and you want keyless convenience? We have the style and security solution for you. You can pair your front door handles with any Schlage electronic or smart deadbolt. Ready for the highlights?

• For remote access from anywhere, add a front entry handle to any of our smart locks. In addition to being convient, the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt, Schlage Encode Plus™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt, or the Schlage Connect® Smart Deadbolt all have top AAA ratings from BHMA.
• Add a handle to either of our electronic locks – the Schlage Touch® Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt or keypad deadbolt – which also feature a AAA Best rating in residential Security, Durability and Finish from the BHMA.
• Installation is simple, even with the technology. Because all our electronic and smart locks are battery operated, there’s no hardwiring necessary and no need to call an electrician or handyman.
• Schlage is proud of our ability to combine innovative technology with superior aesthetics. Like all our door hardware, smart locks come in a variety of styles and finishes so you’ll be sure your front door continues to make a beautiful statement without sacrificing security.

If you aren’t sure which smart lock is right for your home and lifestyle, try our Get Help Deciding Tool. This interactive quiz will help you find the right match.

Inactive Handleset

Just like inactive interior knobs and levers, inactive handlesets are used as decorative door pulls. You see these most often when you have a double entry door with one locking door and the other primarily for show. When you shop for inactive handlesets, don’t be fooled. It often looks like a deadbolt is included, but that piece is just for aesthetics and is not actually a working lock. For full locking capabilities, you’ll choose one of the options above for the active door.

Because the main appeal of an inactive handleset is its style, it should come as no surprise that we offer Schlage Custom inactive handlesets. These come in extended 3/4 trim from grip to deadbolt to create a high-style look, and you can pair your style and finish with Schlage Custom interior hardware to coordinate your home’s hardware inside and out.

Make a great first impression, with Schlage

Now that you know which kind of exterior door hardware you need, you’re ready to choose the style that best fits your home. Schlage offers a variety of styles and finishes, from classic to contemporary. They’re all designed to ensure that your front door is the perfect introduction to your home.

Once you’ve brought everything home, installation is easy. All you need is a screwdriver and a few minutes of effort. Check out our How-To Center to make adding Schlage door hardware to your home as simple as ever.